Raspberry Moon Skin Therapy

A Sassy, Saucy Skincare & Waxing Studio in Greenville, SC

864.271.2710

1211D Laurens Road Greenville, SC 29607

Fun Facts

Lychees from A to Z

Lychees are a yummy fruit grown on the islands of Hawaii. When we were in Hawaii last month we didn’t get to do a tour that was just about lychee but we did see a few trees that were full of beautiful fruit. It’s summer so it’s the perfect time to enjoy these little bursts of flavor.

Lychees on the tree
Lychees on the tree in Hawaii

Growing Lychees

Lychee/Litchi is a tropical fruit native to low elevation lands of China, Taiwan, South East Asia and of course Hawaii. The little clusters are usually oval or round and grow on a slow-growing, medium-sized evergreen tree. They are covered with a red-colored, rough-textured, easily removable rind. Inside is a sweet translucent ball of yumminess but it has a seed that you for sure don’t want to bite into. 

According to Kaye Family Farms in Hawaii, lychee can be grown in almost any type of soil from sea level to 2000 ft elevation. They love well drained, acidic soil. They also love humidity in the summer for the fruit and cold in the winter for the flowers. Hawaii has so many microclimates that picking the right area to grow lychees is very important. It does make me think they should grow well in South Carolina but I think maybe the frost is what would kill them? Maybe we will give it a try.

Lychee in Skincare

Some of the benefits of lychee in skincare are a great source of skin-friendly nutrients like thiamin, niacin, and copper. Thiamin assists the body in metabolizing fats and protein for healthy skin. Niacin boosts the hydration levels in the skin while copper, in small quantities, helps to speed up the healing of damaged skin. All these benefits make lychee a super fruit for your skin.

Lychees are extremely juicy and helps keep the body hydrated. Of course this means healthy, hydrated skin. There is no chance of dehydration when you consume this fruit.

The Health Benefits of Lychee

According to Top Food Facts, lychee also have the following health benefits:

  1. All the rich fibers helps maintain digestive health. It helps to keep the stomach clear of harmful toxins, and prevents the problems of constipation. It also has the ability to cleanse the colon. Furthermore, the lychee is a natural diuretic, and helps relieve pain caused due to kidney stones.
  2. The high vitamin C content in it makes this fruit extremely beneficial for our bone and skin health. Moreover, it strengthens the body’s immune system, and the ability to fight different types of disease.
  3. Lychee fruit extract is great for those looking to lose weight around the abdomen, and for those who aim to improve their metabolism. 
  4. Supposedly it helps against potential heart attacks. It clears out blood clots and keeps the cells healthy.
  5. It contains fatty acids that are essential in order to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. This means, it aids the digestion of other healthy foods.
  6. Lastly, instead of opting for a cola, or a cup of coffee, or a sugary treat for an energy boost, try having a couple of lychees and see the difference it makes to your overall energy levels.

Lychee is an amazing source of Vitamin C. It provides about 72 mg of this vitamin per 100 grams! It is a great source of potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Eating Lychees

How do you eat these little guys? Peel and eat of course, or add them to a fruit salad, or enjoy it with ice cream. Top a cake with pieces of fresh lychee.

You can even add it to flavor your stir fried vegetables. It’s like having the best of both worlds! I think I need to eat a ton of these! 

And of course you can enjoy it in a facial treatment with our Pineapple Lychee Facial!

For more information:

Interesting facts about Lychee fruit

Alcohol in Skincare? For Shame…….or no?

A few weekends ago at the Skin Script Empowerment Retreat, we got to hear from the John Stanek, the formulator behind Lisa’s magic and probably one of the fastest speakers I have ever heard! LOL. He was a wealth of knowledge and you can tell that he is very passionate about his work.

Is alcohol in skincare good or not so good?

One of the topics he spoke about was alcohol in skincare, specifically in the Skin Script line and why it is used.

There is this big panic about having alcohol in skincare products. The truth of the matter is that not all alcohols are created equal and not all alcohols are bad. We actually need alcohol in some products to help the product work better, as an anti-bacterial agent, as an emulsifier, and they also play well with essential oils.

