CC Cream: The Future of Beauty Balm

Move over BB Cream, there's a new skin-brightening product in town and its sure to make a big splash! I'm talking about CC Cream, also known as color-control cream. This product is already a big hit in Asia and the UK, and it's making its way stateside right this minute.

Just like BB Cream (which stands for beauty balm) , CC Cream is an all-in-one product that acts as a skin brightening primer, foundation, moisturizer, SPF, and anti-aging cream. CC Cream is lighter and oil-free, so those with extra oily or acne-prone skin can use them without worry!

I will blog more about brands that are my favorite as they come out on the market! Stay Tuned!

~Jamia

Medical Microdermabrasion

What is Microdermabrasion or MicroExfoliation? 

Microdermabrasion is a skin-revitalizing treatment that helps repair skin that is damaged from the sun, acne scars, and the unwanted effects of aging. 

I use the original Crystal Free DiamondTome wands in my studio. These wands remove the dead, outer layers of skin, by gently exfoliating the skin with natural diamond chips, while vacuuming the dead skin cells away in a clean and controlled manner. 

Removing the outer layer of dead skin leaves a smoother texture and promotes the growth of healthy new skin cells. 

It is very safe and non irritating. 

I recommend Microdermabrasion for reduction of minor to moderate early aging fine lines, minor revision of scars, sun damaged skin, hyperpigmentation reduction, reduction of acne scars, age spots, extraction of blackheads and whiteheads, and rejuvenation of overall skin health. 

Other treatments with Microdermabrasion include the use of they Hydro Wand. This is fantastic for melasma, brown spots, wrinkles and fine lines. This wand infuses serums deeper into the skin where they are most effective. 

Adding a chemical peel after such as Lactic, penetrates deeper causing skin to be tighter and brighter!

Microdermabrasion offers benefits to anyone!

I offer single treatments and packages!

Contact me today for any skin care questions and to schedule your Microdermabrasion!


www.JamiaHoffman.com

~ Jamia
Jamia Hoffman Advanced Esthetics
402.202.7280

Smoking and Your Skin

Here are some facts about smoking and how it effects your skin:

Collagen-destroying enzymes ramp up when exposed to tobacco smoke, dramatically increasing how quickly the skin will show visible aging. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. At least 50 are known to cause cancer. Heavy smokers are nearly five times more likely to be wrinkled than non-smokers.

Lipid Peroxide (released in cigarette smoke) is the main free radical that destroys skin's barrier, resulting in dry, parched skin.

The eye area is the most affected area, due to collagen damage. A women's skin will be more affected from smoking than a man's skin.

Vitamin C decreases in the skin and body with tobacco/cigarette smoke.

A smoker's skin will appear gray, because capillaries are dying and closing off, which reduces blood supply and oxygen to the skin.

What can you do to prevent this? Well, besides the obvious of quitting smoking, Use products that stimulate collagen such as Peptides. Peptides are powerful ingredients that when used regularly will help the formation of new collagen.

~Jamia

MAC Spring Line Review

All Blemishes are not equal!

All Blemishes are not created equal. Learn the difference and treat accordingly!

Whiteheads/ Little clogged bumps under the skin that aren't red or sore. Most people get them on chin, sides of mouth or hairline.

What can you do? Exfoliate by keeping off dead skin cell buildup, this will help these purge naturally. However, a good deep pore cleansing facial is beneficial for removing the impurities within the pores.

Blackheads/ These are large pores that contain oil that is oxidized with air causing it to turn black.

What can you do? Monthly deep pore cleansing facials followed by a good home care regimen such as Retinol, purifying cleansers, and weekly purifying masks.
I like Tretinoin Gel by Kinerase 0.05%
Clarifying Cleanser by Kinerase
Clear Skin Regulating Mask by Kinerase

Cysts/ Hard, painful bumps that develop within the skin can linger for weeks.

What can you do? DO NOT PICK! Get regular chemical peels, such as TCA followed by a microdermabrasion 5-7 days later. Do not skip washing your face at night and use a topical acne gel to prevent getting the deep cysts.

I recommend PCA's Lactic Acne Gel.


~ Jamia

7 Concealer Clues

Concealer Clue #1 ~ To erase under eye circles, darkness, or puffiness, skip the cream concealer and opt for a brightener or illuminator to diffuse and reflect light.

Concealer Clue #2 ~ For imperfections like breakouts, scars, or sunspots, look for a cream concealer in an exact skin match.

