 Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugarcane. It is a popular ingredient in many skincare products due to its numerous benefits for the skin. In this article, we will discuss the top benefits of glycolic acid. Exfoliation One of the primary benefits of glycolic acid is its ability to exfoliate the skin. As a small molecule, it can penetrate the skin deeply and break down dead skin cells. This helps to unclog pores, remove impurities, and reveal smoother, brighter skin. Regular use of glycolic acid can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Improved Texture and Tone Glycolic acid also helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin. By removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production, it can help to reduce the appearance of rough, uneven skin. This can be particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone or aging skin, as glycolic acid can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and fine lines. Acne Treatment Glycolic acid has also been shown to be an effective treatment for acne-prone skin. By unclogging pores and reducing inflammation, it can help to prevent breakouts and reduce the severity of existing acne. It can also help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Increased Collagen Production Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, glycolic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of aging skin. Improved Absorption of Other Skincare Products Glycolic acid also helps to improve the absorption of other skincare products. By exfoliating the skin, it removes dead skin cells that can block the absorption of other ingredients. This means that other skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers, can penetrate the skin more deeply and be more effective. Safe for All Skin Types Another benefit of glycolic acid is that it is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it is important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase as the skin becomes accustomed to it. It is also important to use sunscreen when using glycolic acid, as it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. In conclusion, glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient that offers numerous benefits for the skin. From exfoliation and improved texture to acne treatment and increased collagen production, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of skincare products. Whether you have acne-prone, aging, or sensitive skin, glycolic acid can help to improve the overall appearance and health of your skin. 
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Most people have heard of the term pH when it comes to skin, but few know exactly what it means and how it can impact the feel and appearance of your skin. pH refers to "potential hydrogen" and refers to the activity of hydrogen ions in a water-based solution. pH is measured on an acid-alkaline scale from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral with anything less being acidic and anything higher being alkaline. While the pH numbers might seem small by normal math, the pH scale is logarithmic, not linear. A pH of 3 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 4, and 100 times more acidic than a pH of 5. Check out the pH levels of several common items below: Alkaline: - Lime 12.4pH - Ammonia 11.0ph - Baking Soda 8.3pH - Egg 7.8pH Neutral: - Pure Water 7.0pH Acidic: - Milk 6.8pH - Rain Water 6.5pH - Healthy Skin 5.5pH - Tomatoes 4.5pH - Lemon Juice 2.2pH  So how does pH apply to your skin? Healthy skin is just slightly acidic due to the presence of what is referred to as the "acid mantle" - a mixture of sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells covering your skin. The acid mantle is extremely important as it provides a layer of protection against environmental factors, allergens and pollution that cause bacteria to produce. Keeping your pH balanced - as close to 5.5 as possible - keeps your acid mantle intact and reduces the likelihood of conditions such as acne and dermatitis from developing. However, a balanced pH does not guarantee perfect skin, but it certainly helps. When your skin is too alkaline: - It is dry and sensitive - It may be more prone to showing signs of premature ageing such as deep wrinkles, crow's feet and UV damage. What causes alkaline skin? Skincare products like bar soaps and foaming cleanser can be high in PH and can strip the acid mantle. When your skin is too acidic: - It is oily and prone to breakouts. - It can become inflamed, red and sore. What causes acidic skin? Over exfoliating and using peels can cause acidic skin. It's important to note that when doing a chemical peel with a pH of 3.6 or higher, it is only a temporary disruption to the skin's pH levels, and a post-peel neutralizer is often all that is needed to raise the skin's pH levels back to an ideal level. Even without a neutralizer, skin will return to its usual pH levels within an hour. Mildly acidic products stimulate skin to produce key the substances it needs to look smooth, supple, and hydrated, however using products that are highly acidic (pH 2.5 or lower) causes a more significant disruption in skin’s pH, so it takes skin longer to get back to normal at which time the skin is vulnerable to factors that can trigger breakouts, signs of eczema, redness and sensitivity. Use of products whose pH is too low must be used sparingly, and with a neutralizer in the form of a serum, mask, or cream to encourage skin to return to a normal PH balance sooner rather than later.  How can you balance your skin's pH?