Here are some alcohols that are used in skincare and why we actually use them:

Simple Alcohols like Ethanol act as an astringent, drying, antiseptic and evaporates quickly.

Denatured Alcohol helps deliver active ingredients into the skin because it has great solvent properties.

Fatty Alcohol or Cetyl Alcohol is non-drying and has a complex molecular structure. They have a fabulous emollient effect on products and also helps to slow trans-epidermal water loss.

SD Alcohol is commonly known as budding or baker’s yeast. It is a brilliant solvent that blends well with water. It will change the environment so the formulator can add active ingredients that otherwise would be insoluble, into the final product. It is like pixie dust or having a magic wand!

So although some alcohols are bad for the skin, there are some that are needed to make a stellar product line. John Stanek was very clear that Skin Script as a whole uses the least amount of alcohol as possible and only for a very specific purpose.

So rest assured you are in good hands with Skin Script and with Raspberry Moon!

Cheers!

Nicole

WTH Do All These Words Mean I Can’t Pronounce!

What are some of those crazy beauty ingredients?Have you ever looked at an ingredient label and thought WTH does all this mean?

And then some companies advertise the whole “If you can’t pronounce it, then it is bad for you!” Well, that’s not exactly true.

Here are some large words you may find on your skincare bottles and what they actually refer to.

  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride – this comes from coconut and is used as a thickening agent and is a great emollient.
  • Dihydrogen Oxide – Means 2 Hydrogen and 1 Oxygen – Anyone remember a tiny bit of High School Chemistry? Also known as Water!
  • Phenoxyethanol – this is actually a preservative that is globally approved, is non-irritating, non-sensitizing and is used to help prevent bacteria growth. Yeah who wants nasty critters running amok in their skincare? Not me!
  • SD Alcohol – is made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae which is a species of yeast. It has been instrumental in winemaking, baking, and brewing since ancient times according to Wikipedia. This is more commonly known as baker’s yeast or budding yeast. This is used because it mixes so well with water and allows the formulator to add active ingredients that otherwise would be insoluble into the end product.
  • Sodium Hydroxypropysulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer – Holy Smokes could this be any longer!? This is a natural plant derived surfactant made from coconut oil and corn syrup. It is renewable and gentle to the skin.

Scientific beakerWhy water isn’t water on an ingredient list

So why the heck can’t they just say baker’s yeast or use a word that everyone would know? This has to do with INCI names, International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It requires that all ingredients are listed on the label; there can be no trade names or company proprietary ingredients. If a company won’t list its ingredients or tries to hide it, then you should be concerned.

Be sure to check out our blog post on peptides for a list of commonly used peptides, what they mean, and why we use them.

 

Peptides in Skincare

Skin Script products that include peptides

So what the heck are peptides and why do I care?

Peptides are short chain amino acids that penetrate the Stratum Corneum (the top layer of your skin). They are synthetic and made in a lab.

Peptides make skincare more functional and help ingredients perform better. They are basically telling our skin to do something. I am all for using as natural of a skincare line as possible, but we still have to have products that actually do something positive for the skin!

Below is a list of commonly used Peptides, what they do and even what Skin Script product they are used in!

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

AKA Argireline, reduces fine lines and facial tension, has a Botox like effect on wrinkles great around the eye area, forehead or even the neck. Found in: Peptide Eye Serum and Tri-Peptide Eye Cream

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

AKA SNAP 8, reduces wrinkle depth. Found in: Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum

ChroNOline

Boosts Collagen, helps to smooth and soften the skin, helps to restore and restructure the skin, great for menopausal skin. Found in: Peptide Restoration Moisturizer

Copper Tripeptide-1

Promotes healing. Found in: Peptide Restoration Moisturizer

Human Oligopeptide-1 (EGF)

Helps to divide the cells quicker – and not to worry, this doesn’t come from a human, it is a chain of 53 amino acids. Found in: Peptide Restoration Moisturizer

Kollaren

Tells the circulatory system to kick on, helps lift and tone. Found in: Passionfruit Enzyme Treatment

Matrixyl Sythe’6

Has been used for years and is considered the Gold Standard in skincare and pro-aging ingredients. It is used to soften wrinkles. Found in: Ageless Hydrating Serum – 65% Hyaluronic Acid!

