This just in from our Esthetician, Tiffany Genter.
“As we move into spring, now is a great time to adjust your skin care regimen for warmer and sunnier weather!! While I will be heading into winter when I get to Australia it will still be very sunny and the temperatures will be in the 70’s. Here is a look at what I am taking down under with me and how I am prepping my skin for the change in season:”
Morning:
Eminence Bamboo Firming Fluid – it has a Natural Retinol Alternative minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while the coconut water tones and balances pH.
Eminence Rosehip Triple C + E Firming Oil – while I usually like a daytime moisturizer this oil absorbs really quickly. The rosehip oil improves moisture and the seabuckthorn oil brightens.
Jane Iredale Power-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen- since my daytime moisturizer/oil doesn’t contain a SPF, I will be using this dry sunscreen to protect me from the harsh rays. It is a broad spectrum, physical barrier SPF 30.
Eminence Bright Skin Moisturizer, SPF 32 – I will be taking this SPF with me for my sister. She loves this since it not only minimizes her hyper pigmentation but also protects her from the sun!
Night:
Eminence Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate – this not only softens fine line and wrinkles but adds hydration along with antioxidants to help with free radical damage.
Eminence Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream – since my skin is always dry this moisturizer is a staple for me year round. The argan oil, shea butter and evening primrose soften and hydrate my skin, especially if I accidentally get too much sun.
Eminence Clear Skin Targeted Acne Treatment – this amazing spot treatment will definitely be going with me. This contains tea tree, salicylic acid, and cucumber to reduce redness and inflammation and kill bacteria.
And of course I will be using the Eminence Tropical Vanilla Body Sunscreen SPF 32 so I don’t get burned while I am there.
Don’t let the word “peel” scare you. Fruit acids, acids from sugar cane, and pineapple enzymes are all considered peels. A chemical peel is just a way of exfoliating skin off the surface by dissolving dead skin cells (verses a physical peel which uses beads and hulls to manually remove the skin). Chemical peels range in concentration and depending on which acids are used, have different attributes. Scroll down for more information on our new organic peels and what acids are used for different skin conditions. For our October Special we are offering a Glymed Plus 30% Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peel which consists of 15% Glycolic and 15% Lactic. It is a 3.4 pH which means it will not dry your skin too much but, rather, is hydrating! If you have never had a peel, we may just apply this one layer. If you are ready to move on to treating hyperpigmentation and fine lines, we will apply the 2 leave-on peel layers at the end of the facial: the Glymed Plus 5 Berry Peel with 15% TCA and berries to lighten pigmentation (this one doesn’t make you peel), and the Glymed Plus Vitamin A Peel with 15% TCA and Vitamin A (which DOES make you peel). As you can see this treatment is customized to your skin and what you want out of it.
Organic Peels
The NEW Eminence Organics Exfoliating Peels have quickly found their way into our hearts (and our at home skin regimens). There are 4 peels to choose from: Firm Skin, Bright Skin, Clear Skin, and Calm Skin. They are ingenious because they pair acids that help each skin condition with botanicals to support each condition.
Directions for application: Every other evening after cleansing, apply on face and neck using 2 pumps from the airless jar on cotton round (included), let absorb for 3 minutes, do not remove, apply eye cream, night serum, and night cream.
Firm Skin Exfoliating Peel– 4% Fruit acids (from lemon and passion fruit), Glycolic acid (from Naseberry), Tartaric acid (from grapes) and Lactic acid (from milk). Botanicals include grapefruit, goji, acai, noni and sweat pea flower. Good for fine lines.
Bright Skin Exfoliating Peel– 3% Azelaic acid (from grains), Lactic acid (from milk), and Mandelic acid (from almonds). Botanicals include licorice, baobab, and daisy blossom. Good for hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
Clear Skin Exfoliating Peel– 3% Azelaic acid (from grains), Salicylic acid (from willow bark), and Lactic acid (from milk). Formulated with sulfur to help with oil control. Botanicals include lilac, willow, and tomatoe extract. Good for oil production and acne.
Calm Skin Exfoliating Peel– 1.5% Lactic acid (from milk) and Mandelic acid (from almonds). Botanicals white genepi, chamomile, and arnica. Good for Rosacea and sensitive skin.
Having trouble choosing? Your Esthetician will choose for you!
