Heal Frizz & Damage October 31st Keratin Express Special [Save $80]

Hi Lovely! GRAB THIS ONE DAY ONLY SPECIAL!

Hairy Horrors and Ghoulish Hair got ya’ feeling scary?

I only offer this special when you get a color service @beautyecology. For one day only, you can receive this special without a color and get this HAIR TRANSFORMATIVE WITCH BREW of KERATIN - OCT 31st ONLY!

Read more about the service - the benefits below!

BOOK IT!

EMAIL for your offer [ kassieannk@gmail.com ] or Txt: 612 386 4044

There is a fundamental relationship with your hair and essential amino acids.  

When left untreated, it undermines both your hair color and the cuticle integrity.  

But, when nurtured and treated right…. It can be a game changer! 

The Long and Short of it.

No matter what texture and type of locks you have --  fuller, youthful and longer lasting color are all part of every woman’s  #HAIRGOALS!

If bodacious, thick and shiny locks do NOT come naturally to you, the right ingredients and strategic salon services can be game-changing.

Get the quick cliff notes on exactly what to do when it comes to creating your most healthy and happy hair relationship. 

Dull. Destroyed. Devitalized.  

Topic at hand?  

PROTEIN.

Are you IN?
Fundamentally, shiny and more youthful hair starts at the root…..”aka” your nutrition and the steak on your plate.

Or OUT..
Shinier locks are also a direct reflection of how harsh, synthetic (silicone cheap cover-ups) or chemical laden your home products are.

Another key catalyst of breakage prone and dull hair is from harsh professional chemical services. (See how we address this below).

Perfect Hair Strand Check.

If you have the following strand checklist covered, then no need to read further.

• Flexible movement and bounce

• Vibrant color that shines

• Concealed split ends

• Strong

• Thick and full of body

And If not…..Stop and REFLECT as we DELIVER HOW TO GET IT.
 

Q:
Does your hairstylist have your best interest in mind (and cuticle)?

Hair cannot repair itself, so we have to put back in what was taken out.  Your hair’s condition is paramount and always comes first.   

At BE, we’ve re-engineered your color and home care essentials to keep your hair healthy, shiny and in top condition.

Traditional Hair Color + Amino Acid Degradation
Aside from toxic chemicals and off-gassing fumes harming our health, the traditional components in hair color such as ammonia (and tricky silent substitutions) severely depletes the hair’s delicate integrity and ability to hold your hair color.   

Color Conditioning Technology at BE
When I pioneered our professional color services at Beauty Ecology over 8 years ago, I sought first to remove deplenishing ammonia and peroxide altogether and replaced it with gentle marine enzymes - keeping your hair free of damage.

What happens when your FIRST LAYER of DEFENCE is compromised?

Net Net:  Your cuticle provides the first layer of defense for your hair.

Strand Anatomy
Your hair is made up of the cuticle (outer layer), cortex (middle layer comprised of protein), and the medulla (the center).

The Mane Appearance to Shine
When undamaged, your cuticles lay flat like tiles on a roof and your hair appears shiny.

On the Flip Side….When in Lack of Keratin
When damaged for too long and deprived of what it needs, it can never fully recover. Double the assault, It loses the capability to hold moisture, resulting in frizzy, dry, brittle hair -- as well as the inability to holding a curl and taking longer to dry.

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Surviving the Split (ends) & Creating Your Best Happy Hair Relationship

Co-collaborate with our professional BE color team with an end-of-summer Keratin Therapy Session!  

Experience the Benefits with our Keratin Express Add-on to your next hair color!

To Have and to Hold

• Prolongs hair color and tone

• Gives fine hair more visible volume and bounce

• Keeps hair outer layer on lock-down

• Helps hold and lock in moisture

• Keeps hair flexible and less prone to breakage

Get ALL your questions asked about Keratin Services HERE.