To bring your skin back to the perfect balance, all you need to do is make sure that the products you apply to your skin are pH balanced. The average pH of the acid mantle is 4.5 to 6.7, so when looking at skin care products they should either be within this range or at least be pH-neutral (7). A balanced pH will ensure your skin's natural protection remains in place. It's important to note that you cannot fix your skins pH level as this is something that the skin achieves by itself, however you can disrupt your skin's pH by using products that are too acidic or alkaline, or by having to much exposure to UV rays. While not all products are labeled with their pH levels, the vast majority of rinse-off and leave-on skin care products are already pH-balanced as reputable cosmetic companies are aware of the important of the pH of skin. Did you know…?
Oil in sunscreen can break down lash adhesive and cause your extensions to fall out prematurely, and sweat can cause sunscreen to run onto your lash extensions which can compromise their longevity. Check out these tips for maintaining your lash extensions throughout the hot summer month! Tips:
 You know the drill, at the end of your lash appointment you're reminded to not get your lashes wet for 24 hours and not to let any oil based products near your lashes. We will explore the effects of water on your lashes in another post, but here we are going to look at why oil is so bad for your lash extensions! Eyelash extensions and oil
Lash extensions and oil are an unfortunate mix. We are promised a ton of skin benefits from oil products, yet on the other hand oil is the number-one worst enemy of eyelash extensions. Oil dissolves the bond that the lash glue has with your natural lash and the extension resulting in your extensions dropping off prematurely. (Tip: If you ever WANT to remove your lash extensions yourself, coconut or jojoba oil are great products to do it with, however, it's always recommended seeing a professional for removal, as proper assessment and gentle handling of your lashes is always better than home removal!). What products contain oil? From cleansers to balms, moisturizers to serums, oil-based beauty products are absolutely everywhere so you have to be really careful with what you let near your lashes. Even some eyeliners and mascaras contain oil (but with lash extensions you should be ditching the mascara anyway!) How do I know which of my products are oil-based? Quite simply, check the ingredients list. Any obvious oil (e.g. rosehip, sunflower, jojoba, argan, squalane etc.) on the list means you shouldn't get it any where near your lashes but there are also some less obvious oils such as glycerin, petrolatum and mineral oil. Do I have to give up my oil-based facial products if I want lash extensions. Not necessarily but you will be going for lash fills a lot more regularly than if you stayed away from those products. If you want to keep your oil-based beauty regime, avoid the eyes (under and above) as much as possible when applying. What happens if I have oily skin? Having overly oily skin can cause problems for lash extensions in the same way as applying oil products to the skin. Natural oils in the skin can break down the lash adhesive. Morning and evening lash cleansing with foaming lash wash can help, and using blotting papers for the eyelid during the daytime can help prevent the buildup of oil on the lash line. Ask about our lash extension sealant ($25) for daily use to reduce the amount of oil that sits on the lashes. With proper aftercare and regular lash washing, we can keep you wearing extensions. There's no beating about the bush (pun intended!), getting your first Brazilian wax will not be a fun experience for most people. However, as they say, no pain no gain, and being a longer-lasting hair-removal method, it will be worth it. A wax will keep your lady-parts smooth for two to four weeks, compared to only days (sometimes only hours!) with shaving. Check out below what you should do to prepare for your first Brazilian wax.  Before your Brazilian Wax at Kelowna Esthetics Studio
You have a couple of choices when it comes to waxing in West Kelowna. However, before you decide where you want to go, ask yourself a few questions. Is it important that where you wax in West Kelowna is professional, clean and qualified? Of course! But also ask yourself, do you want to be waxed by a different esthetician each time or would you like to have the same person each time who gets to know you and what your needs are? Do you want to be waxed in a comfortable, rather than sterile-feeling environment? Do you want your wax to be affordable? Then you need to get waxed at Kelowna Esthetics Studio! This is a home-based studio, so you will be waxed by the same person (me!) every time. It's affordable, at only $30, yet professional, and fast! Come see why Kelowna Esthetics Studio is one of the best places for waxing in West Kelowna!  People often ask what Hybrid Lashes are? The answer? They’re a mix of volume fans and classic 1:1 lashes.  In the top picture here you can see that fans have been applied to the lashes. In the second picture the classic lashes are added to fill the gaps! The bottom picture is the finished look!
