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<title>Ambreose Collection: Blog Posts</title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-20</pubDate>
<description>List of Latest Blog Posts at Ambreose Collection</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<isc:store_name><![CDATA[Ambreose Collection]]></isc:store_name>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Cosmeceuticals vs. Natural skin care – “Should I feel guilty about using skin care products that contain non-natural ingredients?” ]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/Cosmeceuticals-vs-Natural-skin-care-Should-I-feel-guilty-about-using-skin-care-products-that-contain-non-natural-ingredients-_b_14.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-03-15</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Skin care is a very expansive field. Walk down the health and beauty aisle at any drug or department store and you are likely to be bombarded with moisturizers, night creams, eye creams, butt creams, everything you can think of! The average lady (or gent) perusing the aisles is likely to become overwhelmed ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/Cosmeceuticals-vs-Natural-skin-care-Should-I-feel-guilty-about-using-skin-care-products-that-contain-non-natural-ingredients-_b_14.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Skin care is a very expansive field. Walk down the health and beauty aisle at any drug or department store and you are likely to be bombarded with moisturizers, night creams, eye creams, butt creams, everything you can think of! The average lady (or gent) perusing the aisles is likely to become overwhelmed]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Skin care is a very expansive field. Walk down the health and beauty aisle at any drug or department store and you are likely to be bombarded with moisturizers, night creams, eye creams, butt creams, everything you can think of! The average lady (or gent) perusing the aisles is likely to become overwhelmed. I mean, exactly what is an AHA? Why does that foot cream have so many ingredients? You really need to be armed with a slew of information in order to get the most of your visit. Lately, there has been a big shift in buying to natural products. Many people (including myself) have chosen to educate themselves about their skin care and decided to make some changes. Many of the traditional products found on the shelves at your local department store contain ingredients that could wash away battery corrosion (okay, that is an exaggeration, but you catch my drift). Because of this, thankfully, consumers are becoming more informed and letting cosmetic manufacturers know “We’re not gonna take it!”. Ok, so just what is a cosmetic? In the simplest of terms, a cosmetic is any product that cleanses or beautifies the skin, hair or nails. So then, what is a cosmeceutical? This funny looking word is a combination of “cosmetics” and “pharmaceuticals” (or drugs – legal ones). It’s used to describe products that both beautify (the cosmetic) and treat/prevent (the pharmaceutical). Some examples are dandruff shampoo, antiperspirant deodorants, or a moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA). These product both cleanse or beautify and provide a treatment as well. A cosmeceutical will always have an active ingredient. Think about a tube of toothpaste. It always says “Active ingredient: Fluoride”, then it lists the other ingredients.Sample cosmeceutical ingredient list In recent times, a big debate concerns the use of natural products versus using products formulated with synthetic ingredients. It took me a while to figure out my position on this topic. I mean I have a natural skin care line. So I should be all natural, all the time, right? Wrong. Anyone who follows me on YouTube or knows me knows of my struggle with my skin. They know all about my acne issues. And I mean serious acne issues – cystic acne – that can not be treated by applying Tea Tree Oil (trust me, I tired it all). I finally accepted what I knew as fact: cystic acne forms and lives in the dermis (2nd layer of skin) and nothing that is not a drug is able to penetrate down to the dermis. Nothing. I came to the conclusion that I had to visit a dermatologist. I visited the derm, and was prescribed a retinol-based, topical gel called Ziana. I was at a crossroad because this product is chocked full of preservatives and fillers. The same preservatives and fillers I was trying to get away from. But, I took a good look in the mirror at the speckled face staring back at me and knew I had to use it. I began applying the gel very lightly every night, then switched to every other night, using a Vitamin E cream on the nights I didn’t use the gel. Wow! What an improvement I saw in my skin in about 6-8 weeks. I still maintain my “as-natural-as-possible” routine and am very pleased with the results. The moral of the story is: Don’t be so attached to one specific thing that you don’t get a chance to do what’s right for you. My philosophy has now become that some synthetic ingredients are possible to make a product do a specific thing. I, personally, do not believe that everything can be cured or treated the natural way. I am very thankful, however, that consumers are becoming more aware and expressing an opinion in their skin care formulations. What do you think? Do you follow an all-natural skin care routine? How do you feel about some of the ingredients that are in your products? Let us know! ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[14]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Too much of a good thing?]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/Too-much-of-a-good-thing_b_12.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-03-12</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Today's question comes from Ladeesunshyne78. She asks: I have oily skin and been trying for a little while to get a daily routine down to properly cleanse and moisturize my skin. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/Too-much-of-a-good-thing_b_12.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Today's question comes from Ladeesunshyne78. She asks: I have oily skin and been trying for a little while to get a daily routine down to properly cleanse and moisturize my skin.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Today's question comes from Ladeesunshyne78. She asks: I have oily skin and been trying for a little while to get a daily routine down to properly cleanse and moisturize my skin. Is it too much to use a facial scrub everyday? I started doing that maybe a couple weeks ago (every morning and night before I go to bed) Im not having any problems just wanted to know if I could be doing any damage to my skin? Girl! If you don't stop exfoliating twice everyday!!!! Lol!! That is way too much! Exfoliation should only be done 1-2 times per week! Too much exfoliation can actually cause small tears in your skin which can lead to an entirely new set of problems. Over-exfoliation also over-stimulates the skin and can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to more breakouts! Please scale back to no more than 2 nights per week. I also don't recommend exfoliating in the morning because there's no real need to. Think about it: You wash your face at night, moisturize and go to sleep. What has gotten on your skin or in your pores? Very little. All that's needed in the morning is another cleansing or even just plain, very warm water. Kudos on the exfoliation; it's a very important step. But like everything else, it must be done in moderation. Hope this helps!! Got a question that you would like for me to answer? Email it to victoria@ambreose.com to get it answered!! Let me know if you would like to remain anonymous. ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[12]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Work it Out Wednesday]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/Work-it-Out-Wednesday_b_13.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-03-07</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As part of my plan to increase my physical activity, I've been trying to find things that I can do at home instead of always having to go to the gym. One of the things my boyfriend stresses is doing something, anything everyday. For awhile, we were doing an ab circuit at night, along with push-ups in addition to our daily workouts. Clearly, I fell completely off and now have to start all over.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/Work-it-Out-Wednesday_b_13.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As part of my plan to increase my physical activity, I've been trying to find things that I can do at home instead of always having to go to the gym. One of the things my boyfriend stresses is doing something, anything everyday. For awhile, we were doing an ab circuit at night, along with push-ups in addition to our daily workouts. Clearly, I fell completely off and now have to start all over. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[As part of my plan to increase my physical activity, I've been trying to find things that I can do at home instead of always having to go to the gym. One of the things my boyfriend stresses is doing somethig, anything everyday. For awhile, we were doing an ab circuit at night, along with push-ups in addition to our daily workouts. Clearly, I fell completely off and now have to start all over. So, the moves that we're going to focus on this week will be the plank and the push-up. Ironically, as I was doing my push-ups last night, I was thinking about just how much of your body they work: arms, chest, and your core. This morning, while perusing the internet, I came across an article that talks about the same thing. The push-up is an excellent move to not only tone your upper arms and chest, but also to help you build a stronger core and more defined abs. According to Yahoo! Sports, (t)he push-up incorporates the stabilization muscles of your core, combining an upper-body pushing movement with a plank -- one of the best and most basic exercises for your midsection.(source). The plank is one of my favorite moves mostly because I'm utterly amazed at how much strength it takes to hold that pose for the recommended 15-30 seconds! Whew! The plank works wonders for your core and a strong core is needed for just about everything. &#65279;Follow these steps to perform the perfect plank:Start by lying face down on a mat. Place your forearms on the mat and directly align them under your shoulders. Extend your legs behind and rest on your toes, as if you are about to do a push up. Be sure not to toot your booty up towards the ceiling. Your shoulders, back, butt and toes should all be aligned. Tighten your ab muscles. This will help you hold the position correctly. Breathe evenly, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds. If you are more advanced or feel up to the challenge, shoot for 60-90 seconds (Good Luck!)Try and do 3 sets of 3! Now for the push-up, the form is basically the same. The ab contraction is the same also. The difference is, you are now going to place your hands underneath your shoulders and lower your body in one fluid motion. The idea is to go all the way down, with your chest just about touching the floor, and come all the way up. The number one thing to remember when doing this is to let your arm muscles and your core do the work. We're not doing the caterpillar y'all! Your entire body should be lifted with one motion. Give it a try. Start out where you are comfortable. If you can only do 2, then do 2, or push yourself and do 3 and see how proud you feel!If you just absolutely can not do the standard push-up, try the modified version. Place your knees on the ground and cross your ankles behind you, lifting them slightly up off the ground. Lower your upper body down slowly, as close to the floor as you can and then push yourself up to the starting position, using only the strength of your arms and core. Tonight, I will be doing the following: 10 push-ups 30 second plank 25 crunches Join Me!!!! Leave a comment letting me know you will be trying this tonight. This will be my nightly routine for the next 7 nights. Each week, I will build on this by adding additional exercises and/or extending these. I can't wait to see how good my arms look after 30 days of this!Disclaimer: I am not a fitness or nutrition expert. These tips are merely suggestions that I make based off of what I do for myself. Before doing any of these moves, please consult a medical professional. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any condition or illness. ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[13]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Bottoms UP!!]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/Bottoms-UP_b_11.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-03-05</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ One area that a lot of people lack in (especially including myself) is water consumption. It has even been said that many people spend their days in a mild state of dehydration! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/Bottoms-UP_b_11.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[One area that a lot of people lack in (especially including myself) is water consumption. It has even been said that many people spend their days in a mild state of dehydration!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[One area that a lot of people lack in (especially including myself) is water consumption. It has even been said that many people spend their days in a mild state of dehydration! Water is the beginner and sustainer of all life. Life, as we know it, would cease to exist without the presence of this simple compound. If you're ever asked what two items you would take with you to a deserted island, drinking water should be one of them. Our skin is comprised of a whopping 90% water!! Water hydrates, detoxifies, and oxygenates our skin. It encourages and stimulates blood circulation and regulates our skin's natural balance (known as the acid mantle). Stands to reason we should be drinking it like our lives depend on it (wait a minute, our lives do depend on it!).Something that many people don't realize is that water is the purest form of moisture. It is, in itself, moisture. This is what makes skin supple and soft. But since water evaporates, keeping it (and getting it, for that matter) in our skin is no easy task. Just think about when you ease into a warm bath at the end of your work day. You soak for hours (ok, maybe that's just me) and when you get out you finger tips are all wrinkly! See, our skin has a protective substance on it called sebum. This oily substance helps protect nasty things from penetrating our skin. But sebum takes his job as security guard a little too serious sometimes and keeps the good things out too, like our boo, water. But after awhile, even sebum gets tired and (hopefully) washed away, then water makes its way into our skin. Good, right? Well, water evaporates over time and eventually all of that goodness is no longer sitting in our epidermis (the layer of skin that you can see). So the key is to put that water on lockdown and keep it in our skin. This is where oils, creams, and butters come into play. By mimicking the sebum on your skin (so to speak) the oils, creams, and butters lock or seal moisture (water) into your skin and attempt to prevent it from escaping. And since water evaporates, this is a process that must be repeated regularly. This is the process that a moisturizer attempts to achieve with every application. See, moisturizers typically contain water (or another moisture heavy ingredient such as aloe vera) as a top ingredient, followed by emollients (oily substances). The idea is to introduce both the water and the sealent into the skin to effectively keep the water there. And this does help out, IF the correct emollients are used. And by that, I mean emollients that are skin friendly, and hopefully chocked full of vitamins and skin-loving nutrients like Vitamins A &amp; E and other antioxidants. However, in my opinion, the best way to get the water that your skin needs is to actually consume it (as is with all vital nutrients). Therefore, starting tomorrow we're going to make sure we consume enough water. To figure out the right amount for you, take your body weight and divide by 2. Take that number and divide by 8. That's how many 8 oz glasses of water you should be aiming for. Drink up! Expect to make a few extra bathroom runs tomorrow! Lol!P.S. To help tackle this astronomical number of ounces, think of it like this: one bottle of water (16.9 oz) is two glasses. If you can drink one bottle of water before you walk out of the house in the morning, you've probably consumed 20% - 30% of your water for the day. Then when you get to your destination, drink another bottle of water. Now you have 50% - half - of your water consumed for the day. Drink another bottle at lunch, one before you leave work for the day, and maybe one more with dinner. Voila!! You've gotten your water for the day!! You go girl!!! (in my best Martin voice)!]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[11]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Essential Vitamins for Healthy Skin]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/Essential-Vitamins-for-Healthy-Skin_b_10.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-02-10</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Your skin is truly amazing! It can breath, heal itself, heat itself up and cool itself down. It can also let you know when something is not right.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/Essential-Vitamins-for-Healthy-Skin_b_10.