October 31st Keratin Express Special
Save [$80]

NO COLOR NEEDED * STAND ALONE SERVICE | ONE DAY ONLY

EMAIL for your offer [ kassieannk@gmail.com ] or Txt: 612 386 4044

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THINNING HAIR 🕒 Do this while you still have time

HEY LADY!

✨✨✨✨
Tell me, have you ever looked at your scalp or at your brush and thought ...

OMG, is all of this hair loss normal?

Will my hair stop falling out?

Is this aging or stress, my hair is getting thinner!

Industry-wide,thinning hair a leading concern amongst salon clients,but few hairstylists know how to help a client get from here (helping to identify the source) to THERE (determining the best starting point, testing and solution-based options for the client).

I wish addressing thinning hair were as easy as just taking biotin, but it's not. 😔

| Fact |

40% of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

I personally experienced losing over 50% of my hair in a short 2 weeks(literally) due to a perfect storm of stress and a health collapse (low hemoglobin). I remember not wanting to even touch my scalp, let along wash my hair.

Luckily, I had help to my kryptonite (Root Revival - explained below).

In fact, this power hitter is 2X'S MORE POWERFUL THAN MINOXIDIL and 100% NATURAL and DRUG-FREE!

Life begins at the SCALP

ENTER ROOT REVIVAL'S Multi-therapeutic Regime, while you still have time!

• Help prevent hair loss

• May rejuvenate damaged hair follicles

• Aims to improve hair quality and texture

• Helps to restore healthy hair growth cycles

  Can increase circulation and nutrition to scalp and hair follicles
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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How'd Evoq different from other hair loss products?

Our activator takes into account the entire follicle process fromstart to finish. Many other products have "mono" (one) ingredients that help hair loss, but often falls short or is over abrasive with salicylic acid to try to remove buildup - leaving the scalp dry and sensitive.

How's the Root Revival Activator work?

Hair Loss happens due to the stem cells of the hair follicle becoming less productive. Moreover, the fibroblasts located in the dermal papilla are less effective in transmitting information to the stem cells, in consequence, the matrix is not able to renew itself as before.

Evoq's Root Revival Activator targets the hair follicle cells to reactivate its division and stimulate anagen initial phase(growth)and decrease the effects of the telogen phase(fall).

Its action on several fronts enhances hair growth more than any other compound, even more(clinically proven 2x's more) than Minoxidil which is known for its side effects.

To make it easy - below is a chart that displays the power of this powerful scalp enhancer, followed by a client that's experience incredible regrowth!

100% Natural Hair Growth Solution with Root Revival Activating Tonic

Reach out if you have any questions. Finding the root cause, combined with safe, toxic-free support is my passion and specialty. xo - Kassandra

Love and light! - Kassandra.

Rehab Hair & Now with the NEW Cor.Restore Service

Dry, brittle, dull and weak hair is about to be of the past.

Introducing our NEW.BE service

CØR restore. 
Repair | Rebuild | Protect | Prolong

A TREATMENT TO REPAIR & GIVE LONGEVITY TO YOUR COLOR

Brilliant hair color starts with a clean and healthy canvas (your hair). It’s what gives you color longevity, shine and dimension to your color results.

Like a true colorist, I’ve changed my own color up and went from dark ash to cool bright blonde myself, which always brings ….. DAMAGE. No ma’am.

In fact, all ages of my clients have been brightening it up as of late. There are no hair rules in the winter. Have fun! I’ll make sure you get there in the healthiest way.

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Social Proof | Bleach FREE | 100% Natural Hair Color

View this post on Instagram

Taking this beauty from ash to all over bright blonde with ZERO bleach was a joy. No breakage and brass free. #blonde #organicsalon #organichaircolor

A post shared by Beauty Ecology Organic Salon (@beautyecology) on Nov 7, 2018 at 8:14pm PST

RECOVERY HAIR & NOW

You can go BRIGHT BLONDE or better maintain RICH BRUNETTE hair color with CØR Restore.

This new in-salon restorative treatment uses an innovative blend of amino acids and organic nourishments to reconnect broken bonds and repair the damage to hair that has been compromised by chemical processing, heat styling, and mechanical abuse.

