5 TIPS TO GREAT TEEN SKIN.

11/01/2011

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Nearly every teen suffers from breakouts at some point during puberty. During these years there is a surge of androgen hormones with in the body. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands creating an oilier complexion making teens more prone to breakouts.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S.
 Teen and pre-teen acne typically can begin between the ages of 10 and 13.   It usually starts around the nose and can spread to the forehead and beyond.  As early as 9, girls and boys should start to  cleanse their faces every night before bed.
If you are in your teens, this is a good time to begin taking care of your face the right way, so you can develop good skin care habits into adulthood. 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS THAT WILL HELP  1.  CLEANSE.   Daily facial cleansing is important. Sometimes, this alone can improve mild comedones. A comedo or acne lesion, (Zit) occurs when a plug of oil and dead skin cells become trapped with in a hair follicle.  Think Blackheads and whiteheads.   Using a mild cleanser containing some Salicylic Acid twice a day (morning and night) may help prevent your pores from getting clogged.  Never go to bed with your make-up on.  But don't go overboard either. To much cleansing or scrubbing can actually irritate and stimulate your skin, producing more oil.   If your skin is very oily during the day, you can use acne pads or rice paper to absorb the oil.  This is great for boys or girls.  Boys can keep the rice paper in their pockets.  Aveda's Outer Peace foam cleanser  cleans deep into pores dissolving make-up, oil, sebum and other impurities without over drying. The Outer Peace Acne Pads have been clinically proven to help eliminate blackheads and keep skin consistently clear.  It delivers medicine (salicylic acid) deep into the pores and helps prevent future breakouts.  This is one of my personal favorites. I use these pads myself and they never leave my skin feeling dry. 2.  MOISTURIZE.  Although your skin is oily, you still need to moisturize after cleansing using an oil free product.   Aveda's Outer Peace Acne Relief lotion is a lightweight moisture-balancing lotion that also helps clear blemishes.  It minimized the appearance of pores and helps to prevent future breakouts. 3. ZIP POPPING  Please keep your hands off your face.  I know it's tempting when you see that huge juicy zit on your face to pick, pop or squeeze.  But you can do considerable damage to your skin.  Remember, a pimple is temporary but a scar will last forever.   You can use a spot treatment if you need to.   Like Aveda's Acne Spot Relief.  It will reduce the redness and swelling. 4. FACIALS The results you get from acne facial treatments depends on many factors.  How severe is your acne?  How often do you have the treatments done? How consistent are you with skin care regimens at home?  And how skilled is the esthetician?
Teens or adults with blackheads and other non-inflammatory blemishes may find regular facial treatments help reduce breakouts and keep skin looking smoother.  During a facial, Jenn, our esthetician, performs extractions by manually removing pore blockages.  She will start by thoroughly cleansing your face. She will also apply masks and other products to reduce surface oil, remove dead skin cells, soothe or hydrate and Jenn will recommend some of these products for you to take home.  Jenn will know if a case of inflamed acne is beyond her expertise and will refer you to a dermatologist. Also if you are taking Accutane or Retin A, please consult your doctor about getting facials.

5. HOME CARE. You are more likely to keep a regime going at home if you have the right products.  Besides cleansing and moisturizing, using a weekly mask or exfoliator will encourage new skin to come to the surface faster.  Aveda's Deep Cleansing Herbal Clay Masque will deep clean your pores.  And the Outer Peace Cooling masque will instantly calm skin and reduce redness.   When examining your skin, Jenn can recommend the right Masque for you.   And always remember to protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15.  This will reduce your chances of skin cancer and premature aging.
For you girls, Jenn can also give you tips on the right make-up to use.  and always make sure to clean your make-up brushes a few times a week with mild soap and then spray them with rubbing alcohol. Otherwise your brush will be loaded with bacteria.  Use disposable applicators when possible.
  Even if you are super busy,  try not to neglect your skin.  Developing good habits now can keep your skin looking healthy through most of your life
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CURLS GONE WILD

06/14/2011

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Most UV exposure is incidental, walking around a shopping plaza, people watching at an outdoor cafe, or even driving in your car. But did you know that beach sand reflects about 15% of UV rays and the ocean waves about 25%? Ouch.  Not good news for your hair or skin.
Your hair and scalp and your skin need protection from sun, salt, pool chemicals, heat, humidity and other environmental aggressors.  Chlorinated water discolors hair and damages hair fibers depositing a brassy, grayish or even green tone. (Whether virgin hair or colored).
Sea salt and minerals can strip hair of natural oils causing severe dryness. And sunlight creates free radicals, breaking down hair protein, damaging cuticles and fading hair color. All of the above will leave hair dull and brittle.
Not to mention those harsh rays can burn your scalp causing pain and flakes.

