Tag Archive for: nail salon newmarket

remove artificial nails

During this time of self isolation and physical distancing,  we are unable to go to the salon to keep up with our esthetic services. Many of our clients have been inquiring about how to remove artificial nails, maintain them, and remove shellac polish. As we have no definite return date for non-essential businesses to reopen, these services will have be done, by you, at home.

Remove Artificial Nails at Home: What You Will Need

  • You will need:
  • glass/ceramic bowl
  • acetone ( purchased at hardware store or drug store)
  • a medium grit file
  • a block buffer
  • 2 hand towels
  • orangewood stick
  • cuticle oil
  • nail hardener (or clear polish).

Directions

Place one towel on the table with the bowl on top. Pour a shallow amount of acetone in the bowl, enough to cover the nails. Put your fingers in the bowl and cover your hands with the other towel. Let the acrylic melt. This process will take up to an hour but will ensure you properly remove artificial nails and shellac.

Gently file off the acrylic with your medium grit file. If there is still some acrylic left on the nails, repeat the process for another 10-15 mins. For shellac, the same process is applied but should only take 10-15 mins to remove.

Once the acrylic or shellac is completely removed, file the length of your natural nail down to just about finger tip level. Take your buffer and gently smooth out the top of your nails. Then, take your orangewood stick and softly push back your cuticles as this will promote regrowth of your nail.  Apply cuticle oil to both the nails and cuticles and massage each nail. Once massaged, wash and dry your hands and apply 1-2 coats of hardener to each nail.

For gel nails, the same process is performed, provided you have gel remover from an esthetic supplier. If you do not have gel remover, you will have to take the medium grit file and file the nails off.

Health officials are encouraging us to be diligent in taking care of our hands to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 virus.  If we do this then we are hopefully one step closer to returning to the salon and providing the services that you have come to enjoy.  Stay healthy, stay safe and we hope to see you soon!

Til next time,

A Perfect Pinky Team

Skin irritations are a bummer anytime, but especially in the warm summer months. When mysterious lumps, bumps, or weird rashes appear when you’re already hot and bothered, that’s definitely no fun! Most itching in summer is obvious, usually from a bug bite or some kind of a rash created from an allergic reaction. There are several ways to help heal and prevent these ailments from ruining your fun in the sun. Here’s a look at how to prevent and treat some of these summer skin irritations.

1. Sunburn

With what we know about the sun and its powerful rays, this shouldn’t even happen, but it does. Sunscreen of at least 30 should always be applied at least 20 to 30 minutes before heading outside and should be reapplied while in the outdoors. However, if you do find your skin turning pink, maybe painful to touch, there are some things you can do. Firstly, get out and stay out of the sun. Applying a cooling aloe-vera gel (alcohol-free) to the affected area or a moisturizer that’s been in the fridge, and rub it in to help soothe and heal. A cold compress can also help relieve the pain prior to applying gel or cream. Taking ibuprofen or naproxen will help the pain and swelling subside.

2. Acne

Breaking out is no fun, especially in summer. Sweat mixing with bacteria and oils can clog your skin, causing breakouts all over your body. Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, chest and back. This will help to limit acne. Be sure to blot your skin with a clean towel. Wiping sweat can irritate the skin and cause trouble. The best way to deal with your skin if you do break out is to carry on with your skincare regime. Cleanser, toner and a light moisturizer on your face everyday will help minimize breakouts. Don’t pick or scratch your break out, that will increase your risk of scarring. Be patient and it will clear up with your diligence and care.

3. Athletes Foot

This fungus is common in summer as it is contagious and can be picked up around swimming pools or any warm, wet, dark environment. To avoid the spread of it, or acquiring it all together, make sure to dry feet thoroughly, wear clean, dry socks and always have something on your feet that’s breathable. However, if you discover itching, or peeling between your toes or on the soles of your feet, there are remedies to help you. Antifungal creams and powders are available for application. Wash and dry feet thoroughly before applying. If your feet begin to crack or blister, it would be best to head to the doctor to get an antibiotic cream to help you heal.

4. Rashes

Rashes are a bummer to get in summer. Itchy, sweaty and terribly uncomfortable! There are several types of rashes you can acquire in the summer months, from heat rash to poison ivy. The best defense is to wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes and to keep your skin cool using fans, having cool showers and being in air conditioning whenever possible. Plant rashes, like poison ivy or oak, can be avoided if you can identify them and steer clear of them when in parks or wooded areas. If any rash seems to be hanging around for too long, seeing your doctor for proper treatment is always recommended.