In depth:

• Improves and maintains hair strength and integrity

• Helps repair damage from frequent coloring and bleaching

• Lessens breakage and helps the hair grow longer

• Reduces split ends

• Tames frizz and makes hair shiner, smoother, and more manageable

What it’s made of:

• Arginine – Stimulates Hair Growth

• Glycine – Slows Aging Process

• Alanine – Helps Retain Color

• Serine – Strengthens the Hair

• Valine – Nourishes the Hair Fiber

• Proline – Builds Collagen

• Threonine – Provides Protein and Collagen

• Isoleucine – Plumps and Fills the Hair

• Histidine – Strengthens the Hair Shaft

• Aspartic Acid – Conditions Strands

• Sodium PCA – Preserves Moisture

• Phenylalanine – Helps Prevent Fading

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Q & A

What’s the difference between our Keratin Express + CØR Restore Service?

Different but both are just as valuable in maintaining the disulphide bonds within the hair structure. The difference is Cor.Restore is used during the color process. These bonds are normally broken down during the color process and can sometimes result in breakage and stretchy hair results mainly in high lift situations such as balayage, highlights or lift tints. It’s a must for anyone heading lighter, but just as powerful in tinting down.

Can I use the treatment if I am NOT coloring?

YES! From lightening, coloring to even using it as a stand-alone treatment, we can add it to a haircut or as a treatment by itself.

What is the cost?
$45: Includes treatment and blowout.

**SAVE 20% when you add to a color service ( only $36 )!

How Long does it take?

NO TIME, when you add to a hair color. As a separate treatment with a blowout or haircut, approximately 40 minutes.

Is this the same as OLAPLEX?

NO - but YES. The pursuit is the same in repairing the bonds in the cuticle.
But this is NOT Olaplex.

Here’s a shared explanation in understanding Olaplex Ingredients
According to the label, it contains the following:
Water (Aqua), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Quaternium-91, Sodium Benzoate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyquaternium-37, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Etidronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phytantriol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.

According to sites like Truth In Aging, EWG.org, and Paula’s Choice, the majority of the remaining ingredients constitute conditioning agents (propylene glycol, glycerin, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, quaternium-91, cetrimonium methosulfate).
Others include emollients (cetearyl alcohol), preservatives (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, tetrasodium EDTA), and cleansers (cetrimonium chloride).
Source: https://www.highya.com/olaplex-no3-reviews

​​​​At BE we always challenge the artificial norms of professional haircare with formulations that are both effective and gentle. Removing harsh chemicals wherever possible while including natural extracts and active minerals that deliver real benefits.

How does your hair color keep my hair healthier?
Our motto for over 2 centuries is : Start with healthiest color for inner-outer health.

100% FREE of Ammonia, PPD and Resorcinol!

• PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) has been linked to bladder cancer, lung, kidney and nervous system disorders and severe allergic reactions

• Resorcinol is classified by the European Union as harmful, irritant to eyes and skil and dangerous for the environment. It may also disrupt hormonal function, and lead to  hypothyroidism.

• Ammonia can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system. It can also cause asthma and breathing difficulties.

Our components to help protect and boost hair health:

• Illute (allows micro pigment to permeate and saturate hair with colour)

• Kaolin (guards against colour fade and ensures colour stays locked)

• Montmorillonite (nourishes the hair and scalp to improve hair and scalp condition)

• Enjoy sunflower seed wax and sweet almond oil to further strengthen the hair and scalp.

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READY? Whether you want to up-level your hair color, or put your locks through rehab. Allow us to personalize and help you.

Let your stylist know you’d like to ADD onto your upcoming color service! Perfect for looking your best for the holidays!

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What it all comes down to? A Healthy Scalp [bonus inside]

Natural Ingredients Are Only Beneficial [ IF ] They Are Bioavailable!
I'm pretty sure you agree there's countless hair and scalp products on the market today that state they contain natural ingredients. But far too often, the individual botanical may not convey any noticeable effect.