We have some summer solutions.  We recommend Aveda's Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser. This is a color safe shampoo and body wash that will gently and effectively remove chlorine, salt and product build-up, while maintaining moisture balance. You can use it daily or whenever your hair will be exposed to the sun, salt or chlorine.

SOLUTION #2  Aveda's Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque. This is an intensive cream masque that will restore sun-exposed hair, moisturize and defend against those nasty free radicals. You can use it weekly or whenever hair is exposed to environmental aggressors. Apply evenly to damp hair and leave on 2 to 5 minutes then rinse out.

SOLUTION #3  Aveda's Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. This is a lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for 16 hours, to minimize color fadage, damage and dryness. It Can be used daily or as needed depending on exposure. Just spray evenly on dry or damp hair before going out. Reapply after swimming. (This spray is great if you want that beach hair, messy, wavy look)

Another item you might want to throw into your beach bag, is Aveda's Lip Saver. SPF 15 Sheer lip balm helps protect with sunscreen and anti-oxidants. It's only $8 and worth every penny to protect your lips.  Also the Nourish-Mint Rehydrating lip glaze is great if you want protection with a hint of color.
For you skin, we recommend the Replenishing Body Moisturizer . This body creme conditions, hydrates and softens skin.

If you have curls and you usually blow your hair straight on cooler days, you may want to wear your natural curls in the summer but are afraid they will be wild and frizzy.  We have some solutions for that too.  I love the Be Curly Style Prep.  If you use the whole Be Curly line, you will get great results.
First use the Be Curly Shampoo and conditioner.  Then apply the Be Curly Curl Enhancer to keep down the Frizz, then apply the Style Prep to hold while drying hair natural.  After you apply the Style Prep, take individual curls and twist and twirl them into a spiral leaving them to air dry. This will define the curls and keep them from frizzing.  If you prefer a more wet look, you can use the Brilliant Retexturizing Gel.

Remember practice Safe Sun.  Your haircolor is an investment, protect it.
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04/28/2011

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04/28/2011

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http://rainashighlights.blogspot.com/2011/04/here-comes-bride.html      press the link to read our new blog
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Swampscott Fire.

03/22/2011

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Swampscott Fire       I Just want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, gestures and for their generosity during this heartbreaking time.  The town of Swampscott, the Chamber and the residents and business owners have gone out of their way to help us all in our recovery from this devastating fire.  It has been three weeks already and although time heals, the business owners and I am sure, the residents upstairs, are still struggling to get their footing and relocate.
        There was a special camaraderie between my neighbors and fellow business owners that had blossomed over the past couple of years on that beautiful corner lot by the sea.  As people drove up Lynn shore Drive and made their way into Swampscott, we were their first impression. Their introduction to this quaint community. The gateway to the North Shore.
  Jayne and her family cared for and respected the building like it was part of their family.  And Besides loving and sharing the same amazing view each day, my neighbors and I also shared a great passion for our businesses.
Jay and Debbie at Seaside Cafe had fixed up their little cafe so cute and cozy and they were always trying out new dishes.  I will personally miss their lobster rolls and their clam chowder in a bread bowl!  And Deb knows how I feel about her 7 layer bars.  I was addicted.
At Peter's Tailoring I will certainly miss my three Italian ladies who are not only the best at their craft but could also whip up a mean expresso. No one works harder than they do.
Irma's window at J & I custom draperies always changed with the seasons and I will miss how beautifully she decorated it and her shop. She is a tremendous buisness woman and works hard at her craft.
What can I say about Jessica at Jessica's Nails except what a sweet, hard working woman with An American dream that literally went up in flames, not once, but twice. She lost her first business location in a fire up the street. Jessica not only lost her business, but her home upstairs. She moved here from Revere to be close to her business and make a better life for herself last summer.