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Your skin is truly amazing! It can breath, heal itself, heat itself up and cool itself down. It can also let you know when something is not right. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Your skin is truly amazing! It can breath, heal itself, heat itself up and cool itself down. It can also let you know when something is not right internally. Most skin conditions we experience are the result of some sort of vitamin or nutrient deficiency. Here are the most beneficial nutrients you can take to ensure your skin is healthy: SilicaSilica (silicon dioxide) is a mineral that is found naturally in our bodies. This essential nutrient is responsible for keeping collagen levels steady and is probably one of the best nutrients for your skin, and I bet that your are not getting enough of it. As we age, our need for silica increases drastically as our bodies depletes its levels, causing wrinkles. While it is used consistently by our bodies, we can not produce it, nor can our bodies store it in fat, like it does other minerals. Therefore, we must get this vital nutrient daily from supplements or our diet. Whole grains are an excellent source of silica, as well as many vegetables, such as peas, romaine lettuce and radishes. Also, tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers are good sources, but you must leave the skin on. Try to consume 9mg-14mg of silica per day. Omega-3 Fatty AcidsIf you suffer from whiteheads, blackheads, dry or inflamed skin, then you may need to up your omega-3 fatty acid intake to about 1000mg/day. This nutrient keeps your skin cells moist and strong. This essential fatty acid is also necessary but not naturally present in the body. Opt for foods high in O3FA, like salmon, mackerel and flaxseed, or take a daily fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are also an effective solution for cellulite when taken internally. Selenium Selenium is an antioxidant used to ward off free radicals and the damage they cause. Because it can protect skin from free radical damage, it is thought to also be effective against skin cancer. Because the recommended daily allowance and the upper limit (the maximum amount you should take without risking an overdose) are pretty close, stick with your diet to get this mineral. Look for foods rich in selenium such as Brazil nuts, wheat germ, garlic, tuna, brown rice and eggs. ZincThis is a very important mineral, especially for people who are breakout-prone. Zinc controls oil production in the skin and may even help regulate hormone fluctuations that can cause acne breakouts. It is now a popular thought that acne itself may be a result of a zinc deficiency. Munch away on pumpkin seeds, pecans and Brazil nuts. Ginger, oats and eggs are also high zinc foods. If you're not a fan of these foods, try a daily zinc supplement. Aim for at least 8mg daily. Vitamin AVitamin A is useful for repairing the skin. One of the biggest indicators of a Vitamin A deficiency is dry, flaky skin. This is also a vitamin that you want to get primarily through your diet, as you can easily overdose on Vitamin A supplements. Eat liver, chili peppers, carrots, kale, collard greens, spinach and cantaloupe to get your daily doses of this helpful vitamin. Vitamin CThis is a no brainer. Vitamin C is extremely helpful in treating hyperpigmentation, or dark spots on the skin, when applied topically. This vitamin is also an antioxidant, which means it fights free radical damage. It is advised to get this vitamin from natural food sources, such as citrus fruits, guava, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, kale and collard greens. And don't be fooled by the synthetic ascorbic acid. This is not the real thing found in natural food sources. Vitamin EThis is another extremely effective antioxidant. When you combine it with Vitamin A, it can be very effective at preventing certain skin cancers. Combine it with Vitamin C and it is especially effective at protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun. When you apply Vitamin E topically, it is great at reducing fine lines and wrinkles and soothing rough, dry skin. Stick to natural sources to get your Vitamin E by eating sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, peaches, tomatoes, prunes, avocado, cabbage and asparagus. How do you make sure you get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals? ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[10]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Question of the Day]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/Question-of-the-Day_b_9.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-12-12</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Today, we are going to discuss something that I get asked a lot. A lot. So many people send me messages about how to treat their acne.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/Question-of-the-Day_b_9.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Today, we are going to discuss something that I get asked a lot. A lot. So many people send me messages about how to treat their acne. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Today, we are going to discuss something that I get asked a lot. A lot. So many people send me messages about how to treat their acne. When they ask, I can tell by the things they say whether or not they truly understand what acne is. And sadly, most don’t. So, they spend hundreds of dollars using products that will never treat, and certainly not heal, their acne. I cringe every time I see a Proactiv commercial because I know that most of what they claim in their advertisements is so far-fetched. (Can you tell that I personally can’t stand Proactiv and what they stand for?). Anyway, it is my goal to dispel all the confusion surrounding acne. I am by no means an expert, just a person that has struggled with this and has learned some tips along the way. So below is a question that I was recently asked. I’m sharing this because I because I get asked this question as least twice a week, so that let’s me know that may others have the same concerns.  