When I develop or revise any Evoq product, the delivery system and the preservations of it's natural ingredients (yes), but even more so, it's critical the bioactivity is preserved for short and long term results.  

For example:

This is why we invest in Vitamin C Esther (lipid encapsulated) versus ascorbic acid, (vitamin c form that goes rancid upon oxygenation).

So.... how's YOUR scalp? 
​​When it comes to your scalp and the extension thereof [ HAIR ] .....

At Beauty Ecology we help you resolve everything from dandruff, psoriasis, over oily scalp, and hair loss - we know how to recognize when your scalp needs that extra attention.   

Our gentle Chelation System in our Scalp Clarifying + Remedy Treatment is definitely my favorite (and client go to) when it comes to treating the hair and scalp.   Here's what to expect if you put it to work:

- Removing excess and trapped oils
- Product build up 
- Hard water and chlorine
- Prep for hair color for longer lasting and more vibrancy

The KEY here is to remember, the health of your scalp displays many cause and effects, but it is the very place HEALTHY HAIR STARTS.  This means the rate of growth and vitality of your cuticle strength also starts here. 

SURPRISE! LIMITED TIME OFFER

Grab 10% OFF our top selling Scalp Health & Regrowth products!

DISCOUNT CODE:  * BESTSCALPEVER *

Hair Regrowth Tonic

- Up to 200% Better OutcomeCompared to Minoxidil (drug based growth product)

- 78.9% noticed visible increase in Hair Diameter & Thickness

- 71% of satisfaction and desired continual use

- Outperforms Minoxidil by 90% in medical based clinical trial

Clarifying Pre-Wash

AHA + Willow Bark: ­Helps clear the follicles of excessive dead cell build up, allowing room for thicker hair growth.

Zinc Complex:  Reduce scalp irritation and employ scalp balance with this natural UV protectant infusion for the most advanced scalp ailments.

Seed Oil Concentrate:  Nourish and support the scalp with an infusion of free radical quenching and anti­-inflammatory benefits.

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HAIR GROWTH ACTIVATION

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FREE UP OF PRODUCT BUILD UP + HARD WATER  

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Thanks for being the INFORMED BEAUTY you are! If you’d like more information on our scalp treatments, products or to make an appointment - please email me at hello@beautyecology.com.

Fall Hair Tips & Trends

Fall hair trends are on the prowl - and our saloon chairs have been buzzing with brunette's and golden beauties already! 

This quick trend read is for all of you ladies that are not quite ready to bid your highlights goodbye.  

I suggest keeping your face light and bright while dosing down with rich brown behind and under to bring color into the face, plump up your cuticle and to usher in a season of soul renewal. 

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FALL TRENDS |  BE Natural & Youth Renewal Hair Color

If you've followed our instagram stories this summer and caught me hitting the trail rides this summer on my favorite horse pal (Rebel) - then you'll get this is my all time fav!

Hats off and yeehaw to this beautiful image - as a horse lover, cowgirl and obsessive colorist and   - this photo says it best.  

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Honestly want to tell her to SMILE, but for all intensive purposes, exposing this fabulous, soft approach to  winding down a blend of beige blonde and beige brunette.  

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Much like my gal in the cowgirl hat, this technique is along the same lines.  Framing the face only is a strategic way to hide gray on your six week marathon, brighten the face and richen up the rest of the crown and crowd.  

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This lovely is a all-star on pinterest.  Many of my clients adore her bright blonde tenacity - as do I!   If you're a ash blonde to begin with, amping it up with our keratin - brass free - mineral clay is the way to go.   As fall comes near, throwing in a few icy brunettes makes the blonde pop even more.  

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SUPERIOR COLOR + METHODOLICAL TECHNIQUE

@beautyecology only offers the best of the BEST when it comes to color and quality.

 NO hidden chemicals, ammonia, ppd, or peroxide.  We rehab your hair and it just gets better - time after time...