The Humphrey St. business owners would like everyone to know they are still in business and need your support and your business while they go through the difficult  process of relocating and rebuilding. Below are all their phone numbers. 
Jessica's Nails   781-654-7888
Peter's Custom Tailoring  781-599-0050 or 781-593-5509
J & I Custom Draperies  781-477-0208
Seaside Cafe 781-443-2415
Raina's Hair Color Cafe 781-289-1266

 You Can't keep a good business woman down.  This photo is our past, we are headed for new beginnings. The town of Swampscott can help by making it easy for Jayne to rebuild.  I am not sure about the others, but I want to come back to this community that I have grown to love and to that corner lot by the sea where my dream had come true. Here is a link if you would like to help out:   http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=158055104252710&index=1
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FALL INSPIRATION

09/02/2010

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FALL INSPIRATION The kids are back in school, but it certainly doesn't feel like Fall is anywhere nearby.   For all you beach lovers out there, this has been a terrific summer of sun and fun that is still lingering into September. Although this weather has done wonders for the psyche, the sun and surf can wreak  havoc on your hair and skin.  Gorgeous highlights or brilliant colors from the spring become bleached out and stripped of moisture from a summer of over exposure to sun, salt and chlorine.  Your skin has also been over exposed to the heat causing fine lines, brown spots, dry patches and even worse.
  This is a good time to put moisture back into your life with a visit to the salon. A good conditioning or strengthening treatment plus a trim of dead, brittle ends can really get your hair back into shape, especially if you want to get your hair colored or re-colored with some of our beautiful customized fall formulas.  Damaged hair does not except color very well. Did you ever try to paint dry wall before it has been primed?  Yuck.  Uneven mess, right?
We have products for at home use and salon treatments that will remedy many of the above problems. ( Aveda's Dry Remedy is amazing)
So after your hair is back in good condition, Let the fun begin.
Fall eludes warmth and vitality.  What better time for a make-over, a new look for the upcoming season. New color, new cut, fresh skin and new make-up.
Myself, I have always been inspired by the colors of nature, especially during spring and fall. All the gorgeous, rich colors of plants, flowers, trees, fruit, and even the horizon at sunrise or sunset.  The dimensional tones, deep hues and reflections found in nature are breathtaking and unexpected. 
The Unexpected is what is emulated in hair fashion this season regardless of your age, education, economic status, or whether you are conservative or liberal.  Follow nature and do something not expected. Place just a few red lowlights into your highlights, mix some cool tones with some warm tones, go a little darker for fall, Hide some peek-a-boo streaks underneath your regular color so that when you move in the light there is a glimpse of purple or blue trying to peek out from below. It's all about subtle sensuality. It's about who you are, what inspires you and where you want to go.
Indulge in color. Change your make-up. Go forward into fall. Be inspired by it's energy and beauty.  Drop the gossip magazines and Read fashion magazines. Each day of your life give back to Mother Nature and give thanks by doing something to nurture the environment. 
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6 TIPS ON HOW TO CONSULT WITH YOUR STYLIST ABOUT HAIRCOLOR.

08/19/2010

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1.BE HONEST.  If you have colored your own hair and have had your hair colored or highlighted by another stylist with in the past year, let your stylist know.  For instance, If you had your hair highlighted 3 or even 6 months ago and covered it up with a darker shade, unless you had most of your hair cut off since, those highlights are still lurking underneath.  Your colorist needs to know this. Adding more highlights with out the proper knowledge could cause breakage.  Also, color does not lift color, so it's important for us to know how much color has been deposited on your hair when applying new color. 
It's wise to be honest about any allergies or sensitivities you may have and about any medication you may be taking too.  Medication effects the hair. Always be forthcoming  with your professional stylist when getting any chemical service.
2.BRING IN PHOTOS.  Photos are a good way to help you communicate your desired color.  What you consider blond may be totally different from what your colorists thinks is blond.  There are  many tones and levels of blond.  The words "blond"  or "Red" are just to broad.    You and your colorist should  examine different shades to determine the best color choice for you and your skin tone.  You should also black out the face on the magazine photo.  It may be the models face that is attractive to you.  If you don't share the same skin tones or facial features you might be disappointed with the outcome. Try to imagine your own face with the style.
3.BE REALISTIC.   When you bring in a celebrity photo and you want your stylist to duplicate the hairstyle and color for you, please consider the up keep. Maintaining some of those hair colors can be expensive and time consuming.  You need to ask yourself,  "can I keep up with this?"   This is a good time to listen to the advice of your professional colorist. He or she can educate you on the maintenance it will take to keep the color healthy and fresh and instruct you on how to achieve the finished style at home.  And remember, what looks good on the runway, may not look so good on the sidewalk. 
Also be realistic about time.  Some hair colors can take more than a few hours at the salon to achieve.  You may have to come back several times to get the hair color you desire.  Keeping your hair healthy and in good condition is vital to your colorist.   This comes first.
4.CHANGE MAKE-UP.   Getting a new hair color sometimes requires re-examining your make-up colors and eyebrow color. You want a cohesive look. If your hair color has been medium brown your whole life and you add lots of blond highlights to it, chances are your makeup will need adjusting.  Women who have grown out their color and are now all grey or white, should also consider making changes to their cosmetic bag.  Your colorist can guide you in making some good choices during the consultation.
5. BE EARLY.  Never be late for a hair color appointment. This rushes your colorist and cuts down on consultation time. If you are making a big change, you need to book a consult just before your appointment or during a slow time and an earlier day.  Give yourself and your colorist at least 15 to 20 minutes of quality time to chat about your new look.
6.LIFESTYLE.  One more item to discuss with your colorist is your lifestyle.  Are you a conservative person who leads a pretty conservative life or an Artist with a Bohemian lifestyle?  Are you an athletic soul who spends most of her time outdoors, in the sun or in chlorine pools?  Are you an introvert or extrovert? These are all things to consider when making a dramatic change to your look. Who are you, really? Think about this.
Check out Nicole's dramatic hairstyle change on our facebook profile page.
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3 POWERFUL SOLUTIONS FOR PROTECTING YOUR HAIR COLOR FROM THE SUMMER SUN.

