Everyone I know (and for certain, women) love the idea of having long, abundant and healthy eyelashes.

Look at the trend of eyelash extensions…at least in Los Angeles, we see it quite a bit.

Do you wish your lashes were longer?

Thicker?

I had a client just today that told me that as soon as she got into her 30’s her eyelashes went from being very long (to the point that when she applied her mascara they would touch her brows!), to having them be  sparse and stubby.

Has this happened to you?

If it has, you know that it’s shocking and you want answers and hopefully a solution.

Genetics determines the length and thickness of your lashes, along with your mother’s diet when she was pregnant with you.

Women with a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids (such as olive oil) while they are pregnant will assure that their children will be born with longer, thicker lashes.

Having our heritage be from Spain (where we consume large amounts of olive oil) we can attest that it’s held true for us!

Eyelashes are tiny little hairs that protect your eyes from dust and sweat. As does the rest of the hair on your body, eyelashes grow in cycles. This cylcle takes about 4 to 8 weeks to fully replace an eyelash. If for any reason you loose a clump of eyelashes, it would not take longer than their natural cycle for them to be replaced.

Chlorinated water, detergents and sulfates, shampoos, false lashes, lash extensions, eyelash tinting and perming can cause a loss of eyelashes.

Metabolic conditions such as hypothyroidism and pituitary insufficiency could be another more serious cause.

However, it could also simply be part of the aging process. Just as your skin cells are not replaced as quickly as you age, the same thing happens with the hair growth cycle. With age, hair can become sparse and brittle, even in the eyelashes.

However, here are some suggestions to help you keep healthy, youthful eyelashes for as long as possible:

• Avoid the overuse of mascara (excessive layering) which can weaken the lash with excess weight.
• Be sure to replace your mascara every month.
• Do not sleep with your mascara on!
• Avoid using waterproof mascaras. These are not only the toughest types of mascara to remove, but they’re also very drying to the lashes and if you’re not gentle, you could end up removing a large number of them.
• There are many mascaras that are smudgeproof. Try this as an alternative. (Derma Diva Marcy loves using Cover Girl’s Professional Super Thick Lash mascara in the red tube!)
• Avoid over-using an eyelash curler.

As you know, a healthy set of eyelashes gives a more youthful, healthy look.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the many, many products out now to help you do just that. Jan Marini was the first company to come out with a product to increase lash growth and thickness. The problem here was the price-point and the fact that a lot of people complained of it burning their eyes (especially for people with more sensitive eyes.)

Then we have Revitalash, but this one really burns and is not as effective.

Third time’s the charm, with the newcomer and Four-Star winner Lilash. Lilash has no irritation and the extra bonus is that it’s slightly more affordable. They also have a product to regrow the eyebrows which is just as effective.

What’s wonderful about the world of beauty and cosmetics is that it keeps advancing with newer technology! Soon, sparse eyelashes and eyebrows will be something of the past…hopefully in the very near future.

To your skin’s health!

The Derma Divas.

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Growing up, I remember always seeing my father with little red bumps on the back of his arms. As a child, I was never really sure what it was, but I just figured they were goosebumps and that he was always cold.

Do you find that you have these too?

In doing skin care, I’ve also seen it as flushed cheeks, with a rougher texture. If you look closely, it almost seems that the little bumps that are causing the rough texture, are little whiteheads. However, do not be fooled, as this condition is not a breakout of any kind.

In adults these bumps tend to develop on the backs of the arms, thighs and buttocks, and in youger adults (more typically teenagers going through puberty, but also in newborns) it tends to occur in the lower cheeks.

This is what’s known as Keratosis Pilaris.

By definition, Keratosis Pilaris is a condition that affects over 50% of the population and manifests in small white bumps, causing the area to be rough in texture, and is accompanied by redness/irritation in patches.

Basically, Keratosis Pilaris means that very small hairs (the soft, light hairs we have all over our face) are trying to push their way through the follicle, but because they’re not strong enough to come through the opening, they cause irritation and redness.

Let us assure you that Keratosis Pilaris is a harmless condition and more of a nuisance than anything else.

Do you feel like you have to go to a Dermatologist to improve your KP?