 Email | hello@beautyecology.com | or Text  | 612-386-4044 |  to book your rich + healthy color!

SEA ACTION - 10 Oceanic Ways to Age Defying Skin

SKIN + SEA

IS IT ALL YOU NEED?

DIVE IN! 

If you desire healthy, youthful skin, there are vital nutrients needed to promote cellular renewal and collagen synthesis. For the most part, our diets not provide you with all of the nutrients you need to achieve the desired results.

When used at the right percentage and each ingredient synergistically empowers the other, nature can give us an abundant source of life and skin action.  

he ocean is the absolute apex of mineral water, and its molecular makeup is nearly identical to our own cellular makeup - making it biomimetic and instantly usable.    

Naturally, we can tap into that power of oceanic building blocks to restore the missing nutrients needed.

At Evoq, each product taps into the depths of the sea with natural, organic and wild-crafted extracts that provide instant replenishment. When used daily, over time your skin will be restored back to its youthful glow by utilizing seaweed - the perfect food for your skin!

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10 therapeutic properties of sea algae great for your health — both on the inside and the outside.

Brimming full of sea nutrients.  

Small Batch  |  Food Grade  |  Filler Free  | Gluten Free  |  Organic

1. DNA Repair

- One of the biggest threats to your skin’s health is the sun.

- Overexposure to the sun changes your skin’s DNA.

- Marine plankton repairs sun-damaged DNA with enzymes..

- Works as quickly as two hours when applied as a topical cream.

- Recent studies show plankton may even prevent skin cancer.

2. Youth-Renewing Skin Effects

- Many types of seaweed contain L-Fucose.

- This sugar molecule strengthens skin’s collagen and elastin..

- Reduces signs of aging and firms and plumps your skin.

- Topical seaweed treatments that contain L-Fucose thickens your dermis.

- A thicker dermis means less visible wrinkles and an uplifting effect for younger-looking skin.

3. Nutrient-Richness for Cellular Regeneration

- Seawater contains all of the known elements of life.

- Seaweed get their nutrients from seawater.

- Seaweed becomes a rich storehouse of life-giving elements.

- Utilize marine plants to deliver all of the sea’s nutrients right to your skin.

- Seaweed supports and speeds up cellular regeneration.

- Seaweed baths infuse your skin with magnesium, potassium, iodine, copper, and zinc, which promote the creation of collagen.

4. Smooths and Hydrates

- Marine polysaccharides found in seaweed are natural moisturizers.

- Seaweed locks in moisture, reduces inflammation, and smooths and firms.

5. Stimulates Collagen Production

- Cold-water seaweed creates special peptides

- These peptides stimulate collagen production and firm your skin.

6. Reduces Inflammation and Improves Skin Conditions

- Many factors trigger an inflammatory response in our skin.

- Prolonged inflammation speeds up the aging process.

- Two of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents are plentiful in seaweed.

- Applied topically, they can help treat rosacea, eczema, and dermatitis.

7. Imparts Antioxidants to Your Skin

- Free radical exposure attacks your skin and impacts your overall health.

- Seaweed is the richest source of antioxidants and carotenoids.

- Creates a protective shield against free radicals to prevent aging and protect your health.

8. Increases Metabolism and Promotes Healthy Weight Loss

- Giant kelp helps you slim down thanks to iodine and carotenoids.

- Seaweed supplements boost metabolism.

- Stubborn and unwanted fat is burned.

- Seaweed wraps and baths reduce cellulite and defines your legs.

9. Flushes Out Toxins

- Seaweed is chock full of calcium and magnesium.

- These two minerals help your body get rid of toxins.

- Seaweed wraps stimulate return circulation to flush out toxins.

- Improves water retention, cellulite, and other degenerative age-related conditions.

10. Balances Your Hormones

- Iodine in seaweed helps your reproductive organs balance estrogen levels.

- Estrogen imbalances cause many health-related issues for women.

- Breast cancer, advanced aging, weight gain, and reproductive issues.

