Beat The VAT Increase

From today until the end of December 2011 we are reducing the recommended retail price of all Dermalogica products by 21% (while stocks last).

Make sure to stock up on your favourite Dermalogica products before the new VAT rate comes into effect on 1st January 2012.

DRY SKIN Is A Sure Thing

There are very few guarantees in life.  Reading glasses in your 40’s & 50’s is almost a sure bet.  And now we can pretty much expect dry skin by 40 as well – at least that’s the conclusion of scientists who have studied skin ageing.   The sharp decline in the level of ceremides, one of the more important structural components of the lipid barrier, has led scientists to conclude that by the time we reach 40 our skin will almost certainly be dry and/or dehydrated.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the good fortune of waiting until they are in their 40’s to deal with a dry skin condition.  A recent survey of women over 18 indicated that 59% of those polled felt dry, dehydrated skin was their no.1 skin concern; this was followed by 52% who ranked wrinkles as their top priority.  Continuous exposure to the sun, wind and chemicals in the environment, not to mention a stressful lifestyle – all of which are contributing factors for dry, dehydrated skin – make this a legitimate concern for people of all ages.

Dry, dehydrated skin can be temporary, or a lifelong concern.  Dry skin can be genetically determined, or it can be a product of an increasingly stressful lifestyle coupled with continual exposure to the sun, wind and chemicals in the environment. It can also be caused by using inappropriate products on your skin.

Dry or Dehydrated?

Dry skin generally refers to skin that is lacking oil.  Dehydrated skin is characterised by lack of moisture in the Stratum Corneum (outer layer of the skin).

Oily skin can experience dehydration.  As mentioned, dehydration is lack of water, not oil.  This means sebaceous oil activity can still be normal or even overactive in dehydrated skin.

Both dry and dehydrated skin can experience, some or all of the following:

·         Irritation, inflammation and itchiness

·         A feeling of tightness or tautness

·         A look or feel of roughness

·         Slight to severe flaking and scaling

·         Fine lines, cracks that can sometimes bleed, and severe redness.

One of the biggest consequences is an increase in sensitivity, as dryness and dehydration are precursors to sensitised skin.

The Top Three Causes of Dry, Dehydrated Skin

Intrinsic Aging

This is the normal process of physical change over time that’s more about genetics than lifestyle.  (Lifestyle-induced aging is known as premature aging).  Activity in the sebaceous glands responsible for oil secretions tends to decrease with age and the skin’s natural hydrators decline over the years.  Aging also may cause blood flow to the skin to decrease, causing a drop in sebum (oil) production.

Weather/Environmental Elements

Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from skin, which is why sunburnt skin requires more moisturisation than unexposed areas.  Likewise, cold winds, or air conditioning units, forced air heating and low temperatures can also dry out skin, contributing to premature aging.

Lifestyle

The trend of fat-free diets can deprive our bodies of skin-friendly Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs).  This deficiency can result in chronic itching, dryness, scaling, thinning and can lead to an imbalance in prostaglandins (chemical messengers that do many things, such as control inflammation).  Excess intake of alcoholic beverages and certain medications (such as nasal decongestants) can also contribute to dry skin.

Proper Treatment for Results

At Kokoro Beauty we can offer professional skin treatments which will deliver immediate relief to dry, dehydrated skin while also improving texture and tone.  After performing Face Mapping Skin Analysis to determine if skin is dry, dehydrated, or both, a customised treatment will be built around your specific needs.

A common mistake made by many people is to ‘bulk up’ on the use of moisturiser but this can contribute to dead skin cell build up, clogged pores and a lacklustre appearance.  Professional exfoliation will remove dead skin cells helping to bring newer cells to the surface while prepping skin for subsequent product application.

A consistent home care regimen will be prescribed which will dramatically impact the health of your skin.  Along with your personalised regimen, keep the following tips in mind:

·         Do not use hot or cold water when cleansing your skin, tepid water is best.

·         Perform gentle, upward circles with your hands when cleansing, applying moisturiser, SPF etc.

·         Steer clear of products with artificial fragrances, colours and S.D. alcohol.  All Dermalogica products are free of these ingredients (and are not tested on animals).

·         Be aware of hormones, stress levels, diet, alcohol and nicotine intake, as these will affect dryness of your skin.

Introducing Shellac 14-Day Manicure

Today Kokoro Beauty is adding a wonderful new addition to our treatment menu - the Shellac 14-Day Manicure.

Shellac paints on like a polish - base coat, colour, top coat - and is cured under a UV light so there is zero dry time.  The colours are hypo-allergenic, and '3 Free' - no formaldehyde, toulent (solvent) or DBP. The polish provides strong natural nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during rigorous activities.  Removal is super easy too - no soaking, drilling or filing is necessary.  Each nail is wrapped in Shellac Remover Wraps - integrated cotton pads that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just the nail.  10 minutes of time in exchange for two weeks of perfect colour is all it takes.

