Raspberry Moon Skin Therapy

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

864.271.2710

1211D Laurens Road Greenville, SC 29607

Skincare

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!

Featured at the Moon: Intensive Therapy Rubber Masks

Our Peel Off Rubber MaskThese are the bomb and the perfect Glamorous Extra to an Over the Moon Facial! I have about 6 different ones, sometimes more. I will pick the best mask for your skin when you come in for your treatment. I just have some varieties listed here so you can get an idea.

Here are some options for ya:

Coffee Espresso Reaffirming has been enriched with green coffee from Colombia and gives a lovely clearness to the skin.

  • Its firming and anti-oxidant benefits will hydrate and tighten the facial skin.
  • Coffee has strong antioxidizing properties to slow down aging and damage due to free radicals.
  • Restores moisture balance.
  • Soothing and softening sweet almond oil and allantoin give the skin a silky touch.

Collagen brings new life to your skin.

  • Infuses the skin with moisture, improving elasticity and firmness which helps to reduce the formation and appearance of wrinkles.
  • Stimulates capillary blood circulation, leaving the skin with a fresh appearance.
  • Algovert and natural clay combine to bind facial hydration, leading to elasticity.

Cranberry AHA is a Botox-like Peel Off that gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin.

  • Fruit acids are effective in the removal of the dead cells and plays a significant role in the cell renewal process.
  • Fruit acids moisturize the skin making it looking fresher and more supple.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles lessen.
  • Imperfections and brown spots fade away over time and the complexion gets radiant.
  • Wheat ceramides, having a strong water-binding capacity, provide smoothness.

Vitamin C fights radical reactions and aids in collagen synthesis.

  • Skin is revitalized and regains its glow.
  • Vitamin C is moisturizing and will help to improve elasticity and suppleness.
  • Brown laminary algae (seaweed) add minerals and trace elements to the tissues.

Pumpkin is a rich source of antioxidants and enzymes that act like Alpha-Hydroxy Acids.pumpkin

  • Pumpkin also contains more than 100 beneficial nutrients, which may be used to help reverse the signs of aging.
  • Alpha-Hydroxy Acids have been shown to promote smoother, younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal.

Whitening is intended for all colors and contains no hydroquinone, which is known to have irritant effects.

  • The anti-oxidant activity neutralizes free radicals and slows skin ageing.
  • The mask inhibits melanin formation, preventing the skin from turning dark in the sunlight.
  • It has a strong moisturizing and firming power.

As you can see, there is a face mask that will suit your skin type! These masks take a little longer and cost a little more.

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   Add to any Facial for $15

Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs – WTH(eck) do I do now!?

Dave Waggner is the Educator Guru at Skin Script and here are his words of wisdom about in-grown hairs or pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) which is a type of inflammation of the follicle lining affecting the beard area due to infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

PFB is due to shaving, particularly close shaving—because the cut hair may retract beneath the skin surface. It can also occur in skin folds and scars. It occurs mainly in people with curly hair because the curl of the hair means that the sharp pointed end of a recently shaved hair comes out from the skin and re-enters the skin close by causing a foreign body inflammatory reaction. The follicles can easily become infected, causing PFB. So you get ingrown hairs and razor burn, those irritating red bumps on your face.

So WTH(eck) Dave, how do we fix it?

Steps to a Better ShaveDave’s advice is to let the beard grow for 30 days to eliminate ingrown hairs (I know we are currently in summer and that is harder to do but maybe a good idea for crazy No Shave November?) .

When ready to shave again, take the following precautions:

  • Ensure the skin is well moisturized.
  • A good scrub like Skin Script Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub/Mask will exfoliate the surface skin cells and reduces the likelihood of new inflamed spots.
  • Aim to have a 5 o’clock shadow immediately after shaving. Shave less frequently, e.g. every other day.
  • Either use a single blade disposable razor, or use electric hair clippers or a razor with an attachment that leaves the cut hairs long.
  • Shave in the direction of the follicle, not against it. Do not stretch the skin.
  • Sterilize metal hair clippers and electric razors using boiling water, and plastic items should be soaked in antiseptic solution.

Treating PFB from a Skin Script perspective:

Retail products: Raspberry Refining cleanser or Green Tea Citrus Cleanser, Cucumber Hydration Toner, Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub/Mask, Clarifying Toner Pads, appropriate weighted moisturizer, Blemish Spot Treatment (as needed) and of course, Sheer Protection SPF 30. All of these products are available at Raspberry Moon. Just Contact Us to order what you need.

Professional treatment: Need some help getting started in the right direction? Raspberry Moon offers an Ingrown Hair Facial Treatment that will begin to address these issues. Depending on the severity of the PFB we may need to do a series of Glycolic Acid Peels. Book a Man of the Hour Facial for your service and we will go over your skin issues and tailor a treatment to you.

 

From Skin Script:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

From me: Ditto on the above statement and use some common sense people! Everyone is responsible for their own actions. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If you have reaction, stop what you are doing. I hope this information is helpful.

Treat Your Kid’s Stanky Feet

Stinky kid's shoesKids’ stanky feet about knock you out? Those nasty feet that about take your breath away come from sweat, bacteria and fungus!