Hybrid lashes are a great alternative to those who want fuller looking lashes without the cost of full volume lashes! Women often ask if they can put mascara on over their eyelash extensions. Why? You’ve just spent a significant chunk of money on lash extensions, you shouldn’t need to put mascara! That’s the beauty of eyelash extensions! You just wake up in the morning and you’re ready to go. However, it’s still something we are often asked. Our response is NEVER apply mascara to hybrid or volume lashes, and to try to avoid it with classic lashes. The reason for never applying to hybrids or volume lashes is that you have fans applied to your lashes and applying mascara will close the fans and leave your lashes a clumpy mess. We always warn that while you can wear mascara with your lash extensions, it can shorten the life of extensions dramatically and it’s not recommended. The brush can also potentially pull on your lashes and cause them to be damaged, loosened, or removed.  However, if you have very light eyelashes, and it’s almost time for a fill but you have an event, or need to add a bit of drama your lashes, you might decide to put mascara onto your natural lashes that are exposed. Be aware that this will mean your lash tech will have to take extra time at your fill to remove the mascara which can reduce the amount of time filling your lashes.
If you do decide to opt for mascara over your lash extensions, DO NOT use waterproof mascara as it requires an oil-based make-up remover which will break down the glue adhering the lash extension to the natural lash. Use a water-based mascara. Mascara absolutely can be worn on your bottom lashes. If your lash extensions have been applied properly, there should be no need to add mascara over the top of them as there should still be plenty left come fill time! What's so great about fake eyelashes? What isn't so great should be the question! False eyelashes, especially 3D mink eyelashes, can be used for regular day wear or for a night on the town! They are so versatile and easy to apply. With 8 styles to choose from, you can wear a daytime pair, such as the 'Gray' fake eyelashes, and carry the nighttime version, 'Emmy' with you in your purse - the hard cover, magnetic fake eyelash box means it's easy to pop your second pair in your purse, and switch them over as easily as changing your outfit!
Sophie' fake eyelashes are our lightest 3D Mink false eyelashes, perfect for a day at the beach, in the office, or simply for drinking wine on the patio with your ladies. 'Cheyanne' is our most dramatic nighttime look. Your eyelashes will look thick, dark, long and strong - it's how we like out lashes, and our men round here! Try KES Lashes fake eyelashes today. With shipping as low as $2 per pair, you've got nothing to lose. Except maybe your mascara! You'll fall in love with these fake lashes today and ditch the mascara tomorrow. Try a pair and see! This is a very common question that ladies have, and the answer is YES (in most cases)! KES Lashes are applied right above your own lash line, therefore they do not come into contact with your contact lenses.
Applying false eyelashes for one special night or occasion (like your wedding or prom) will probably be fine, however if you plan on using false eyelashes every day you may be putting your lenses at risk. Some doctors and lens manufacturers say to never wear false lashes, so it’s always best to consult your optometrist before you try it. When applying fake eyelashes and makeup with contact lenses, take the following steps:
For some people, the combination of glue, lenses and eyes will be too much, and you'll find your eyes watering. In these cases, unfortunately, strip lashes probably are not going to work for you :( Shop KES Mink Fake Lashes now! |
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