Spring is upon us, but here in Michigan we are still experiencing the effects of dry, winter skin. The surface of the skin shows dehydration in the form of flakiness, lines, or a rough, chapped texture. Even redness and acne is exacerbated by dehydration. A common mistake people make is thinking that if they have oily or acne prone skin that they need to “dry” it out and in their attempt to reduce oil, they strip water from the surface. The presence of oil and the presence of water on the surface of the skin are two separate issues, but oil and water work together in balance to form a protective barrier. So, if the skin is oily it can still be dehydrated (lacking water). Oily skin needs to be protected with a less occlusive barrier while truly dry (lacking oil) skin needs to be protected in the winter with a highly occlusive day cream. Protective day and night creams help PREVENT dry, flaky skin but let’s talk about how to TREAT it.
During the winter and moving into spring, enzymes are most effective at removing dead and dry skin. Enzymes are made up of long strands that actively digest dead skin cells on the surface without penetrating deeply and causing irritation. This is important because skin that is prone to harsh Michigan winters need gentle exfoliation rather than deeply penetrating exfoliation (like the kind the skin receives when using Glycolic Acid which causes cell division. Cell division is good because it encourages cellular regeneration but most people need to nourish their skin and be on a dedicated, supportive home regimen before using Glycolic in the winter. More on cellular regeneration WITHOUT the cell division with the use of Oxygen products as you read on).
This March we have created a facial just for early spring. If you have been feeling dry all winter our March Special will offer relief. After enzymes exfoliate, breathe new life into your skin with oxygen from the Nasturtium plant. The NEW Oxygen Treatment Cream by Glymed Plus treats your skin to oxygenation! All cells are under some kind of stress and can benefit from oxygen, especially this new Oxygen Treatment Cream which has numerous benefits:
1. Cell turnover. The Oxygen Treatment Cream rejuvenates skin cells without the use of exfoliants, retinoids, or acids. THE RESULT is softer skin and reduced wrinkles.
2. Detoxification. The Nasturtium plant (flower, leaf, and stem) gives off oxygen which gets into the follicle and has an antimicrobial and antifungal effect that is more gentle than Benzoyl Peroxide. THE RESULT is a reduction in acne and blackheads.
3. Lightening and Brightening. The Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) in this formulation has strong antioxidant properties. It also aids in collagen synthesis and protection and is enormously beneficial to the eye area. THE RESULT is brighter, firmer skin.
Treating your skin to enzymes and oxygen are a smart way to keep your skin healthy and in balance!
After a family vacation to Alabama and Florida, I have compiled a list of what I now covet as my VACATION ESSENTIALS!
1. Eminence Organics Tropical Vanilla Body SPF 32
This product is easily my number 1 pick! My whole family loved it. I was prepared with my California Baby Sunscreen that I have used for the past 5 years but I ended up using this one exclusively. It rubs in really well and Simon loves the vanilla scent. I used it on my kids face and body. My husband and I used it on our whole body (see face product next). I kept one in the beach bag and one in the car and applied it as hand and body lotion the entire trip.
2. Eminence Organics Bright Skin Moisturizer with SPF 30
Both my husband and I used this product on our faces every day. It is the perfect moisturizer for normal to combination skin even in the humid southern climate. The stone crop plant in the product lightens pigmentation naturally.
3. Apivita Exfoliating Face Cream with Olive and Lavender
When vacation includes camping, hiking, or beaching nothing makes the skin feel fresher than this product. The combination of olive seeds, salicylic acid, lavender and grape seed oil deep cleanse and cool the skin. It eliminates “summer bumps” that sometimes occur on my skin when I am traveling. I recommend using this every morning while on vacation.
4. Glymed Plus Mega-Purifying Cleanser
Skin always needs balance and this creamy cleanser is my staple. Use every night to break down dirt and oil that builds up on your skin, without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. The lavender is cooling for sun exposed skin.
5. Jessica’s Apothecary Coconut Lime Whip
After every shower applying Jessica’s own Coconut Lime Whip is vacation in itself. With organic, unrefined coconut oil and essential oils of lime, bergamot and grapefruit this whip smells like key lime pie! Coconut is the most cooling oil available, and rich in essential fatty acids. Your skin needs it!