06/22/2010

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Most UV exposure is incidental, walking around a shopping center, sipping coffee at an outdoor cafe, or even driving in your car.  But did you know that beach sand reflects about 15% of UV rays and the ocean waves about 25%?  Ouch.
 Your hair and scalp need summer proofing big time from sun, salt, pool chemicals and other environmental aggressors. Chlorinated water discolors hair and damages hair fibers leaving a brassy, grayish or even green tone. (Whether virgin hair or colored).
Sea salt and minerals can strip  hair of natural oils causing severe dryness.  And sunlight creates free radicals, breaking down hair protein, damaging cuticles and fading hair color. All of the above will leave hair dull and brittle.
 Not to mention those harsh rays can burn your scalp causing pain and flakes.

SOLUTION #1   CLEANSE   We recommend Aveda's Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser. This is a color safe shampoo and body wash that will gently and effectively remove chlorine, salt and product build-up, while maintaining moisture balance.  You can use it daily or whenever  your hair will be exposed to the sun, salt or chlorine.
SOLUTION #2  RESTORE    We recommend Aveda's Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque.  This is an intensive cream masque that will restore sun-exposed hair, moisturize and defend against those nasty free radicals. You can use it weekly or whenever hair is exposed to environmental aggressors. Apply evenly to damp hair and leave on 2 to 5 minutes then rinse out.
SOLUTION #3  PROTECT   We recommend Aveda's Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. This is a lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for 16 hours, to minimize color fadage, damage and dryness. It Can be used daily or as needed depending on exposure. Just spray evenly on dry or damp hair before going out.  Reapply after swimming.
Remember  PRACTICE SAFE SUN.  Your hair color is an investment, Protect it. 
And one more item you might want to throw into your beach bag, is Aveda's Lip Saver. SPF 15  Sheer lip balm helps protect with sunscreen and anti-oxidants.  It's only $8 and worth every penny to protect your lips.
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SKIN CARE WISDOM VS. INSTANT GRATIFICATION

06/13/2010

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Our esthetician, Amanda, and I were recently discussing why women spend a fair amount of time on styling their hair and applying make-up but so little time tending to their skin care needs.  In the salon, we see the dedication people have to their hairstyle and hair color. They take our professional advice on which products will work best for their new look and they watch us intently as we style their locks so they can duplicate the results at home. But they don't seem to have the same concerns about the overall appearance and condition of their skin. Facials are a luxury to them and not a necessity.
 Amanda thought one of the reasons is that when a woman gets a new hairstyle or hair color she strolls out of the salon transformed instantly. Skin care takes commitment and time to see good results.  I mean let's face it, we live in a world where our whole history can be downloaded in a matter of seconds. And we are bombarded with images on TV and magazine covers with women who are never happy with their appearance and go back for plastic surgery after plastic surgery. Women who were already beautiful to start with.  We want instant everything.
 As professionals, we have the power and knowledge to educate our guests on the signs of premature skin aging and on how to get their skin looking vibrant and radiant with diet, skin analysis, customized facials and a home care regiment.
I see so many women in the department store or drugstore purchasing products for their skin with no advice from anyone but a salesperson.  If you wanted to buy cold medicine, would you ask the cashier or the pharmacist for advice?  
So let's talk skin care wisdom. I have chatted before about how making healthy lifestyle choices, like eating fruits and vegetables that are high in anti-oxidants, avoiding sugar and limiting your sun exposure can really improve the overall appearance of your skin.  Customized services with a professional esthetician and a home care system can really change your skin's appearance over time. It has certainly changed mine.
Aveda's Green Science is a range of treatment products designed to harness the potent anti-irritation properties naturally found in plants to stop the destructive oxidative reactions occuring at the various strata of the skin which cause the signs of skin aging, while helping skin to naturally stimulate cellular recovery and repair.
These product are clinically proven to lift and firm the appearance of skin, visibly reducing lines and wrinkles, improving the skin's smoothness, tone and clarity. The skin's barrier strength is also significantly improved while reducing the appearance of age spots.
The Green Science skin-renewing blend of powerful plant ingredients include organic argan oil, plai, cactus, rosemary extract, bio fermented glucosamine, boswelia extract, caffeine, and a cocktail of ceramides and pepticles.  
Within four weeks, skin looks noticeable firmer and younger looking.
I know four weeks is not instant, but maybe a lot wiser and certainly safer than plastic surgery.
Do you want instant gratification or skin care wisdom?  Would love to hear your comments.
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Beauty and wellness go hand in hand