Question: I would like to know as an esthetician, what I could use for severe acne? I have tried Retin-A, it only dried my skin out. I've tried Proactiv, it works but as soon as you stop using it, it breaks back out. I've tried witch hazel, cocoa butter, sulfur soaps, benzoyl peroxide based products as well. Answer:Ok, here's what I think. (And without seeing the type of acne you have, it's kind of hard to suggest things, but I'm going to give you a few suggestions) Retin-A and Proactiv treats two different types of acne. You have 4 different grades of acne. Grades I &amp; II are pretty treatable. They are whiteheads and blackheads. They occur in the epidermis, which is the layer of skin that you can see. Something like Proactiv or any other over the counter medication would help, if used correctly. Grades III &amp; IV are more severe and require a visit to the doctor. This is usually cystic acne. Cystic acne is very deep in the second layer of skin, in the dermis. Nothing that you can purchase over the counter or over the phone/internet is going to treat this type of acne because it is illegal to sell anything that penetrates that skin that deeply without a doctor's prescription. You have to visit a dermatologist who would prescribe a topical gel/cream (like Retin-A, Duac or Ziana) and/or an antibiotic in pill form. Acne medicine that penetrates that deeply will almost certainly cause your skin to peel. And that's normal. It's actually welcomed because you know that the medicine is doing it's job. If you have 'normal, everyday' acne -- whiteheads and blackheads -- and you're using Proactiv, cut back on how often you use it. Even though their instructions suggest using it twice daily, I personally believe that is too much. You do not need benzoyl peroxide on your face in the morning and at night. It dries your skin out too much and that ends up causing more breakouts. Use it only at night, and try a milder, non-acneic cleanser such as Cetaphil in the morning. Also, the toner that comes with Proactiv has glycolic acid in it. You MUST use a sunscreen with this ingredient. This could also be causing problems for you. If you do not have whiteheads and blackheads, but other more severe acne, unfortunately, you will have to visit a doctor and receive a prescription. I have cystic acne and had to eventually accept that fact. I visited a dermatologist and he gave me Ziana gel and the antibiotic Doryx. The Ziana gel did WONDERS for my skin! I figured out awhile ago that most acne systems are designed to keep you coming back. They contain one product that severely dries your skin out and then another product that brings it back to life. That's crazy! Your skin does not need a treatment on it morning AND night. That's far too much. Try the scaled back Proactiv regimen for 30 days and see how your skin looks. If it hasn't changed or have gotten worse, visit a dermatologist, because you need something that penetrates deeper. ~ Victoria]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[9]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[My Favorite Things!]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/My-Favorite-Things_b_8.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-12-11</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Do you have those things that you just can't leave home without? I do too, and here's my (extensive) list! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/My-Favorite-Things_b_8.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Do you have those things that you just can't leave home without? I do too, and here's my (extensive) list!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[8]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[How to do an at-home facial]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/How-to-do-an-at-home-facial_b_5.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-12-04</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Daily face washing is, of course, necessary to maintain the health of your skin. But every now and then you need to do something a little more.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/How-to-do-an-at-home-facial_b_5.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Daily face washing is, of course, necessary to maintain the health of your skin. But every now and then you need to do something a little more. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Daily face washing is, of course, necessary to maintain the health of your skin. But every now and then you need to do something a little more. While I was studying to become an Esthetician, I received my first facial. One of the best things about being in school for esthetics is that you get to have all of the treatments you learn performed on you. Let me tell you, that first facial that I got was heaven! You lay down on a bed. The Esthetician wraps you in a warm blanket and ties your hair back. She begins to remove your makeup and then washes your face.A good Esthetician will massage your face throughout the entire treatment. Facial massage is just one of the most relaxing feelings ever! After weeks of getting facials every Friday, I noticed a drastic improvement in my skin. And I do mean drastic. It jump-started the healing of my skin. To this day, I still use the skills that I learned in class. I follow the steps of a basic facial once a week to keep my skin as clear as possible. Here are the steps you can follow at home, to give yourself a basic facial. First gather everything that you will need: You will need: Products I used: Hand soap Any Makeup remover JASON Makeup Remover Pads Facial Cleanser Raw African Black Soap Exfoliating Facial Pad Any Alcohol-free facial toner Thayer's Rosewater Witch Hazel Mask Homemade Bentonite Clay Mask (equal parts clay &amp; water) Moisturizer Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Cotton swabs Any Cotton balls Any Clean, white paper towels AnyWatch this video for a step-by-step demonstration!Step 1:Cleanse your hands. You always want to start with clean hands before washing your face. Any hand soap will do. Step 2:Moisten your face with lukewarm water. Never use hot water. It drys your face out tremendously. Apply your cleanser.Step 3:GENTLY massage the cleanser into your face in circular motions. Do not scrub or rub too aggressively. Step 4:Using the exfoliating pad and the lather already on your hands, GENTLY rub over your skin in small circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse and pat dry with a clean paper towel.Step 5:Apply the toner to a cotton ball. Pat the toner onto your skin. Don't rub this in, just pat it on your skin. Step 6: While your skin is still moist, apply your mask. Allow to dry or set for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.Step 7: Apply toner again, by patting on to face with a cotton ball. Step 8:Apply moisturizer all over your face while your skin is still damp. And that's it. This is a very, very basic facial. Naturally, if you go a professional, her facial would be more in depth and comprehensive. It would include any extractions and/or treatments that you may need. This is mainly done for maintenance. I recommend doing this once a week. Get in the habit of it now, especially if you have problem skin. So, how likely are you to do this on a weekly basis? Do you think this will help your skin? Let us know! Leave a comment below!~Victoria]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[5]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[CYBER MONDAY SALE!!!!]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/CYBER-MONDAY-SALE_b_7.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-11-28</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Cyber Monday Sale!!! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/CYBER-MONDAY-SALE_b_7.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Cyber Monday Sale!!!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[7]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA["Scrubs are scary!!"]]></title>
<link>http://www.ambreose.com/Scrubs-are-scary_b_6.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-11-21</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I've had quite a few people ask me what to do with a body scrub. Exfoliation is a very important part of skin care. And I'm not just talking about facial skin, our ENTIRE bodies need exfoliation from time to time.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ambreose.com/Scrubs-are-scary_b_6.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[I've had quite a few people ask me what to do with a body scrub. Exfoliation is a very important part of skin care. And I'm not just talking about facial skin, our ENTIRE bodies need exfoliation from time to time. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[I've had quite a few people ask me what to do with a body scrub. Exfoliation is a very important part of skin care. And I'm not just talking about facial skin, our ENTIRE bodies need exfoliation from time to time. The term exfoliation refers to the peeling or sloughing of the horny (outer) layer of the skin, known as the corneum. This simply means removing the top layer of skin, that can become dull, dry and dehydrated. The skin can be exfoliated via chemical (think chemical peels) or mechanical (think scrubs, something that is done manually) methods. The method we will focus on today will be mechanical. Exfoliating the skin mechanically, or manually, involves using a product with an abrasive material. You may find a scrub made with salt, sugar, or crushed nut shells. This type of scrub can be used all over your body. But, when you use a scrub on your face you want to be especially careful. Personally, I prefer to use a scrubbing pad on my face. They are gentler and safer for sensitive facial skin. Facial scrubbing pad One of the number one questions I get from customers trying out Ámbreöse Collection is What do I use a scrub for?. I have to admit, the first time I heard this I was a bit surprised. I thought everybody knew what a scrub was and what it was used for. But then I started getting this question more and more, and I realized many people really don't know or understand what a scrub is or it's importance. I recommend using a scrub 1 - 2 times per week. I like to use our Exfoliating Bath Creme every Monday and Thursday night all over my entire body (except for my face, or course). The most effective way to use a scrub is after cleansing but before shaving or waxing. After cleansing, stand back from the water (or stand up, if you're taking a bath) and starting at your ankles, apply a generous amount of scrub and work your way up your legs, scrubbing in small, circular motions. With this particular scrub, I like to really rub it in, to make sure I get the Shea Butter into my skin. I move on to the other legs, the work my way up my body. I focus on my knees and elbows because the tend to get very rough and dry. I like to save my feet for last, since the scrub can cause the tub to get really slippery. And for my feet, I need something a little more aggressive, so I like to use the Brown Sugar Body Polish instead. Brown Sugar Body Polish Since following this twice weekly regimen, I can honestly say my skin is smoother and less elephant-like. So, please, don't be afraid of exfoliation. It is necessary, and you skin will thank you. Trust me. So how do you really feel about scrubs? Do you use them? Do you think they are unnecessary? Let us know! ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[6]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Victoria]]></isc:author>
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