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

Diminishes dark circles. Found in: Peptide Eye Serum

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Diminishes dark circles. Found in: Peptide Eye Serum

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Stimulates collagen. Found in: Tri-Peptide Eye Cream

Reproage™

Improves skin roughness and resolves texture issues. Found in: Peptide Restoration Moisturizer

So there you have the peptide story in a nutshell. Lab created, skin approved!

Are Red Lips Really that Powerful?

Are Red Lips Really That Powerful?“From murder, to prostitution, to witchcraft accusations, the history of red lipstick has a sexy past that’s 5,000 years deep.” Red lipstick was been used over the centuries to enhance women’s (and sometimes men’s lips).

It has been seen as a sign of status, a sign of rebellion, a sign of hope, as having magical powers or as a sign of Satan’s work. At one time men could even get their marriage annulled if they were “tricked” by the bride wearing lipstick! Really guys?

A Brief History of Lipstick

The first lipstick was created out of crushed gemstones and white lead (not such a great idea and would later be the cause of death of Queen Elizabeth I of England). Ancient Sumerian men and women both used the paste as a sign of status. One of the most famous women in history and said to be the Mother of Beauty, Cleopatra made lipstick out of flowers, red ocher, fish scales, crushed ants and carmine in a beeswax base.

The church would later get involved in the lives of women by banning the use of cosmetics. It was said to be a sign of the devil. Of course, women were allowed to wear it if they were married and it made their husbands happier or they were disfigured. Ah the muddling of men in women’s affairs……

Flash forward to the 1900s where Elizabeth Arden got her start in makeup in 1912 by passing out red lipsticks to Suffragettes.  In 1915 we will see the first tube lipstick and by the 30s it is considered to be “the most important cosmetic for women” according to Vogue. In the 1940’s it was used by the ladies to show hope and feel womanly during the war.

The Power of Lipstick

Although there have been periods in time where not wearing any lipstick also made a statement, in most cases lipstick is a staple in the beauty bag of most women. Even during an economic recession, lipstick sales will be high. This is known as the “lipstick effect.”

So ladies, no matter what you decide, lipstick, no lipstick, bold or subtle, the choice has always been yours—no matter what anyone else says.

I found this one story about women from war-torn Bosnia who were asked what could Women for Women International UK, an organization that aids women in countries affected by war and conflict, bring to the women on their next trip? Their answer: Lipstick. Not clothing, not vitamins—a tube of rouge. “It’s the simplest thing that each woman can put on every single day, and we feel beautiful, and that’s how I’m resisting the war. I want that sniper to know that he is killing a beautiful woman.” I can’t even imagine, as I am sure most of you can’t.

I know when my Mom went to Russia (still a source of contention as I always wanted to go in the 80s/90s before the collapse of the USSR and she thought I was crazy, then she went after I left home!), they were told to bring makeup, that the ladies in Russia loved it.

I have found the history of lipstick, particularly reds, to be so interesting. I don’t know, I guess it is because of how I feel when I wear it or when I see other ladies rockin’ powerful lips.

What lipstick, especially red lipstick, can do for you:

“Red adds a bounce to my step, some steel to my backbone. In it, I feel oddly invincible” – Sali Hughes

“Lipstick has the power to give women confidence and hope all over the world. It’s what I call the psychology of makeup: When you look good, you feel good, and when you’re at your most confident, you can unlock your power on the world around you,” says Charlotte Tilbury, founder of Hot Lips.

“Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God into people!” – Dita Von Teese

“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack. Wearing a bold red can give a feeling of power, making one feel like a different version of themselves.” – Coco Chanel

“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.” – Elizabeth Taylor

My Favorite Reds from Besame Cosmetics

I am a person that loves bold lips. I do own a soft Dusty Rose and enjoy the new Starfish Kiss, both from Besame Cosmetics of course. However, I LOVE strong, bold lips. It is so hard to pick my favorite as I love several of them. It really depends on my mood which one I wear.