Concealer Clue #3 ~ When using cream concealer for maximum coverage, don't use your fingers, which will deposit natural oils and thin out the coverage. Instead pat product on skin with a synthetic-bristle concealer brush, then blend aways any visible edges.

Concealer Clue #4 ~ To camouflage redness often caused by Rosacea or Acne, use a green corrective concealer. To cover blue or purple under the eyes or over veins, use a peach corrective concealer.

Concealer Clue #5 ~ If you use a liquid or cream foundation, apply concealer after so it doesn't get moved around or sheered out. If you use a powder foundation, apply concealer first so it sets in place.

Concealer Clue #6 ~ Always use a primer first if applying concealer to an area with fine lines or wrinkles. Otherwise, over time the concealer will settle into the skin and draw more attention to the pesky folds.

Concealer Clue #7 ~ If you're looking to get the biggest bang for your buck, you can also apply cream concealer to the lid as an eye base and to lips to neutralize the natural lip tone before applying any color to get the true shade payoff!

~ Jamia

What is Collagen?

Think of collagen like a thick rope similar to those found on ships. The strands are tightly intertwined and strong, which helps it keep its form. Over time, the individual fibers begin to break , and the rope frays and it begins to loose its strength.

In our skin, collagen literally plays a supporting role, lending structure to the skin, and maintaining its smooth, youthful appearance.

Collagen is the primary connective tissue found in the skin, muscles and tendons-and makes up the framework for all soft tissues. Collagen gets alot of attention in terms of the aging process, and its decline is the main culprit for fine lines, wrinkles, and furrows.

Collagen is abundant in young skin, and its rate of production is able to keep up with the rate of its degradation until about the age of 25. After age 25, collagen begins to be destroyed faster that it can be replaced, which leads to signs of aging.

UV Radiation is the main culprit for the breakdown of collagen, as it damages the actual structure of the protein as well as the DNA of the fibroblasts. Other factors that contribute to collagen damage is, excessive heat and cold, hormones, smoking, poor nutrition, and of course, free radicals.

The good news is, is you can preserve the naturally occurring collagen in your skin by shielding it from environmental aggressors like the sun and cigarette smoke, along with a proper skincare regimen. Sun protection, antioxidants and extra hydration go a long way for making your skin's environment healthier and less damaging.

I recommend monthly Microdermabrasions (mechanical exfoliation and resurfacing)
to help keep a youthful look and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, as well a IPL (photo facial) every quarter for tightening. I also recommend great products for your home skincare regimen. Kinerase is a product I love, because it actually changes the DNA of your skin, which is what is compromised when collagen is decreased. Vitamin C has also been shown to increase the skin's collagen production.

My Favorite Products:
Kinerase C8 Peptide Treatment
Kinerase Day and Night Repair

~Jamia

PRIME TIME!

Is Makeup Primer worth the extra step? My opinion is YES! Primer is meant to serve as a layer between skin and foundation to create more of a surface and flawless look. I definitely recommend it for people who are oily, have larger pores, and have any acne scarring. It is a quick and simple step to making your makeup look even, smooth, and lasts all day!

I also recommend Lid Primer. This a a great way to prevent creasing from eye shadow. It makes your shadow more pigmented as well.

My top Primer recommendations:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ( there are may different primers in this line based on your skin type and condition.)

Benefit POREfessional Primer

Make Up For Ever Primer

Stila One Step Correct Triple Swirl Helix Primer

Lid Primer:
Smashbox Lid Primer
Urban Decay Lid Primer ( the Original and Sin )

I recommend applying Primer with your foundation brush!

~ Jamia xo

Retinoids

Retinol is essential for preventing and reversing signs of aging. It is one of the most studied-and proven- skincare ingredients. Retinol helps increase cell-turnover (which helps skin look "fresh " and young), increases collagen production, keeps pores clear and improve acne.

I recommend Kinerase Tretinoin Gel 0.05%

Apply once daily, before bedtime, using a thin layer. If dryer, use every other day.

Contact me on how to purchase!

~Jamia
Jamia Hoffman Advanced Esthetics
402.202,7280

8 Flattering ways to change up your Makeup!

Are you stuck in a Makeup rut? Here are some fast and east Bright Makeup Ideas!!!

1. Swipe on a cheery baby-pink lipstick. Some of my favs are: Please Me and St Germain by MAC and Roman Holiday by NARS!

2. Line your lids with a little color! Try Make Up For Ever liquid aqua liners. They are easy to use!

3. Stick to a classic red lipstick. I love Moulin Rouge by Make Up For Ever. It goes great with every skin tone.

4. Experiment with purple eyeshadow! Stick with softer shades for lighter skin tones, and more pigmented shades for darker skin tones.