6. Eminence Organics Aloe Mint Hydrating Cream Gel-Body
For the record I did not get burned on my vacation. I reapplied diligently and am proud of it! There was a member of my family that did not reapply. I won’t mention names. Playing in the ocean got the best of him. Applying this aloe gel cooled the skin and prevented peeling.6. There are 3 night time moisturizers that all make the list. I used all 3. Take your pick:
Eminence Organics Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate
This is the night moisturizer I ended up using most of the vacation. The Argan Oil was just the right amount of nourishment for the skin without being too oily. And again, Lavender is the best ingredient for after sun.
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer
I always have this product on hand in the event of breakouts or “summer bumps”. For acne or oily skin this is essential.
Glymed Plus Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex
Addressing fine lines and wrinkles is still a priority while I am on vacation! I used this as a serum under my sunscreen but you can also use it as a night time moisturizer. In addition to 5 Peptides that reduce wrinkle depth, this product contains sea whip to help reduce inflammation, licorice and bearberry to lighten pigmentation, ceramides to improve hydration, and vitamin E to fight free radicals. Last on the list but probably the most potent, comprehensive skin care product in our Apothecary.
I hope you find this information helpful. As always let us know if you have any questions.
As if there weren’t enough products in the Eminence Organics line, this spring Eminence has outdone itself with their new Age Corrective Night products. For the first time, active ingredients are able to effect the Dermis and Subcutaneous layer of the skin to dramatically soften deep lines on the face.
Three cheers for Argan Nuts and Nutmeg Seeds! Argan Stem Cells trigger fibroblasts in the Dermis causing an increase in collagen, the fibers that support your skin. Going deeper is Macelignan, the active ingredient extracted from the Nutmeg Seed. It works on Adipose tissue by stimulating by stimulating receptors to keep your skin “squishy like a baby”, according to Eminence International trainer, Jude.
FDA tests have proved that the “Anti-Aging Stem Cell Complex” in the Age Corrective Night line decrease wrinkle depth by 26% and increase skin density by 13% in just 2 months.
These products are formulated for night because the skin’s regenerative properties are strongest then. At night skin’s metabolic rate increases, circulation increases, oil production drops 2 times lower than during the day, and water loss occurs. Some skin care lines believe you should let the skin breath at night. We believe you should FEED the skin at night.
In addition to Argan Stem Cells and Macelignan, this line feeds your skin with:
Evening Primrose Oil (rich in Omega 6)
Argan Oil (rich in Vitamin E & Fatty Acids)
Shea Butter (rich in Vitamins A & E)
Calendula (nature’s neosporin, anti-inflammatory)
Monoi Flower infused in Coconut Oil (supportive to connective tissues)
Hyaluronic Acid (from the Marshmallow root)
Grapeseed Oil (smallest molecular structure= great absorption rate)
Did you know…
Eminence sources its Argan Oil from female owned coopertives in Morocco.
GOATS LOVE ARGAN NUTS! Simply google “Goats Argan” to see the lengths they go to for these nuts.
Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate, Lavender Age Corrective Night Eye Cream, and Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck are now available in our store!
Glymed’s “Physicians Elite” skin care line, originally created to prepare the skin for advanced peels and surgery, has been reformulated and is now available to us as the “Master Esthetics Elite” line.Our Estheticians have spent the last month testing the limits of their skin. We have been pushing the peeling power of Glymed’s new AHA products and learning how to balance them.
Why would we want to use acids on our skin? AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) stimulate 3 important things:
1. GAG cells
2. Fibroblasts
3. Basal Cell Turnover
GAG cells produce Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is essential in the formation of healthy skin tissue. It controls inflammation, promotes wound healing, facilitates cell migration, acts as an antioxidant, and can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. Simply said, HA makes the skin supple.
Fibroblasts in the Dermis are triggered by AHA’s. (Retinoids also trigger fibroblasts but that is another story.) Fibroblasts are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin fibers. These protein fibers provide strength for the skin. A wrinkle is an area on the skin with broken down collagen and elastin fibers.
Basal Cell Turnover is our skin’s metabolism. The migration of fresh skin cells from the basal layer in the epidermis happens at a fast rate when we are young and slows down as we age. AHA’s increase metabolism and keep the skin young.
The Master Esthetics Elite line consists of the following treatment and balancing products (now available):
Treat-
Gentle Facial Wash– 15% Glycolic at 3.0 pH
Use daily for signs of aging, acne, and blackheads.
Treatment Cream– 30% Glycolic at 3.0 pH
Use as a night cream for signs of aging.
AHA Accelerator– 12.5% Glycolic, 12.5% Lactic at 3.0 pH
Use as a night serum for signs of aging and for controlling breakouts.