- Topical treatments along with a seaweed supplement help balance estrogen.

Utilizing seaweed is like tapping into the very source of life itself. Seaweed gives us a host of gifts that restore and replenish our bodies inside and out. At Evoq, we’ve taken advantage of these amazing properties to give you products that are natural and truly medicinal.

The NEW Alternative to Micro Needling Wand. FEEL the difference!

When it comes to having the best skin health, it often breaks down to getting sufficient collagen and elastin production in your skin and how Vitamin C Ester is a vital component of maintaining these two proteins.

If you need a quick refresher, you can catch up on our posts about the inner workings of skin aging.

Get the Archives

Collagen and Elastin: 2 Critical Proteins to Defy Advanced Aging

Smoother Skin 2x's Faster - The Critical Component You're Missing

READ ON about the NEWEST Facial Alternative to Micro Needling today!

Can a professional facial really make a difference?

As we age, our skin slows down, and we all need a little extra help from the pros. We can control a lot of factors when it comes to our skin’s health - our lifestyle, product use, etc. - but getting older is inevitable.

At BE, we celebrate laugh lines, and realize not every women’s top goals are to look younger.  We can agree that taking steps in optimizing our skin’s ability to regenerate and work at its best so you can confidently feel and look your - BEST.

Stimulating cell production is the truest way to maintain great skin-fit health and slow hormonal aging. 

Whoever said “beauty is pain” obviously never experienced the pleasure of a Rezenerate facial!

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 Pro-Collagen & Elastin Skin Needling

This gentle facial INSTANTLY increases collagen and elastin regeneration. The best part? We’ll help correct your skin problems WITHOUT nasty synthetics or chemicals.

 The NEWEST Skin Technology For Visible Transformation.

Our most powerful facial service uses the newest Microderm technology to give your skin the plumpness, glow, and evenness it can lack by delivering the key to anti-aging - cell production stimulation.

Common and popular facial methods can do more harm - than good.

If you've heard of it, micro needling can cause skin infections, bleeding, and other health concerns...Plus, it hurts!

 THE INNER WORKINGS -for- YOUR OUTER GLOW

This facial wand is a professional-grade, state-of-the-art precision cosmetic tool that delivers instant results with long-term benefits.

How the Wand works

In a matter of 10 to 15 minutes of conditioning the skin, the tiny tip will create millions of microscopic channels in the top most layers of the stratum corneum, thereby making it ultra absorbent for product and extremely receptive.  

When the skin is conditioned, topically applied serums will absorb 7 to 10 times more effectively than unconditioned skin into the epidermis and travel to the problem areas. Products’ efficacy will be boosted substantially and results will be greatly accelerated.

"On demand results?” Yes, we mean it!

Instantly, your skin will utilize products better, have an increase in cellular turnover, and experience a gentle micro-peel. Combined with our deep-cell Evoq biomimetic, fresh ingredients, you’ll give a super-boot to those immediate results.

Short & Long-term Results | All Skin Conditions

- Plumper skin

- Minimized fine lines and wrinkles

- Reduced blemishes, scars, and dark spots

- An overall improved complexion

FAQ
Questions?    We've got answers.     

- How long is my down time?

There is no downtime! You can put on makeup just a few minutes after treatment is complete and get on with your busy schedule. The treatment is so gentle you can even use it around your eyes and lips for crow’s feet and smile lines. Your fillers and Botox are safe and you may even be able to get fewer injections after the facial series!

In 2-3 days after your treatment, you may experience some very light peeling of old skin. In 10-14 days, the skin has done "it's thing" and you'll be looking sexy, smooth, and restored.

- How often do I come?

For full, radiant results, you’ll want to complete the full six treatments in the series. If you have specific areas of concern or an upcoming event to get ready for, you can come back every seven days for treatment.

For regular skin care maintenance, you’ll see the best results if you come in every two weeks for treatment. That’s the great thing about Rezenerate - we take hardly any time out of your schedule to get excellent results!