To celebrate the launch of Shellac here at the salon, and just in time for the party and Christmas season, we have a very special offer - book a Shellac 14-Day Manicure for you and a friend for just €15* each.  The manicure will cost €25 normally but for the month of December you can each save €10 and have fantastic nails over the holidays.

*To obtain the rate of €15 you and a friend must book in at the same time.  There is a cost of €5 to remove the manicure (just €2.50 each if you return together).  This charge does not apply if you are having a new manicure.

New Product Range coming .......

Next week a new product range is being launched at Kokoro Beauty.  Full details will be posted here together with special opening offers and revised price list.  Really excited, it's like Christmas is coming early!!

Product of the Week #5

This week I am highlighting a BIG one, both in terms of results and price, so read on to the end and see a massive saving for this week's offer.

Product of the Week #5 is Dermalogica's AGE Smart Power Rich.  This is a 3-in-1 product, best suited to mature or prematurely ageing skin, and is a combined moisturiser, eye cream and exfoliant.   Dermalogica say that this product will help reverse the signs of premature skin ageing after five weeks, if you follow the routine and this includes using cleansers etc prescribed to suit your skin type and condition. Power Rich is designed to provide intense hydration, smoother and firmer skin.

In the pack you get five tubes (one for each week) and after cleansing morning and night you smooth it over your skin.  In the morning allow Power Rich to absorb for a minute before applying make-up.  The only other skin care products you will need when using Power Rich are a cleanser and SPF (for daytime).

Special Offer for this week only (21 - 28 November 2011) : Normally Power Rich retails at €174.00 but you can buy it for the reduced price of €124.00 - that's a massive €50 saving! What are you waiting for?

Product of the Week #4

Ok, so this is a day late but don't worry the special offer will remain until next Tuesday, see below for details.

This week I'm going to highlight one of the concentrated boosters offered by Dermalogica - Skin Hydrating Booster.  We all suffer with dehydrated skin, especially during the winter months when central heating and being indoors more can give our skin a dull, lifeless appearance.  This little bottle, which is suitable for all skin types, is ideal for use around the eye and lip areas or any part of the face showing dryness lines.  The three key ingredients are Hyaluronic Acid which provides increased hydration and improved elasticity, Pro-Vitamin B5 to aid skin hydration and repair, and Algae Extract to help restore moisture balance and soften the skin.

To use - squeeze a tiny amount onto your fingertips and massage gently over face and throat, or any area that requires extra hydration.  The Skin Hydrating Booster can also be added to your moisturiser and then applied to skin. 

Special Offer - from Tuesday 15th November to Tuesday 22nd November you can purchase the Skin Hydrating Booster (30ml) at the special price of €48.00 - that's a saving of €15.00 on the recommended retail price of €63.00.

In addition, we have limited edition moisturiser gift packs, which would make ideal Christmas presents, which each contain Skin Hydrating Booster (7ml) along with Multi-Active Toner (50ml) and either Active Moist 100ml (for normal/combination/oily skin) or Skin Smoothing Cream 100ml (for dry skin).  These packs normally retail for €49.60 but you can get them for €42.15 while stocks last.

Product of the Week #3

This week's star product is Total Eye Care with SPF15.  This 'hero' is one of Dermalogica's best sellers and once you've tried it you will see why.  Total Eye Care contains chemical-free SPF15 to help prevent further damage caused by UV rays and is suitable for all skin conditions.  It also contains lactic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid that smoothes and retexturises your skin and also helps to diminish fine dryness lines.  Other benefits are that it helps to reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.

To use - after cleansing in the morning, apply a tiny amount (around the size of a grain of rice) to your fingertip and gently pat and blend around the entire eye area.  This product should be used all year round to protect the delicate skin around your eyes, one of the first areas to show signs of ageing.

Special Offer:  Total Eye Care with SPF15 normally retails for €46.00, but for this week only it is available at a cost of €36.00, saving you €10.00 - plus you will receive a free gift of 2 exfoliating products as well (while stocks last).

Product of the Week #2

This week I am going to highlight a wonderful moisturiser which is suitable for normal to combination skin, and anyone with excess oil production, called Active Moist. 

To use, apply about a one euro sized amount to your palms and spread over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area and blend in with your fingertips.  This moisturiser works brilliantly following the application of  Multi-Active Toner, but can also be used on its own.

The benefits of this moisturiser are that it provides oil-free hydration, does not leave a greasy after-feel, it smoothes and helps to improve skin texture and it absorbs easily into the skin, so you can apply a foundation very shortly afterwards.