5. Brush on some peach-color blush. It's flattering, and gives you that healthy glow!

6. Focus on your eyes outer corners. It looks edgy and gives you that instant glam! Start at the outer corner of your lids, and blend your eyeshadow upward and outward.

7. Highlight the inner corner of your eyes. It will make your eyes pop and hide those pesky dark circles. I recommend a shimmer highlighter pencil or eye lightener powder by Smashbox Cosmetics.

8. Try tomato-color lipstick. Great for olive complexions! Pair it with black eye liner and a metallic bronze eyeshadow!


~ Jamia xoxo

What's in Your Back to School Bag?

A Few Things I would Carry In My Back To School Bag:

It's been a long time since I carried a back to school bag, but if I carried one, it definitely would be a tote bag. Tote Bags are nice and big. I would make sure I had lip gloss, eyeliner, breath mints, Colgate Wisps, Evian Facial Spray, blotting papers, body splash, bronzer, iPhone, planner, pens, coin purse, almonds, AVEDA Hand Relief, nail file.

What's in your Back to School Bag?!

~Jamia <3

7 Skin Sins

The Seven Skin Sins:
1. Thou shalt not smoke.
2. Thou shalt not use a tanning bed.
3. Thou shalt not get unprotected sun exposure.
4. Thou shalt not wear makeup to bed.
5. Thou shalt not skip seeing your Esthetician on a regular basis.
6. Thou shalt not stress ( very hard one).
7. Thou shalt not skip sleep.

~ Jamia xo

Sun Damaged Skin Savers

It's no secret that the sun's rays are responsible for wreaking havoc on the skin- think brown spots, wrinkles, dullness, not to mention more serious conditions like skin cancer. Prevention is the key in slowing the signs of photo-aging.





Preventative Mearsures : Wearing a daily sunscreen SPF of 30 helps stave off harmful UV rays





Skins Supporters: Ingredients like Retinol, antioxidants, and peptides help stimulate cell turnover, boost collogen production and protect the skin.





In- Office Treatments: Non-ablative lasers penetrate the skin to treat sun damage, age spots and irregular pigmentation. Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels can bring pigmentation to the surface and prevent signs of aging as well as fade age spots.





~ Jamia

5 Skin Care Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

Here are 5 common mistakes that can make you look old before your time:



1. Forgetting About Your Neck

Most people think of the face when you mention anti-aging products, but neglecting your neck is a sure-fire way to show your age before you are ready. The fragile skin on your neck and decolletage needs to be nourished just as much as your face. Make sure you use moisturizer to face as well as neck and chest!

2. Not Eating Correctly

In addition to topical creams and serums, the optimum anti-aging skin care regimen includes nourishing the skin from within. Eating foods that are enriched with Vitamins A, E, and C as well as fish oils, will help fight the free radicals that age us!

3. Skimping on the Sunscreen

Experts recommend applying about 1 ounce of sunscreen -enough to fill a shot glass- 15-30 minutes before heading out. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after sweating and swimming.

4. Ignoring your Hands

Next to your face, your hands are probably the most visible parts of your body and will show the earliest signs of aging. They're always in contact with the elements and need to be protected with sunscreen and anti-aging creams as well!

5. Skipping the Microdermabrasions

The average skin cell turnover rate is every 28 days. As we age, this process gets longer. Making our skin look dull, dry and eventually fine lines and wrinkles. Getting a Microdermabrasion, or mechanical exfoliation of the skin, once per month helps speed up the cell turn over process and prevention of fine lines!


Jamia Hoffman
Jamia Hoffman Advanced Esthetics

Boost Your Skin With Spices

Last week I wrote about water consumption and skin health. I am a Medical Esthetician and use advanced treatments in my studio to prevent and decrease the signs of aging, and treat acne etc, but I also believe in taking care of your skin inside out. So Spice it up!!

Turmeric is a bright-orange antioxidant that studies show fight free radicals. Sprinkle this colorful spice on veggies or mix in soups and sauces!

Basil is an herb that not only tastes good, but studies have shown that basil can be a blemish eraser. The herb's oil helps combat the bacteria that causes pimples. Try it! Boil a handful of fresh basil leaves in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Let it cool, and dip a cotton ball into the liquid and apply on breakout areas!

Fennel stalks can be replaced in receipes that cause for celery. Studies show that Fennel does everything from detoxify the skin to exfoliate skin cells!

~ Jamia