05/10/2010

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▼ About Me Raina Morgan My blog is about sharing The everyday events and insights into the hair industry and my salons. It's about Aveda products, which I adore and about all I have learned about promoting and marketing my business over the past 18 years. And how it all spills over into my personal life. It's also about writing, decorating, Herbalife products, health and wellness which I also have a great passion for.


Monday, April 26, 2010 Beauty and Wellness go hand in hand #2 Our diet contributes so much to our quality of life. When I was young, I took my thin, high octane body for granted and fed it all kinds of economy fuel. I craved sweets. I was like an addict with the constant hovering anticipation of when I could get my next fix of Funny bones or Hershey's Kisses.
I was born in an Italian family where cooking and eating were a major part of our culture and still is. The kitchen was the hub of the home.
Now I am much older and my body has slowed down along with my metabolism. So over the past several years I have been struggling to stay slim and fit. I still love my pasta and chocolate (not together) but I have learned to eat both in moderation.  (Read until the end of the blog, I have a pasta secret to share)
And I have learned how to incorporate other nutritious foods as well and how supplementation is so important to any diet. In this stress induced society, we just can't get enough nutrients from food alone.  In his book  Health is Wealth, Dr. Louis Ignarro, a Nobel Laureate in Medicine, states that "Our unhealthy way of life is increasing our need for critical nutrients at precisely the time when our world is making it harder than it ever has been to obtain those nutrients."
The mineral nutrient content of agricultural soils in the U.S. is becoming increasingly depleted. This means that even when you eat healthy foods, you are probably not getting enough of the minerals and nutrients you need.
We will get into how to supplement your diet in a later blog, but for now I would like to talk about what you can do today to eat fewer "bad fats" and more "good fats" and how to begin your journey into a healthier lifestyle and hopefully a longer life.
First, try to limit your intake of trans-fat food sources, including margarine, vegetable shortenings, foods with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (such as cookies, crackers and pastries), deep-fridoughnuts, french fries, fast foods).
Also try to limit your carbohydrates, like white bread, white rice, potatoes, sugar, white pasta, candy and soda. Eating lots of carbohydrates that are digested and absorbed quickly increases your levels of blood sugar and insulin, raises triglycerides and lowers HDL cholesterol.  Over time these changes can lead to heart dysfunction and diabetes.
Choose whole grains instead, like 100 % whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and whole-grain crackers. (For you pasta addicts like me, who just can't eat the whole wheat pasta, try Dreamfields Pasta.  It's made from durum wheat semolina which is why it tastes so great and with only 5 grams of digestible carbs it helps limit the rise in blood sugar levels that normally occur after eating regular pasta. Their pasta has a 65% lower glycemic index than regular pasta).
It's a bit more expensive but worth every cent. You can get it at Market Basket, 2 boxes for $4.
Choose healthier sources of protein like beans and nuts, along with fish, poultry and eggs. And try to buy organic meats and dairy.  I will cover the reasons why you should eat organic in another blog and share my personal expericence with why.  Keep up with the blog, I have tons of information to share.
Please share this blog with friends and family and encourage them learn more about Wellness.ed foods (such as
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    Raina Morgan

    My blog is about sharing The everyday events and insights into the hair industry and my salons. It's about Aveda products, which I adore and about all I have learned about promoting and marketing my business over the past 18 years. And how it all spills over into my personal life. It's also about writing, decorating, health and wellness which I also have a great passion for.

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