Skin Care on a Budget

Make it stand out

Work with nature, not against it.

Of course, we all want to look our best, but beauty rituals are not always cheap, especially as we age or if you have acne or other skin conditions.  Consistency is key; starting and stopping a program for your skin can not only be fruitless, it wastes time and money. I am here to shine some light on the best way to care for your skin on a budget.

Most people are incorrect about their perceived skin type and with rosacea, acne and sensitive skin, using the right products for your skin is IMPERATIVE! I offer free skin typing with ALL skin treatments and I have an affordable online form as well ($35).

Finding balance for your skin is the goal.  Using products that wont harm your skin and will help it do its natural job of protecting you is what we strive for.  Work with nature, not against it.

Frugal Skin Plan:
- DAILY: Wash, Tone, Lotion – 2x per day, every day (AM & PM), no matter what. Products, if they are the correct ones, should last about 2 months and our sets are around $100. Add a serum for skin conditions (acne, dry skin, aging for about $23).
- DO NOT USE FACE WIPES TO CLEANSE! These don’t actually clean your face and will end up drying it out: working against nature. READ MORE
- WEEKLY: Use a home peel mask, apply after washing, then rinse after 20 mins and apply toner and lotion. About $30 and lasts about 3-4 months.
MONTHLY: Get a professional peel or Mini Facial: $80-$120

Break it down: For around $160 per month, you can get you glowing, healthy skin as well as professional updating of your routine as the seasons change or health or environment changes.

The Right Tool for T.E.W.L

Most of the skin problems (how it looks and feels) are due to overly dry skin.  Of course, drinking more water and eating water laden vegetables and fruit will help the situation, but you also need to use the right skincare products to combat TEWL.  Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is when the water inside you evaporates through your skin. We all lose approximately 1 pint of fluid each day from TEWL.  If you already have dry skin, you’ll lose more, leaving you open to dehydration and infection, as well as make you look older than you are.

TEWL and dehydration are caused mostly by not drinking enough water but also by the lack of humidity in the environment.  Winter dry air and the use of indoor heating increase water loss, drying skin out even faster. Using drying products for acne and oily skin, drinking too much caffeine, pool swimming, illness, hormonal imbalance, smoking, stress and travel are also moisture killers.  To repair the damage done and stop it from progressing, you need to be using skincare products that trap in water, while not clogging pores. 

For most, applying heavy creams can cause more problems: clog pores, acne, milia to name a few.  Try to find products that are well balanced with emollients and oils.  Emollients are ingredients that seal in moisture; my favorite is jojoba oil because it fights bacteria and won’t clog your pores.  Ceramides (lipids) in skincare are also extremely helpful for locking in water.

Once you find products that have the right ingredients, you then have to try them on your own skin to see if your skin reacts well. You need to try a new skincare routine for at least a month before seeing if it’s going to work for you.  Why one month?... because it’s the typical full cycle of your skin.

There is a lot to learn about ingredients: ones that are good for your skin, ones that are bad for your skin and overall health and ones that work well enough together to actually make a difference.  I have researched this for 13 years now, so if you would like specific advice on the right products and ingredients for YOUR skin, please set up a skin assessment and maybe a product assessment (I look over the ingredients of your current products).  There are thousands of brands out there, it pays to have a professional’s advice on skincare products.

Shelly Todd, LE

J Renee Organics
J Renee Skin Clinic
Georgia Esthetician: ES011069
Oregon Esthetician: FT-10153597

Winter Facial Sale!

text or call 470-522-0906

Home Facial Kits Save the Day

Home Facial Kits going out! Thank you for your orders! Looking for a way to treat your skin naturally without the extra cost? Our home facial kits are awesome!

Buy now:

https://www.jreneeorganics.com/skintype-facialkits/p/new-client-home-facial-kit-and-skin-assessment

Office for rent Calhoun

Shared furnished massage/esthetics/acupuncture/body work room for rent in Calhoun, GA. $450 per month. Use of hot towel warmer, padded comfortable massage table, beautifully furnished waiting room & restroom. Utilities included. Ample free parking. Shared with esthetician. Inside body sculpting business. Available now. 470-522-0906 for more info

Confused Winter Skin

Winter is not your skin’s friend.

In colder temperatures we need to adjust our skincare routine to ensure healthy barrier function. Prolonged exposure to reduced humidity, is a well-known risk factor for AD (Atopic dermatitis). AD increases the natural process of water loss through our skin, which causes dry/itchy skin and signals inflammation (redness). It can also make your body dehydrated and make your lips feel super dry.

To make things worse, as we age, we get dryer as well. Excess dead skin can clog pores and PH levels get less acidic, making skin susceptible to bacterial growth. And this time of year, holiday stress can stimulate oil production. The extra oil produced mingles with the loitering dry skin and you can develop acne. 