5. Bug Bites

What seems like the itchiest of skin troubles! Bug bites suck, especially when it’s hot out. Mosquitoes, black flies, wasp bites or ticks, they all have their unique brand of stopping you in your tracks. To prevent them from attacking you, spray yourself with a good bug repellent and try to wear loose, cotton, long-sleeve shirts and pants whenever possible. If you are attacked by any of these culprits, anti-itch creams or lotions may be applied. In extreme cases of reaction, antibiotics might be the best medicine.

Remember that all of these ailments can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Let’s enjoy all the positives that summer brings and be careful out there!

Let’s Connect

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

a perfect pinky reduce wrinkles and fine lines

The aging process can sometimes seem unfair. We can develop new troubles with our skin that we didn’t have in our younger years. But sometimes we can prevent or eliminate some issues altogether. One such issue is fine lines and wrinkles. Although it’s been said that we need to just accept our aging skin as it is, since wrinkles are said to be inevitable – that’s simply not true. Yes our metabolism slows as we age, and in turn the formation of collagen and elastin that we need for a plump complexion, slowly lessens. Let’s take a look at these 4 fool-proof ways we can help revive our glow.

1. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Processed sugar can increase collagen breakdown. It creates dehydration and therefore sucks moisture out of the skin. And really, is just plain bad for you. Eating fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin C especially, is vital to help build collagen in the skin and restore your glowing complexion.

2. Always Use Sunscreen

Sun protection cannot be stressed enough in the prevention of wrinkles and other skin ailments. It’s essential to wear an SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection. SPF prevents wrinkles people! But you must use it everyday even when it’s cloudy.

3. Quit Smoking

Obviously smoking is bad for your health for a multitude of reasons, in addition to aging your skin prematurely. Smoking affects the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin and entire body. Depriving the skin of these vital nutrients, such as Vitamin C, creates a pale, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco that deplete your skin’s collagen and elastin, therefore creating wrinkly, sagging faces. So the sooner you quit, the better – or better yet, don’t start at all!

4. Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Your skin is your largest organ and it suffers the most oxidative stress throughout your daily routine. Antioxidants help fight that stress and damage. The best way to boost your antioxidants is to consume foods rich in them. Kale, blueberries or kidney beans are examples of great foods that help with this. Get the wrinkle free skin you want from the inside out.

There are so many creams and procedures that can help prevent and eliminate aging skin. But realistically, if you just start practicing the recommendations in this short list, you will notice a significant difference. Some say the best overall help to your skin is to eat properly, exercise and stay hydrated. Think about it… while you’re putting on your sunscreen. 😉

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

negative effects of sugar on our skin

Not only does sugar affect our waistlines but it can also have a negative impact on our skin.  Refined sugar is the type of sugar we are consuming when eating products like donuts or candy, sodas, or many pre-packaged food.  These types of foods can cause many issues in our bodies such as digestive problems, joint pain and problem skin.  If you want youthful, glowing and clear skin, discover the negative effects of sugar on our skin.

Inflammation

Refined sugar wreaks havoc throughout our body.  Acidic foods cause inflammation in our body and since sugar is highly acidic, it is one of the worst to consume.  When you eat sugar, your blood sugar level fluctuates quite drastically causing inflammation.  This inflammation stimulates the activity of our oil glands which leads to acneic breakouts.

If you need something sweet, it is best to try a complex carbohydrate like fruits and vegetables.  They break down slower in the body thus avoiding the surge and plunge of blood sugar levels.

Dehydration

Sugar is a dehydrating product that causes the skin to look dull and sallow.  It sucks the water from your cells which leads to the appearance of under eye circles and mild swelling of the skin.  Eliminating sugar and increasing your water intake is best for alleviating these problems.

Wrinkles

Dehydration causes wrinkles as well.  Sugar attacks collagen and elastin, which are the duo that naturally keep our skin wrinkle free.  This attack is a process known as glycation.  Glycation not only causes wrinkles to appear but can also cause a condition known as hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth throughout the body. It can also cause dark spots or patches on the neck.

Using creams and cleansers as a cure for any of these issues will not work.  You need to take care of your body from the inside out first and foremost.  A proper and balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and staying properly hydrated every day are the best things we can do to allow us to have beautiful skin and optimum health.

After you’ve been working on your self-care, why not try one of our amazing facials to really make your skin glow?

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis