With the summer season and the allure of sugary treats upon us, like ice cream and s’mores, it’s important to remember how diet can affect the skin, and to find solutions to counteract deleterious effects. One detrimental factor of sugar is the formation of Advanced Glycation End products. Advanced Glycation End products or AGEs, are caused by too much glucose or sugar in the body and cells. Research has found that if there is too much sugar in the body, protein molecules can cross-link with sugar molecules. Once this cross-linking process has occurred, the new sugar proteins are called AGEs.
Cross-linking degrades proteins and creates AGEs, which are, in turn, responsible for leading to many age-related illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, blindness/deafness and Alzheimer’s. When it comes to the skin, glycation is believed to be the main culprit behind deep wrinkling, thinning skin and the appearance of age spots.
Free radicals have also been reported to participate in AGE formation and in cell damage. Stress, and environmental stress such as pollution can also generate AGE and free radicals. Ambient particulate matter, or APM, is air-borne material that is detrimental, a.k.a. air pollution. A major mechanism by which APM exerts its detrimental effects is through the generation of oxidative stress. These particles can serve as carriers for organic chemicals and metals that are capable of localizing in mitochondria and generating the most common form of free radicals called Reactive Oxygen Species or ROS, which attack macromolecules such as membrane lipids, proteins, and DNA which can lead to skin health disorders.
It is for this reason that using natural ingredients that are potent antioxidants is important in skin care. The richest source of antioxidants includes Seaweed extracts such as Laminaria Digitata and Ascophyllum Nodosum Seaweeds. These have been found to be rich sources of natural antioxidants such as phlorotannins, sulfated polysaccharides, fucosterol and fucoxanthins. These Seaweeds are also a source of many important nutrients, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, enzymes and bioactive peptides.
Therefore, professional treatments that incorporate pure Laminaria digitata and Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extracts can help provide potent antioxidants to help counteract the appearance of aging caused by AGE’s. The following treatments and protocols are for all skin types, and are the perfect service to provide for post-holiday indulging.
Four-Layer Facial® For All Skin Types
With this premier facial treatment, the client experiences layer upon layer of pure, fresh, sustainably-harvested seaweed to help tone, deep cleanse and firm the appearance of the skin dramatically. They enjoy two facial massages and a cool seaweed mask, followed by a mineral-rich thermal mask that allows for total relaxation and a glowing complexion. Every step of the facial is a uni-dose preparation only opened and used at the time of the application for accuracy and sanitation.
Preparation
A. Sanitize hands with Repêchage® Hand Sanitizer Spray On. Secure client’s hair with a hair band or towel. Analyze skin type. Squeeze a small amount of Repêchage® Opti-Cleanse™ Extra Gentle Non-Oily Eye Makeup Remover onto a cotton square and remove eye makeup.
B. Cleanse skin with enclosed Repêchage® Gentle Face Cleanser unidose packette. Remove cleanser with damp cotton squares. Follow up with appropriate toner.
Layer 1: C-Serum
Apply Repêchage® C-Serum® Seaweed Filtrate to face, throat and décolletage and massage using effleurage, petrissage and tapotement movements until absorbed by the skin (approximately 5 minutes). Repêchage® C-Serum contains 18 amino acids, 12 vitamins and minerals and 42 trace elements derived from seaweed. Good for all skin types, this facial serum helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and improves overall skin texture. When the skin is well hydrated it becomes more translucent.
Layer 2: Hydrating Cream
Apply Repêchage® Hydrating Cream to the face using upward and outward motions and downward strokes on throat and décolletage. Perform the complete massage as demonstrated on the Repêchage® Four-Layer Facial® Instructional Video on LearningWithLydia.com, including back of neck, trapezoids and décolletage. Do not remove excess Hydrating Cream. This step will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Layer 3: Seaweed Treatment Mask
Combine the Repêchage® Seaweed Mask Powder (3A), and Gel (3B) in a rubber bowl and stir with enclosed spatula until it becomes smooth. Using the spatula, apply the mask to the face in upward and outward motions, and to the throat in downward strokes. Apply facial tissues along the edges of the seaweed mask, framing the client’s face. Apply Repêchage® Eye Rescue Pads over closed eyes. Wait 5-7 minutes, but do not remove mask.
Layer 4: Mineral Mask
Combine the Mineral Mask Powder (4A) and Mineral Gel (4B) in a rubber bowl and stir with a spatula for 1 minute or until it becomes smooth. Using upward and outward motions, apply the mask over the Seaweed Mask, carefully following the client’s facial contours. Apply to the face ony, stopping at the jawbone. The Mineral Mask should never be applied to the neck. Always remove excess mask from the spatula by wiping it against the side of the bowl.
Wait 15 minutes until the mask is completely cooled. During this time administer a hand massage using Repêchage® Sea Spa Hand Cream for 10 minutes.
Before removing the mask, remove the facial tissues by tearing them off; this loosens the suction between the two mask layers. Take the Mineral Mask in both hands, on each side of the jawbone, rock back and forth slowly, gently lifting off the mask in one piece.
To loosen the Seaweed Mask, slide your finger under the edges, then peel to remove the mask in one piece. Use damp cotton pads to cleanse away any residue. Spray the face with Repêchage® Algo Mist®. Follow with the Hydrating Cream (Layer #2).
Seaweed Treatment Mask® For All Skin Types
A soothing massage with our multivitamin C-Serum® Seaweed Filtrate is followed by a freshly mixed seaweed mask. This cooling and soothing treatment helps hydrate while improving the appearance of skin tone and clarity. This express mask is perfect as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with exfoliating treatments.
Protocol:
A. Sanitize hands with Repêchage® Hand Sanitizer Spray On. Secure client’s hair with a hair band or towel. Analyze skin type. Squeeze a small amount of Repêchage® Opti-Cleanse™ Non Oily Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover onto a cotton square and remove eye makeup.
B. Cleanse skin with enclosed Repêchage® Gentle Face Cleanser unidose packette. Remove cleanser with damp cotton squares. Follow up with appropriate toner.
OPTIONAL
1) Mix 1 spoonful of Repêchage® Honey and Almond Scrub with Buttermilk or Yogurt in a small glass bowl. Apply scrub to the face and neck with a mask brush. Massage the scrub in circular motions for 3 minutes. Remove with damp cotton squares. Be sure to follow with dry cotton to buff off any residue. You may also use Biolight® Glyco-Sea® Glycolic Peel, or Vita Cura® Enzymatic Micropeel.
4) Apply Repêchage® C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate to the skin and massage for approximately 5–8 minutes.
5) Using a spatula, remove about 1/2 teaspoon of Hydro-Complex® PFS Moisturizing Cream from jar. Apply to face and begin a complete 10-minute facial massage.
6) Combine Seaweed Powder (3A) and Seaweed Gel (3B) into a rubber bowl and whip with spatula until mixture is smooth. Using the spatula, apply seaweed mask to the throat in downward strokes and upward and outward movements on the face. Apply Repêchage® Eye Rescue Pads to the eye contour area. Leave mask on for 10–15 minutes. During this time administer a hand massage using Repêchage Sea Spa Hand Cream.
7) To peel off mask, loosen the edges with fingers and gently roll off. Remove excess residue with damp cotton squares.
8) Spray Algo Mist® Hydrating Seaweed Facial Spray or Hydra 4® Tonic lightly over face and neck. Follow up with Repêchage Mineral Face Shield®.
9) Recommend a Repêchage® at-home skincare program for maximum continued results.