This situation is not easy to remedy because lotions and creams can be too thick and cause more acne, while acne medications and products are very drying and cause dry skin to persist or get worse. It’s very important to see a professional esthetician, even just for a skin assessment and product suggestions so that you don’t make your skin worse and end up in the dermatologist’s office for medication. Knowing the proper skin care routine for your skin not only saves you time and money, if handled promptly, it can save you weeks or even months of skin issues. Prevention is always easier and cheaper than reversal.

Tips for preventing skin damage in the winter months:

1: Cleanse. Twice a day and after exercising with a gentle, exfoliating cleanser for your skin type.  

2: Tone. Balance PH levels after cleansing. Rinsing with just water is the worst option when cleansing, water alters healthy PH levels, leaving your skin dry and prone to irritation.

3: Moisturize. You don’t need a night cream/day cream/eye cream...  Shoot for a moisturizer that your skin likes and use it from your chest- up, every day, twice a day.  Make sure it’s right for your skin type and current skin health.

4: WEAR SUNSCREEN!  UV rays cause inflammation, acne scarring, wrinkles, age spots and cancer. I’m not a fan of 2 in 1 moisturizer with sunscreen, they don’t work well for moisture or for sun protection (think all-in-one printers, something is always on the fritz). Instead, use SPF of at least 30 on your face (over your moisturizer) when you’re going to be outdoors; if only inside the whole day, skip this step.

5: Schedule an exfoliating skincare service like a peel, facial or microdermabrasion. This will remove dead skin and unclog pores, kill bad bacteria that causes acne and allows moisturizer to soak in better, saving you money on products.

• Shelly Todd, Esthetician

Atopic Dermatitis

Microneedle: Increase collagen by 400%!

Microneedling: My Go-To for Sensitive Aging Skin

In the 2008 research, it was proven that after repeated micro-needling procedures, the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin of the patients increased by 400% after 6 months and the skin became noticeably plump after 1 year.

Microneedling causes “micro-injuries” that help stimulate the skin to repair itself naturally through a process called dermal remodeling. This remodeling kick-starts your natural healing process, which stokes collagen production.

The tiny punctures immediately stimulate fibroblast activity, which starts the one-week stage of inflammation. The next phase (proliferation), is where fibroblasts and keratinocytes produce collagen. The structure of the new collagen fibers is similar to that of undamaged, youthful skin. Simultaneously, new blood vessels are created that provide adequate vascularization and oxygenation for the newly formed tissue. During the last phase (remodeling), the skin becomes thicker and creates the support, strength and flexibility for the new skin.

To maintain the treatment effects and provide time for all the described stages, it’s important to wait 3–6 weeks between micro-needling sessions. For older, more wrinkled skin, or skin that has extensive acne scarring or other scarring, several micro-needling sessions should be performed.

Because sensitive skin can’t handle stronger peels & sometimes microdermabrasion, Microneedle treatments are my go-to for not only my own sensitive skin, but all of my aging client’s skin, even if they are extremely sensitive.

Microneedling is proven to help with:

• Acne and other scars, lessen depth, even skin tone

• Dark spots: age spots, sun spots, scars, etc.

• Large pores, plumps skin to make pores appear smaller

• Sagging skin, rebuilds skin structure

• Stretch marks

• Uneven skin texture and tone

• Wrinkles and fine lines

• Repigment skin in vitiligo patients

• Even skin tone in melasma conditions

Shelly Todd, Esthetician

MICRONEEDLE BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL:

Give Thanks for Turkey!

Turkey has some serious benefits for skin! Eat your fair share (or more ) this Thanksgiving!

Benefits for skin when consuming turkey:

• B-complex vitamins niacin, B6 and B12, help your body hydrate the skin, build collagen to plump the skin and cell renewal for healthy glowing skin. It also helps to prevent pigmentation from forming, reduces acne, soften the skin's overall texture, and limits irritation and inflammation while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

• Choline helps build collagen, making it a key nutrient for maintaining youthful and firm skin. By promoting collagen production, choline helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improving skin texture and elasticity.

• Magnesium helps to ensure your skin is protected against external damage as it regulates cellular regeneration and repair.

• Selenium helps slow cellular damage that accumulates with age.

• Potassium helps support new skin cell growth, which helps heal blemishes and scars.

• Zinc regulates oil production, reduces inflammation and supports skin healing. Zinc is also believed to play a role in collagen synthesis and DNA repair; the combination of which can help keep skin looking healthier and more youthful.

* Note: taking extra zinc is not likely to improve your skin, but not getting enough can cause problems like acne, eczema, and dermatitis.

-Shelly Todd, Esthetician, J Renee

Why microdermabrasion is still the #1 skin treatment.

Click here fo education video.