Balance-
Vitamin C Cleanser– for irritated, dry, or rosacea skin.
Vitamin C Serum– high concentration of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, controls post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C Cream– occlusive serum, rich in antioxidants, controls inflammation.
A balance product must always be used with a treatment product. The more active your product, the more balance your skin needs. Our Estheticians can coach you on how to ween up to these products and how to balance the activity on your skin so that your end result is a brighter, smoother complexion.
If you are at all considering getting more active with these treatment products in your regimen, the first step is to receive our 1 Hour Facial with AHA Peel or AHA Quick Peel.
If you haven’t adjusted your skin care home regimen for winter you may be feeling a bit dry right about now. Forced air heat, cold outdoor air, and lack of humidity all contribute to moisture loss on the surface of the skin.
The surface of the skin has a balance of water and oil that can easily be thrown off by environmental culprits. Add to the mix bar soap, aggressive foaming cleansers, harsh acne ingredients, and even plain water to “wash” your face and the balance can really go off kilter. Dry, tight, chapped, and flaky skin can result.
When the surface of the skin experiences even the slightest of these conditions, the underlying support of collagen and elastin starts to break down and early signs of aging occur. Many of the lines people see forming on their face from ages 30-50 have more to do with dehydration than from the natural aging process. That means they are preventable, not with drinking more water (which would help in other ways) but with proper care of the skin.
The skin needs GOOD FATS to protect itself from moisturize loss, especially in the winter. Ingredients to look for are Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, all plant oils, ceramides, and squalane. (Our favorite GO-TO products are Glymed’s Cell Protection Serum, Glymed’s Vitamin E Sensual Cream, Eminence’s Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, and Apivita’s Queen Bee Moisturizer with Royal Jelly.)
We have designed a Winter Facial Special to give you the gentle exfoliation and rebalancing your skin needs! Under steam, a 5% Lactic Acid will be used along with Pumpkin Enzymes to slough off dead skin. Lactic is the most hydrating of all the acids so it’s perfect for winter. And enzymes, because of their long molecular chain, do not penetrate deep or cause irritation. You will be treated to a luxurious facial massage and then your finishing products will be customized to provide you with the right balance to WINTERIZE your skin!
This summer your skin will not forgive you if you don’t add at least 1 coconut product to your regimen. These warm, sunny spring days are just the beginning. Coconut is the queen of cooling, and its oil, water, and “milk” provide a plethora of benefits. Coconuts are high in free-radical fighting antioxidants so the damage caused by the sun (and harsh chemical sunscreens) can start to be mended with coconut.
Coconut Oil (the result of the crushed and pressed fruit) provides nourishing fatty acids to the skin that protect it from moisture loss. It contains 3 fatty acids- Capric, Caprylic, Lauric- that provide antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. It is also high in skin healing Vitamin E.
Coconut Oil can be found in: Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser, Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, Coconut Cream Masque, Bamboo Firming Fluid.
Coconut Water (the juice on the inside of the coconut shell) is high in Vitamin C, toning to oily skin, hydrating to dry skin, and rich in plant hormones called Cytokinins, which strengthen connective tissue and keep the skin elastic. Coconut Water is also an aide in combating acne because it is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and may promote scar healing.
Coconut Water can be found in: Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, Bamboo Firming Fluid, Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist, Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum, and Coconut Firming Body Lotion.
Coconut Milk (the liquid that comes out of the grated meat of the fruit) is high is fatty acids that can soothe the symptoms of many skin issues, includes eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Coconut Milk moisturizes the skin and cools it after sun exposure.
Coconut Milk can be found in: Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser, Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist, Coconut Cream Masque, and Coconut Firming Body Lotion.
The skin experts at Jessica’s Skin & Body specialize in matching the right level of fats and water in a product to the needs of your skin. No matter how dry or oily your skin, there is a coconut product that is right for you.
In the past, I wrote about my summer and winter body oils in which I mention carrier and essential oils. Today, I thought it would be helpful to establish the difference between carrier oils and essential oils and the benefits of each one.
Carrier Oil
Carrier oils come from the oils of seeds, nuts, and kernels. They are rich in two main groups of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. In skin care, these acids are known for their abilities to nourish the skin.
Extraction:
While there are a few different ways to extract carrier oils from seeds, nuts, and kernels, cold-pressed is the best method for extraction. Cold-Pressed extracts oils from seeds, nuts, and kernels through the use of hydraulic press machines. These specialized machines crush the seeds, nuts, and kernels; thus, releasing the oils.