What to do with kids with stanky feet?

So here are some tips to help with those issues:

  • Spray your kids shoes with Lysol
  • Let shoes completely air out everyday – rotate your shoes everyday to allow shoes to completely dry between uses (this goes for adults as well)
  • Use Dr. Canuso’s Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (details below)
  • Extra Dry Wicking Cotton Socks
  • Every couple of days use bleach in the bath tub and rinse it out to kill the fungus
  • Use bleach when you wash socks

Dr. Canuso Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Dr. Canuso’s Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Exfoliate, Cleanse and Deodorize

Organic beeswax microbeads remove impurities and odors while scrubbing away dry skin, leaving your feet feeling clean and silky smooth.

  • Cleanse, deodorize and exfoliate your feet
  • Antibacterial, antifungal cleanser
  • Use daily in the shower and combine with foot repair system for best results
  • This is safe to use on children

Price $29.95

It’s All About Those Feet, No Fungus!

The Science of Beautiful Feet

L.R.. Dr. Canuso and meL.R. and I met Dr. Canuso at the tradeshow in October. She is super nice and L.R. thought we should bring Dr. Canuso’s line of foot care into the shop. I was pretty shocked by this as she had said “oooohh gross” when we had walked by the booth earlier that day. But her tune changed after we took the class, “The Science of Beautiful Feet” taught by Dr. Canuso.

The information below comes from Dr. Canuso’s website and from the class that we attended.

Dr. Dana Canuso is a Podiatric Surgeon and she was recently given the title of one of “America’s Best Podiatrists” and is a member of Mensa. Using her chemistry background combined with her years of clinical experience, Dr. Canuso worked with a world renowned chemist to develop a patent pending line of products designed specifically for feet.

Treating the skin on our feet is difficult for two reasons:

  • First, the skin of your feet is thicker than anywhere else on your body
  • Second, the fungus that causes dry, cracked heels and fungal toenails lives in the deepest layer of the skin

and there are 2 types of dry skin on the feet:

  • Simple – Lack of hydration, age related, climate related, smoking, environmental, or systemic
  • Complex – Lack of moisture and fungus

So how do you know which one you have? Basically if you use lotion for 2 days and your feet don’t start to do better that most likely you have a fungus!

So generally when you have dry or maybe even cracked feet, we apply lotion and then socks. The challenge comes if you actually have a fungus and not dry feet. If you actually have a fungus, you have just given the fungus a wicked breeding ground to prosper since it loves dark wet places. According to WebMD, “fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and the floors of public showers. It is most common in the summer and in warm, humid climates.”

Here’s a fun morning show interview with Dr. Canuso that I thought explained the reasons behind her products really well:

Dr. Canuso wanted to help her clients get rid of nail fungus in a quicker time and without the harmful side effects of oral medications. Foot Repair Serum formulated to penetrate thick skin and attack the fungus where it lives with a proven active ingredient Tolnaftate. And unlike a peel or scrub which simply removes the top layer of dead skin without treating the cause of the problem, Dr. Canuso’s serum allows for an increased concentration of medication to penetrate and kill the fungus that is the root cause of dry, cracked skin in the first place.

Cracked heels before and after Dr. Canuso's treatment

Untreated, the fungus that causes dry cracked heels, may eventually jump to your toenails and cause yellow, brittle fungal toenails. So it is imperative that the foot fungus be treated before it infects your toenail. But if you already have fungal toenails, Dr. Canuso Healthy Nail System was specifically designed to treat and clear your toenails. And can be used with polished nails.

Step-1 kills the foot fungus fast that causes toenail fungus while Step-2 promotes the growth of your new healthy clear nails. This patent pending system is a breakthrough in the treatment of fungal toenails and is currently the subject of a clinical study at Temple University.

We carry her Skincare Foot Line at the shop:

Healthy Nail System

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Dr. Canuso's Two Step KitThis patent-pending 2-step toenail fungus treatment is guaranteed to clear your nails or your money back.

  • Treats the entire foot and eliminates the cause of toenail fungus
  • Rejuvenates your thick toenails leaving you with clear, healthy nails
  • Developed to provide strikingly clear and rejuvenated nails
  • Guaranteed to work by Dr. Canuso

Price $79.95

Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Exfoliate, Cleanse and Deodorize

Organic beeswax microbeads remove impurities and odors while scrubbing away dry skin, leaving your feet feeling clean and silky smooth.

  • Cleanse, deodorize and exfoliate your feet
  • Antibacterial, antifungal cleanser
  • Use daily in the shower and combine with foot repair system for best results
  • This is safe to use on children

Price $29.95

Foot Repair Serum

Treat Dry, Cracked Heels

This patent-pending serum treats the cause of dry skin and cracked heels.  See and feel results in as little as 2 days!

  • Treats the deeper issue that causes dry, cracked feet
  • Prevents foot fungus
  • Ultra light serum dries instantly & leaves your feet as smooth as silk
  • Scientifically developed to provide better treatment than moisturizers
  • Eliminates foot fungus fast. Get better looking feet in no time

Price – $39.95