Although there are some topical medications being prescribed for this condition, we recommend you try a few things at home to see if you notice improvement…

• You can begin treating this condition from the comfort of your home. We suggest a very LIGHT scrub (and you know we don’t recommend scrubs very often due to their rough nature and ability to cause micro-tears in the skin). However, look for something gentle with silica beads.
• Why not try a home-made recipe: Mix some lemon juice with sugar, olive oil and  honey. Remember: Don’t use a lot of pressure!
• Do this light exfoliation once a week.
• It would be beneficial to also use products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, including Glycolic or Lactic Acid. For more information on these and their differences, click here.
• Use this AHA-based product twice a week (if it’s for your face) and 3 days a week (if it’s for the backs of your arms, thighs or buttocks.)
• If you get facials, avoid getting excessive extractions. Because this area is already irritated, you want to be sure your esthetician goes very lightly over this area.
• Avoid using anything excessively drying to the skin (like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.) Because Keratosis Pilaris isn’t acne, you do not need to dry the bumps out.
• Instead, be sure to calm and HYDRATE the skin (the condition tends to get worse with dryness.)
• You can even use aloe (make sure it does not have alcohol) as it is soothing and also hydrating.
• We would also recommend avoiding any heavily perfumed skin care products.

Of course if your condition does not show any signs of improvement, then take the next step and visit your dermatologist. We have had great success in helping our clients treat KP this way and we hope it will work for you too!

If you have further questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you!

To your skin’s health!

The Derma Divas.

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How many of you have actually thought about preventing aging on your feet?

I wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t…heck! It didn’t dawn on me until yesterday as I was checking out my tootsies as we drove to Santa Barbara, and I gasped in horror!

My toes are beginning to have wrinkles on them, they look older and the skin on my big toes feel rough! I really don’t remember them looking like this a few years ago.

‘I need to spread the word’ I thought, so here we are. Derma Diva Rosa and Marcy to the rescue.

I remembered an article I read recently where a dermatologist talked about applying the daily SPF to the feet in the summer time due to their constant exposure to UV radiation, and as a prevention for skin cancer.

Considering the fact that I’ve lived in warm climates my whole life, I can see how some sun damage has accumulated.

I just can’t get over it. How could I have overlooked this part of my body?

I mean, I’ve applied sunscreen on my face, neck and chest religiously (maybe obsessively?) for the last 15 years, since I was 17 years of age (which keeps people thinking I’m almost 10 years younger than I am, and I’m ok with that However, I certainly don’t want my feet to be the part of my body to give away my age!

Take a look at your feet. Are they looking fabulous or funky?

If they are looking fab (and if you want to keep them looking that way for years to come), or if they’re not and you need some foot rescue solutions pronto, here are some suggestions:

• Be sure to exfoliate the feet three times a week. We recommend Natura Bisse’s Glyco Skin Body Exfoliating Lotion (just apply and rub in. That’s it! Layer your other products as needed.) The great thing about this product is it’s a wonderful exfoliation for the face as well. You could also use it on your back, if you’re having breakouts or in the bikini area to prevent ingrowns. It also helps soften calluses. Just keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way!
• After exfoliation it’s important to feed the skin anti-oxidants (yes, even on your feet!) You can apply a minimal amount of any serum/anti-aging product you’re using on your face, or better yet, use one of the many products sitting in your cosmetic graveyard that you don’t like for your face! Great way to put that spent money to use so it doesn’t go to waste.
• Be sure to put lotion on your feet to keep them hydrated. Regular body lotion should be fine. Again, if you have some facial cream that made you break-out or that you hate the smell of, use that.
• Lastly, in the daytime, apply some sunblock to your feet if you’re wearing sandals or thong slippers (don’t worry about closed-toe shoes.)

You should be seeing results in no time! It doesn’t hurt to give those lovely ladies (or gents) that do our pedicures something pretty to look at while they polish our toes.

Remember, it is about preserving our youth, but it’s also about our health. Being the largest organ of the body, it’s important to care for every inch of our skin, especially the bits that are exposed to the elements and UV radiation.

What’s more, you should also apply this treatment to your hands, which is another age-giveaway. This area receives the most damage (aside from your face) and the back of your hands have much thinner skin than other parts of your body.

To your skin’s health (and to youthful feet!)

The Derma Divas.

P.S. Apply Natura Bisse’s Glyco Skin Body Exfoliating Lotion, before your serum and moisturizer.

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Last week I received the unfortunate message that my good friend Andre had chosen to take his own life at the tragically young age of 26. Like his family and friends, I am just devastated.

I met Andre when I first began learning Salsa almost six years ago. He was a master dancer and instructor, and an amazing person.

I felt really angry with him at first. How could you do this Andre?, I thought. You had your whole life ahead of you!