Special Offer: This moisturiser comes in 2 sizes - 50ml and 100ml and normally retails at €34.80 and €49.60 respectively.  For this week only (31 October - 5 November) the 50ml size is on offer for €25.00 - that's a saving to you of €9.80 on the rrp. 

In addition, and while stocks last, you can buy the 100ml size for €42.15 and receive 2 free gifts of Multi-Active Toner and Skin Hydrating Booster.

So why not stock up now for yourself or buy as a Christmas gift for a friend or family member. 

Product of the Week

From this week I am starting a 'Product of the Week' series where I will highlight a Dermalogica product and give a special offer discount for the week.

Ok, so I'm going to start with the basics - Cleansers, and in particular, Precleanse.  This cleanser is the first step in Dermalogica's Double Cleanse routine, used here in the salon and for home use.  Precleanse is suitable for all skin types and works to dissolve make up, including waterproof mascara, so you can save money by not having to purchase a seperate eye make up remover product.  It removes oil, sunscreen and environmental pollutants from the skin without clogging pores. 

To use - Pour approximately a 2 euro sized amount into your hands.  Massage over face, eyes and neck to dissolve surface oil and dirt.  Next, wet your hands and continue massaging into the skin to create a light, milky emulsion.  Rinse with lukewarm water, or use The Sponge Cloth.  Follow with a second cleanse using your prescribed Dermalogica Cleanser.

Note - Precleanse is not suitable for anyone with nut allergies.

Special Offer - From Monday 24th - Saturday 29th October 2011, Precleanse is on offer at €30.00.  That's a saving of €9.20 off the recommended retail price.  Plus, you will also receive a FREE gift of the Power Duo Exfoliation Pack*, valued at €22.60 with each purchase. 

To order, contact me at Kokoro Beauty on 045 909777, 087 6629418, email me at am@kokoro.ie or reply to this blog.

*while stocks last

Is your STRESS written all over your face?

We all know that stress is famous for making necks tight, heads ache and stomachs upset and now stress is becoming a recognised trigger to redness, itching, burning and flare-ups commonly classified as skin sensitisation.

Just as irritating chemicals and excess exfoliation can trigger inflammation and red, itching, stinging skin, researchers recognise neurogenic inflammation (stemming from the nervous system), is also triggered by emotional and physical stress.  It yields the same red, stinging, itching response and could even be responsible for severe skin disorders including psoriasis, rosacea and atopic dermatitis.

It has been estimated that 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress.  Job stress is the leading source of stress for adults.  Stress levels have also escalated in children, teenagers, college students and the elderly.  Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a highly subjective phenomenon that differs for each of us.  Things that distress some people can be pleasurable for others.  We also respond to stress differently – some people blush, some eat more while others grow pale or eat less.

COOL DOWN

Stress causes a litany of health issues, and now you know even skin can be affected.  When your blood pressure rises along with your temper, try these simple techniques to fend off stress – and a potential skin flare-up!

Regain your focus: simply shutting your eyes takes your source of frustration out of sight.

Walk it off: physically burning though the adrenaline can prevent stress from manifesting into tension in your neck, mind or skin.

Drop it: are your shoulders up around your ears?  Is your jaw clenched?  Roll your shoulders back down your spine and drop your jaw; just focusing on correcting these things can smooth out your thoughts.

Don’t be shallow:  stress causes short, shallow breaths from the chest.  Take some deep breaths to bring adrenal levels down; sit down, put one hand on your belly and one hand on your forehead, breathe in through your nose and feel your belly rise before exhaling.

When you see and feel the effects of stress on your face look for powerful ingredients that soothe, cool, reduce redness, inflammation and flare-ups.  The Dermalogica UltraCalming™ range of products has been extended and improved and the three key ingredients in most of the products in their range include:

Ø  Avena Sativa (Oat Kernal) Extracts – rich in active avenathramides, which have been widely studied and proven to have natural anti-irritant and anti-redness properties.

Ø  Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Extract and Bisabolol (derived from Chamomile) – work together to reduce inflammation induced redness and irritation.

Ø  Boerhavia Diffusa (Red Hogweed) Root Extract – targets neurogenic inflammation while soothing properties restore skin to a normal sensitivity level, providing immediate and long-lasting effects.

If you would like more information about the Dermalogica UltraCalming™ range of products please feel free to contact me at Kokoro Beauty.

2 FREE Gifts - Reminder

Don't forget you can still get a FREE Power Duo Exfoliation Pack* (containing travel sizes of Daily Microfoliant & Gentle Cream Exfoliant) when you purchase any of the following Dermalogica products:

PreCleanse

Daily Microfoliant

Skin Hydrating Booster

Total Eye Care SPF15

Intensive Eye Rapair

*offer available while stocks last

October Offer, with a difference

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kokoro Beauty is encouraging you to help out with the Action Breast Cancer Charity - by treating yourself!