- Is it right for me?

While our Pro Collagen Facial is gentle and non-invasive, it is not recommended for certain cases of Rosacea, Psoriasis, open sores, warts, Scleroderma, young scars (less than six months old), nursing or pregnant women, along with a couple of other disorders and skin infections.

*You should always consult your skin health expert to see if you are a good candidate for any facial treatment.

- Are there any side effects?

Other than being mistaken for your daughter’s sister, there are no side effects!

  Facial Package Pricing Options

Packages of 4-6 facials are recommended for the best results.

The average per-facial price is $120

Receive a discount when purchasing a package of 4+.

Short on time? Request our 30 minute focus Facial. 

Contact us today to book your Rezenerate Facial series!

Retinol: What you really should know...

“How does “that woman” get such smooth and bright skin?”

Here, I lend my thoughts on RETINOL, a topic that tends to come up often when clients are inquiring about the best "anti-aging" skin room facial tactics to at home treatment care.  Most clients are first exposed to Retinol (and its many forms) in a medical spa or dermatologist office.    

Some believe that it is an amazing age renewal staple, and some tread much more lightly. However, it’s an ingredient to be well-informed about prior to using. It’s often recommended as a “cure-all” power-ingredient, but should it be?    Let's dig in. 

Retinol 101 - What it is?

Retinol, of the retinoid family, is a derivative of Vitamin A. There are many forms, names (retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinal, tretinoin) and percentages available of retinoids and it comes in both natural forms (for example, in rose-hip) and most popularly - synthetically derived forms.

True to it's longevity.... it’s been around since the late 1940s and was a "breakout"  in the 1980s when it hit the market as an anti-aging ingredient.  Later it became a hot item prescribed as Accutane or every teens’ favorite, Retin-A have been highly used by dermatologists for years. 

What It Does

Essentially Retinol plumps and sloughs off skin cells in which effectively “pushes wrinkles up from within the skin."    It works by stimulating and increasing the production of healthy skin cells.” This cell turn over can lead to more even skin tone and a brighter complexion.

Who It's Best For

If you’ve spent a substantial amount of time in the sun, retinol can help you reverse first signs of aging that have resulted from that prolonged sun exposure. The formulations that are widely available today without a prescription are lower in retinol concentration that can be enjoyed by virtually anyone who wants to refine skin texture, battle breakouts and fine lines.

Added Benefits

Retinol "action" can boost your collagen production, leading to a reduction in fewer wrinkles, and firmer skin.” It can even help unclog pores, which is why so many dermatologists recommend retinoids for teens fighting acne.

Retinol VS. Retin-A - What's the difference?   

In short, retinol is the stuff you can by at your local sephora and retin-A requires a prescription from your derm (as does Accutane).

So why isn't everyone using it?

This is where my experienced, well researched and thoughtful opinion comes in.  There's a few points to debate on the topic of retinoid use.

1.  Retinols are put in so many products.  Sunlight makes products less effective, but most importantly — and we want to make this clear because it’s so, so important — retinol can make you very photosensitive. If you don’t wear sunscreen, you can get burned.  

2.  Many (including myself) Skin Therapists also believe that retinol is overused. “Retinol is useful for people who have genetically challenging acne. However, in my opinion, if you have not had consistent breakout since the onset of puberty, or tend to have pimples here and there, retinols are usually not the answer to your breakout problems.   

3. Worst yet, Retionols used over time or in intense treatments, can thin out your skin or change how the oil glands within your skin work.  

Caution When Using:   Heavy-duty retinoid medications, like Accutane, are so strong that they can cause birth defects and liver issues. Retinoids can can over due your skin, especially if you’re young enough - that you just don't need that heavy of a hitter. 

My bottom line.... 

There are multiple products and specific ingredients that can catalyze a response just like retinoids produce. Retinoids are pretty harsh on the skin and as a formulator, I've included this same byproduct and action through botanical extracts.  I personally do not want to subject myself to treatments I walk away from completely red and peeling. At Beauty Ecology, accurate exfoliating practices at home and services such as professional-strength none invasive peels and  our newest tech skin needling collagen rejuvenation pen - are incredible alternatives that work.    

When to consider stronger exfoliating and cell renewal treatments.

I suggest strong cellular turnover type products for those well into their aging process and in need of a boost. Typically, this would be someone over the age of 35, because its known our skin cell turnover rate starts slowing around 30 years old.

Natural alternative ingredients to look for that can help with cell turnover:

-Vitamin C (we use Vitamin C Esters)  which possesses a superior ability to stimulate growth of the cells (fibroblasts) that help produce collagen, elastin and fosters tissue growth and repair.  Fat-soluble Vitamin C Ester-unlike ascorbic acid, drives deeper and does not go rancid when exposed to air giving it's full potential as an anti-aging agent.

From the Deep Sea:  Marine actives provide concentrates of vital elements in our age-defying skin care products, and are the safest and most effective alternatives available.

-Our active seaweed ingredients (Laminaria + HCL algae complex) testing demonstrated a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles by 35% over a 90-day period. This demonstrates our ability to deliver results comparable to Retin-A and Alpha Hydroxyl Acids without the skin irritation usually associated with those ingredients. WOW, right?!

-Red Algae is beloved due to its high water and vitamin content, red algae is a perfect ingredient to help with the exfoliating process.  I use red algae in our skincare products to clarify and balance the skin, bring cellular renewal and for its firming effects.

-Alpha hydroxy acids (our sea flora glycolic peel)

-Marine Criste Extract or “Sea Retinol” is a patented Sea Retinol visibly smoothes wrinkles and creates a radiant complexion.

-Flower Acids are an incredible breakthrough! Flower acids are obtained from the hibiscus flower in South Africa to provide skin exfoliation without the burn. This anti-inflammatory approach is made possible by the fact that it contains pyruvic acid (an AHA) that converts to lactic acid only when it has penetrated into the skin. This allows for a gradual peel “without the burn.”

-Rosehip seed oil is also an excellent source of trans-retinoic acid that may not have the risk of potential irritation that prescription retinoid acid might cause. Rosehip is plentiful in our CBD Skin Healing Booster.

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How to properly choose and use retinol.

Before purchasing OTC retinol or getting a prescription through your dermatologist, here are some basic guidelines:

- All forms of Vitamin A break down and become unstable in the presence of exposed light and air, so it’s crucial to purchase retinol that is packaged in opaque containers or tubes, which is why they often come in metal tubes in prescription form.

- Do not apply retinol daily, but rather every other day. Gradual usage is key here so that your skin can acclimate to this active ingredient. If your skin is resilient and shows no signs of sensitivity, thereafter you may apply it once a day. Stop using retinol if irritation occurs with persistent use.

- The best time to apply retinol is at night because exposure to the sun can decrease its effectiveness.

- Use nourishing ingredients to help protect your skin while using this potent vitamin. Our Evoq products are wonderful to use in conjunction (and sometimes in place of) with retinol.

- Always wear sunscreen on a daily basis when using retinol.

The drawbacks of topical prescription retinoids.

- Skin irritation and side effects including: dryness, flakiness, thinning of the skin (if overused), sun sensitivity and redness.

- Filler ingredients such as: stearic acid, isopropyl myristate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, and butylated hydroxytoluene are commonly used in retinoid creams and gels. Though not all ingredients prove toxic, do these align with your skin care philosophy?

- Cannot be used during pregnancy.

- Not suitable for sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema.

If GOING THE NATURAL ROUTE

As noted, EVOQ BEAUTY brings the most effective and biomimetic ingredients the forces of nature can provide. While I do understand that the medical approach to skin care, it's good to know there are more options for everyday care in the world of vitamin A!  Let's not be so hard on ourselves, and our skin!

XO Kassandra  ** Book online or ping me if you have questions about our incredible skin resurfacing (GLOW) treatments!