Because my cousins are in town visiting from Spain, I haven’t had much time to think about it (which may be good), but the moments I do have in solitude are often spent crying and mourning his loss.

He called me a couple of months ago where he mentioned coming out to L.A. to visit me. I called him back later that day, and got his voice mail. Although I don’t remember exactly what I said, I do remember telling him that the dates he mentioned might be a little hard for me, but to call me back and we’d figure something out. I never heard from him again.

Had I known his emotional state, I would have insisted he come any time he wanted. I will always make time for a friend and I feel I never got that chance. I feel I failed being there for him.

The day after I got this horrible news, I called with my friend Bianca Chavez, who has had a gift of ‘seeing’ those who have crossed over since she was a child. She is part American Indian and is very tied to her roots and culture, and has grown up to be a somewhat of a Medicine Woman, if you will.

I called her because I want to know how he is doing. Upon my explaining why I was upset with Andre for taking his life without giving me a chance to help him, she explained to me that someone in that extreme emotional state of depression and desperation has altered brain chemistry (akin to being on certain types of drugs), impairing rational thought and judgment.

She then told me that she would not be able to connect with him right away. The emotional state he was in, along with his problems, all have a certain vibrational frequency. What happens when someone takes their own life is that they realize, upon executing their suicide, that that vibration they were trying to escape doesn’t go away. The reason they want to die is because they think they’re ‘ending’ something, but because energy never dies, it transcends the physical. When they become aware of this, they’re in a state of turmoil because they realize that they made a mistake and that their death was in vain.

Bianca went on to inform me that Andre needs to increase his vibration so he can ascend, at which point she can contact him. The way to do this is to write him letters, and in general share with him what he meant to me. ‘My knowledge then becomes his wisdom’ and he begins to vibrate at a much higher frequency.

I want to help Andre because he’s my friend and I love him, so I decided to share my poem to him with all of you:

Dear, sweet Andre;

If I would have known you were in pain my friend, I would have held your hand and listened. I would have told you it would all work out, but that moment we’ve been cheated.

If I would have known you needed a shoulder to lean on I would have gladly lent you mine, and listened long and hard Andre, and assured you it would be fine.

If I would have known you doubted life, I would have told you you’re an inspiration, to turn your life around like you did, with all your dedication.

If I would have known you had lost hope in life, we would talk about your dreams, and I’d remind you anything is possible if only you believe.

If I would have known you didn’t know what you meant to the world, I would have reminded you every day, and told you what a shining light you are to us in so many ways.

If I would have known I’d never dance with you again, I would have danced a little harder.

If I would have known I’d never see the light in your eyes, I’d have looked into them a little longer.

If I would have known I’d never hug you again, I would have held on a little stronger.

If I would have known the last time I saw you was my last ‘good-bye’, I would have told you that ‘I love you’.

We miss you Andre.

Your friend always,

Marcy.

P.S. You can view comments and additional videos of Andre on You Tube by searching: Andres Echevarria

P.P.S. View Bianca’s site at: www.wordsforthemany.com.

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As soon as I suggest exfoliation to a client with dry or dehydrated skin, that is the first question they ask me.

I can see where they would think that.

Have you ever thought that?

Although I’m not dry (combination-oily to be precise, and I break out fairly easily), I shared this same philosophy on exfolation.

I remember I was breaking out like crazy, so I basically avoided putting any product on my face. However, it was the night I first exfoliated with an AHA that the heavens opened up, the angels sang and my skin looked a heck of a lot better.

Why had I not done this before?

I knew all the steps that needed to be taken, but for some reason I was aprehensive.

How do you know if exfoliation is right for you?

Well, if you have dry, oily, combination, dehydrated, sensitive, rosacea, mature skin (and any combination of these) you need to exfoliate. Read the previous post for the benefits.

Do you have dull/lifeless skin?

Does your skin have a rough texture?

Are you prone to break-outs?

Does your skin have a crepy texture?

Do you have little bumps under the skin that are driving you crazy?

Do you have brown spots/pigmentation you’re working on getting rid of?

If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these question, you should be exfoliating.

But not all exfoliants are created equal…

I hardly ever endorse scrubs. I frankly know they don’t work as effectively as an AHA, Retinol or Enzyme can (to name a few examples.)

Why?

Firstly, because the granules are usually too abrasive and can actually cause microscopic tears in the skin. Scrubs are especially a no-no if you have acne-prone skin, very red/sensitized skin, rosacea, severly damaged skin or if you are using Accutane (i.e. Beware of St. Ives products!)