For all treatments booked during October Kokoro Beauty will donate 10% of the cost of each treatment to the Action Breast Cancer Charity so why not look good from head to toe, from facial & eye treatments to pedicures, and feel good knowing you are helping a worthwhile cause. We all know someone whose life has been touched by cancer, especially breast cancer, so let's help by fundraising to find a cure for cancer and give the best medical and holistic care to women & men dealing with the challenge of cancer.

Special Offer

As part of the FITE campaign which Dermalogica is supporting, Kokoro Beauty is offering 2 free gifts of Daily Microfoliant (13g) and Gentle Cream Exfoliant (22ml) valued at €22.60 when you purchase any of the following products:

Precleanse

Daily Microfoliant

Skin Hydrating Booster

Total Eye Care SPF15

Intensive Eye Repair

You can now get the best of both worlds with this Power Duo Exfoliation Pack - day to day exfoliation with Daily Microfoliant which lifts dulling surface debris for brighter skin.  Then step it up once or twice a week with Gentle Cream Exfoliant for cell renewal and revived skin surface. 

So not only to you get to help the brilliant FITE cause, but you now get 2 free gifts to help your skin look and feel its best.

Offer only applies while stocks last. 

Special Offer

Purchase 3 or more Dermalogica products at Kokoro Beauty and receive a 60 minute customised skin treatment free!  Offer valid until 30 September 2011.  Your skin treatment can be redeemed until 31 October 2011.

Skin Types and Conditions

Over the next few weeks I will be publishing articles on different skin types and conditions, such as dry skin, oily/acne skin, sensitive skin and covering conditions like ageing skin, sensitised skin and how various Dermalogica products can help with these.  If anyone has a specific concern or skin type that they would like me to address please let me know

Latest News

Dermalogica and the FITE Campaign

As you will know from the website, at Kokoro Beauty I use Dermalogica products for skin treatments, manicures & pedicures.  Dermalogica are celebrating 25 years in the skin health industry and all this year and next, are running a campaign with non-profit microfinance leader Kiva.org to help women entrepreneurs in developing countries access small loans to start or grow a business, which will help them on the path to Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship (FITE).

The way it works is simple – Dermalogica have selected five of their ‘hero’ or best selling products worldwide that benefit most clients, regardless of their skin condition for the FITE campaign.  These products – PreCleanse, Daily Microfoliant, Skin Hydrating Booster, Total Eye Care with SPF15 and Intensive Eye Repair – all have a unique sleeve with a redeemable code inside that allows YOU to help fund a microloan.  For every product purchased, Dermalogica will donate $1.00 to a woman in a developing country to help her grow or get a business started. 

Dermalogica are focusing on women entrepreneurs for many reasons, such as

• When a woman develops her own sustainable business, not only does she improve her own situation – but also her entire community benefits through a multiplier effect of change.
• Women are traditionally more likely to be denied a loan by a bank and often face high levels of financial discrimination.
•  More than 70% of people who live below the poverty line are women.
• When women have a sustainable trade or business, they can provide food and shelter for their families, as well as jobs for other men and women, truly stimulating their local economy.

Kiva.org has pioneered a global platform in citizen philanthropy connecting lenders and borrowers in 119 countries across the world.  Microfinance is a revolutionary concept in lending, where entrepreneurs can access small loans to help start or grow a business.  Unlike traditional loans, microfinance loans are typically quite small (the average is around €250.00) and most often sought by someone who does not have a credit history or bank account.  When a loan is repaid, the funds from redeemed product codes are channelled back to Dermalogica’s account at Kiva.  These funds will then be re-loaned to another recipient.  Since the repayment rate of microloans averages above 98%, the funds in the FITE campaign will help entrepreneurs for years to come.

So, next time you purchase any of the five products mentioned above, make sure to logon to www.joinFITE.org and enter the 12-digit code to really make a difference to the lives and welfare of a woman and her family in a developing country.  Remember also that all Dermalogica products at Kokoro Beauty are on sale at 15% below the recommended retail price.

If you want more information on this campaign check out www.joinFITE.org and www.kiva.org

Check this page regularly to keep up to date with our latest news, events and special offers.

Website Live

Our new website http://www.kokoro.ie/ is now live and gives full details of the treatments offered & prices.  Also shows details of Kokoro Holistic run by Colin and his treatments etc.  Great to have it up and running at last, it was a long, long time in development and many thanks go to our wonderful designer Sinead Lawless.