What it Does for Your Skin:
Carrier oils dilute and carry essential oils to the skin for absorption. Each carrier oil offers different beneficial properties such as the promotion of cell regeneration, calming inflammation, providing vitamins and minerals, and moisturizing the skin. Depending on the mixture, textures of these oils can be luxuriously rich or charmingly light.
Essential Oil
Naturally occurring aromas come from plants containing special oils known as essences. Certain cells and glands of these plants produce these essences to protect themselves against bacteria, fungi, and herbivores. After distillation humans can use these concentrated substances for similar purposes: to protect against disease and affect our skin and nervous system.
Glass dropper with amber bottle
Distillation Processes:
The two most common distillation processes to extract essential oils from plants are steam distillation and solvent extraction. At Jessica’s Apothecary, we only source steam distilled essential oils. (In a couple instances a CO2 method of distillation comes into play but let’s keep things simple here).
Steam distillation uses only heat and water to transform essences into essential oils. Plants are placed inside a still (a container) with pressurized steam. This steam circulates through plant material to open up the cells and glands to release essences. When the essences release from the plants they follow the steam to the condensation chamber to cool down. During cool down, the oil and water (from the steam) condense and separate themselves from each other.
Solvent Extraction involves pouring a solvent compound (a chemical called Hexane) over the buds and petals of delicate flowers. The essences then dissolve themselves into the solvent. Many essential oils on the market use this type of process. Again, we don’t advocate the use of chemically extracted oils.
Quality of Essential Oils:
It is common to hear that an oil is “Therapeutic Grade” in a manufacturer’s attempt to express that their oils are more “pure” than another companies, but there are no established regulations on defining a “grade” of essential oil. The purity of an essential oil is based on how they are grown, distilled, and packaged. Jessica’s Apothecary only sources Certified Organic and Wildcrafted essential oils. The plants will have the highest level of therapeutic effect when they are carefully handled. We make sure that we only source oils that have been tested with Gas Chromatography (GC). This quantifiable process tests for purity and identifies the constituents that make up an essential oil. The oils then need to be protected against extreme heat and light as to not damage its therapeutic benefits.
We are proud to offer the highest standard: Certified Organic, Cold-processed Carrier Oils and Certified Organic and Wildcrafted, Steam-distilled Essential Oils that have all been GC tested and packaged in amber glass bottles. To see the blends we make visit our products page.
We have been busy! There are 5 new products to introduce to you!
First off, I have created beautiful body scrubs from (mineral rich) Pink Himalayan Salt and Organic Sunflower Oil. Directions for use: Use once per week in the shower on body after cleansing. Scrub in circular motion and rinse well. For best results, follow with one of my body oils after bathing. The results are silky smooth skin like you have never experienced before!
The Ginger Lemon is inspired by my favorite tea from back when I worked at Sweetwaters Cafe. The Ginger stimulates the circulation in the skin while Lemon naturally exfoliates.
The Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub is the same blend of Salt and Sunflower oil. It has no essential oils added to it so we can customize it for you! Consider a Lavender Rosemary blend, Orange Lime, or Eucalyptus.
Next, we have HYDROSOLS!
What is a hydrosol? From Andrea Butje, owner of Aromahead Institute, a hydrosol is created when a plant goes through a steam distillation process. Steam breaks open the structure of the plant that contains its essential oils and its fluids. The oil and water are separated as the steam cools, leaving us with a hydrosol.
One of the ways I recommend using my hydrosols is simply in place of a toner (after cleansing and before applying a moisturizer). For other uses see the guest article I wrote for the Aromatics International blog.
Lastly, but the 1st in my Specialty Body Oil line, is the Dancing Without Inhibition Body Oil. Probably the most sublime product I have made yet, this body oil uses Certified Organic Neroli to lift the spirits and hydrate the skin.
Visit our newly updated Products Page for details on all the products we make!
First off, I have created beautiful body scrubs from (mineral rich) Pink Himalayan Salt and Organic Sunflower Oil. Directions for use: Use once per week in the shower on body after cleansing. Scrub in circular motion and rinse well. For best results, follow with one of my body oils after bathing. The results are silky smooth skin like you have never experienced before!
What is a hydrosol? From Andrea Butje, owner of 
Visit our newly updated