Some of my favorite colors from Besame are:

  • American Beauty
  • Red Hot Red (This is a true replica of a color from 1959. Marilyn Monroe’s favorite shade. A fire engine red from 1959 that the blonde bombshell favored above all other reds. This shade looks lovely on all skin tones, particularly those with yellow undertones.)
  • Red Velvet
  • Victory Red
  • For a vampish look, Noir
  • For a bit of a softer red, I am really loving the Water Lilly Blossom
  • And all though not a true red, the Wild Orchid is probably the color I wear the most for “everyday.” I am on my second tube. I literally used a lip brush to use every last bit from the tube!

Not sure what red is perfect for you? Come see me at the shop and experience the many shades of red from Besame Cosmetics. Besame is the Queen of true vintage lipsticks. And don’t worry for those of you that like a more subtle lip, I have a few shades for you too!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bot5Js6gVRa/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Articles about red lipstick:

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/a-love-letter-to-red-lipstick

https://www.bustle.com/articles/132817-why-my-love-affair-with-red-lipstick-is-a-serious-one

https://www.bustle.com/articles/190243-the-history-of-red-lipstick-from-ancient-egypt-to-taylor-swift-everything-in-between

 

World Snake Day

Shannon with Nagini -a pastel ball python
Shannon with Nagini -A Pastel Ball Python

July 16th is World Snake Day so I thought I would ask my friend Shannon to spread a little snake 411 and love. She is my go to on all things snake.

There are few creatures more misunderstood than snakes. They are often universally feared and maligned. While it is natural to fear something that can potentially cause harm to people, most do not know how beneficial and diverse snakes are or how to tell the venomous ones from non-venomous ones.

Most snakes are more afraid of people than people are of them. This means that they tend to hide and typically any bite would be defensive in nature. There are about 3,580 known species of snakes, ranging from the tundra to jungles to the ocean. The majority of snake species are non-venomous and essentially harmless to humans and common pets.

Snakes are highly effective predators that play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping down the population of rodents, ticks, and other pests. They also contribute to the modern medical field. Snake venom was used in the development of medications created to treat heart attacks, blood clots and disorders, high blood pressure, strokes, kidney disease, brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and various pain disorders. Scientists are studying its potential use in cancer and pain killing treatments.

Snakes as pets

Salazar Slytherin - A Hog Island Boa
Salazar Slytherin – A Hog Island Boa

Snakes are not the most exciting choice of pets but are easy to care for with the proper habitats. They do not need or thrive on a lot of handling and affection and are relatively low-maintenance. Most snakes are not aggressive unless they are in feeding mode or need to defend themselves.

Each species will have its own heat and humidity requirements and the key to a healthy snake is maintaining these specific parameters. Snakes rely on their environment to regulate their body temperatures and aid digestion. Most habitats will have a warm side, a cool side, and an ambient (air/environment) temperature. They need a secure habitat with locks or a latching door and a reliable heat source on a thermostat. Heat sources can range from heating pads to heat tape to radiant heat panels. They also need proper humidity, which varies greatly based on species. An appropriately sized water bowl can help you achieve that.

Snakes love to remain unseen and need a designated place to hide on both the cool and the warm side. It helps if they are identical hides so that the snake does not choose one favorite place and fail to regulate its body temperature. Each species will have different feeding needs but most common pet snakes will eat rodents. They can be fed live or frozen and thawed. Young snakes will eat more regularly but adults often eat anywhere from 2-4 weeks, depending on species and size.

Snakes shed their skin a few times a year and an intact shed is a sign that they are healthy. If there is shed stuck on the snake something is wrong with their environment or health and the owner will need to adjust accordingly.

Snakes can be wonderful pets for the right owner. They do not demand too much time or effort but are fascinating to watch and interact with. Much like dogs and cats, there are many species to choose from that range in size and temperament. With a little research and an open mind, you can discover more about these ancient, fascinating creatures.

So if you think a snake is in your future, be sure to do your research, go to one of the reptile conventions and ask questions and learn more.

Salazar Slytherin - A Hog Island Boa