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion (microderm) is a non-invasive, comfortable, exfoliating procedure that produces immediate improvement of the texture and tone of the skin.  The suction from microdermabrasion cleans out the pores making them look smaller, it exfoliates to fade sun spots and acne scars, it clears blackheads and acne, plumps fines lines and puts that young glow back into your cheeks.   For significant improvement of pigmentation (sun spots & Melasma) and persistent acne, you may need a series of treatments.

The number of treatments and space between depends on your skin type, the severity of your condition, your goals and your budget. Monthly or bi-monthly microderm treatments are beneficial for individuals with thick/dry skin, persistent acne or for people over 25 wanting to keep their skin looking and feeling youthful.   The procedure takes about 30 minutes and there is no down time, or add to a facial for around an hour and 15 minutes of the best skin treatment AND relaxaxtion.  At J Renee Skin Clinic, I pair microderm with Light Emitting Diode Therapy (LED).  LED plumps skin at the cellular level by helping your body produce its own collagen, kills the bacteria that causes acne, among other benefits. 

Cosmetic indications microderm hels with:

• Acne

• Uneven skin tone/texture

• Striae distensae (stretch marks) 

• Melasma

• Photoaging

• Seborrheic skin

• Fine wrinkles

• Enlarged pores

• Scars, including acne scars

Schedule a free consult or get started with your journey to beautiful skin, schedule a treatment now.

Shelly Todd, esthetician

12 years of esthetics service experience, 11 years of product research, hundreds of hours of advanced education, multiple locations, 3 states, 1 extremely knowledgeable esthetician. Shelly Todd is the right esthetician for you.

Learn more:

https://jreneespa.com/about-us-ready

T or F? Wash my face.

Washing our face is to remove pollution (even if you stayed home), excess oil from our own pores, germs from touching our faces after the dog licks our fingers, dust, bacteria that is always present and growing and many things that aren’t just makeup.

For healthy skin, WASH AM & PM DAILY!

Buy cleanser:

https://www.jreneeorganics.com/facewash

Toxic Skin Advice to Avoid

This is one of the worst things you can use on your skin or lips. It causes acne and It’s Limited Use Only in Europe because it’s a KNOWN CARCINOGEN. #skintips #cloggedpores #acne #toxicbeautyproducts

Stop Using Face Wipes!

Regular use of face wipes are detrimental for your skin! Stop the skin torture!

Face wipes are alcohol laden and can cause over-drying of the skin. When you over dry the skin, oil glands are activated to “fix” the lack of moisture. Excess oil and dry skin mix to clog the pores, trapping in bacteria, causing acne.

Wiping the skin with face wipes also doesn’t clear the pores of makeup, pollution and debris, which again causes acne.

STOP USING FACE WIPES IN PLACE OF WASHING YOUR FACE! It WILL cause skin problems.

#dryskin #acne #facewipes #skincare #skintips #washyourface #skin

Clean Products, Healthy Body

In the past, the FDA has been quite relaxed with US regulations on skin care ingredients, but that’s all about to change. Right now, companies can outright lie about beauty claims and use ingredients that not only harm your skin, but can also cause organ damage and even cause cancer.  For instance, Proactiv, an acne focused skincare line, is currently being sued for using ingredients that turn into harmful chemicals that can cause cancer when the product gets heated (think: gym bag left in your hot car).  

While using one or two products with these harmful chemicals may not cause major issues immediately, most of us use many products daily (for our entire lives) with harmful ingredients in them (Shampoo, shaving cream, lotions, serums, cleanser, toner, SPF, toothpaste, makeup, etc).  Our bodies are constantly bombarded with chemicals, which in the long run can cause disease and in the short run can cause dryness, acne, irritation, eczema/rosacea flares, rashes and many other skin issues. 

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl) are chemicals in MANY cosmetics that can enter the blood stream that cause increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increased liver enzymes, cause low birth weight and even cause cancer.  These chemicals are in many large brands because they increase shelf life and make them waterproof.  The chemicals are not naturally flushed out, but instead accumulate in the body.  The CDC has linked these chemicals to serious kidney, liver, immunological, developmental and reproductive issues; plus, PFAS can affect your antibody response to vaccines.

These harmful chemicals have been found in more than 300 products recently tested by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) among more than 50 brands. Here are just a few companies being sued for using unsafe ingredients:

·       L’Oreal

·       Target Up & Up

·       Walmart Equate

·       Burt’s Bees

·       Murad

·       Almay

·       Neutrogena

·       Clinique

·       Avon

·       Rodan and Fields

·       Mary Kay

·       Aveeno

·       CeraVe

·       And more

The latest list of harmful chemicals in cosmetics includes the following list: 
EWG Full Article

• Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

• Paraformaldehyde, a type of formaldehyde.

• Methylene glycol, a type of formaldehyde.

• Quaternium 15, which releases formaldehyde.

• Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.

• Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.

• Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.

• The long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which have been linked to cancer.

• M- and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, which irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA and can cause cancer.

The best practice for avoiding these chemicals, no matter the brand, is to purchase small batch organic/natural skincare and haircare products and makeup.  Also, avoid ALL makeup that claims that it is waterproof.  Never, and I mean NEVER!, buy products from TJ Maxx, Ross or other discount stores.  These stores purchase outdated and expired items and sell them LONG after the product has had the chance to grow bacteria and for the ingredients to morph into damaging chemicals.  You can count on these products being unsafe for your skin, body and probably the environment.

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Shelly Todd, Esthetician

I, myself, am VERY sensitive to harmful chemicals and perfumes, which is why I was compelled to create a skincare line that I could safely use.  I love sharing my clean products with my clients to hear that their skin LOVES them! That their skin is less red, their acne is better and that they are able to go makeup-less if they want.  You’ll also find that my products are not tested on animals, use very little packaging and all ingredients and materials are biodegradable.   

J Renee Products contain natural and safe preservatives, so we can guarantee the long life, efficacy and quality of all our products. Natural salicylic acid, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals and a plethora of antioxidants are mixed to provide healthy alternatives to chemical laden products. We only use scientifically proven ingredients that don’t just talk-the-talk but they walk-the-walk so you can arrive at beautiful, youthful skin.

Halloween Makeup

Plan for skin reactions after theater makeup. It’s full of bad ingredients that block pores and cause acne as well as irritation and possibly an allergic reaction. Wash your face well and do a home peel afterward to limit the bad effects.

Importance of Knowing Your Skin Type

Knowing what products to use for your skin depends on knowing your skin type.

After answering a list of questions about your lifestyle, current routine and other things about you, you will be emailed with a personalized skin assessment and product suggestions (free samples) from a skincare pro. This is not an automated, canned answer; you receive a personalized plan specific to you and it’s all from the comfort of your own home.

Fill out our online questionnaire:

https://www.jreneeorganics.com/skintype-facialkits/p/whats-my-skin-type

Schedule an in-person skin assessment:

https://jreneespa.as.me/?appointmentType=4076121

Medical Esthetics vs Daily Routine

Your DAILY SKIN ROUTINE preserves and protects your skin. For a limited time, we are offering free skin assessments with product purchase or with treatments.

Schedule your free skin assessment today.

https://jreneespa.as.me/?appointmentType=68760973

Fruit Enzymes: Mother Nature’s Skin Remedy

Fruit enzymes are the multi-tool of the esthetic tool box.  They remove damaged, dry, built-up dead skin cells to unclog pores.  They help repair UV damaged elastin so that your skin bounces back after you make expressions. They improve the skin’s microcirculation so that skin cells receive nutrition to stay healthy.  They help the skin’s ability to self-repair by cleaning up damaged proteins, thus countering the natural aging process.  They help support a healthy microbiome and bacterial balance for healthy skin so that you’re protected from external pollution and microscopic assailants.

Fruit enzymes break down the keratin protein in the epidermis (outer layer of skin), with this process, the dead skin can gently slough off, resulting in smoother, softer skin. Enzymes are not only used for beauty though, they have been studied and are proven to help support skin health as well:

·        Fruit enzymes aid in keeping skin and your body healthy by inhibiting the growth of staph, which can cause skin infections and even worse, if left unchecked, staph can cause a scratch to turn into an internal infection.

·        Fruit enzymes are very effective in the fight against acne because it hinders the growth of P. Acnes; the bacteria that causes acne.

·        Enzymes promote new, healthy elastin: the bounce-back and stretch of youthful skin. Elastin also provides skin resilience, protecting your skin from tearing when scraped.  Enzymes dissolve the UV damaged and aged elastin, kickstarting the natural process of regeneration. When the damaged elastin is removed, it leaves space for and creates conditions in which new, healthy elastin is restored. 

·        Fruit enzymes have been proven to Inhibit Tyrosinase, which is a natural enzyme in our skin responsible for making pigment. Think: age spots, melasma, acne scars and sun damage. The end result is less blotchy, pigmented skin and a more blended youthful complexion. 

The beauty of plant enzymes for skin is that there is a natural spectrum of strength. Even the most sensitive skin (Even Rosacea!) will benefit from using enzymes. In a recent study, enzymes were proven to alleviate the small pimple-like rash caused by Rosacea.  Also, because fruit enzymes are antioxidant rich, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and Vaso-protective (helps blood vessels), the redness, swelling and sensitivity is lessened by long-term use. 

Fruit enzymes, when used consistently in your skincare routine, are your multitool for beauty and for skin health! J Renee Organics daily products (cleansers, toners, serums and lotions), all contain fruit enzymes and our home peel masks contain a more concentrated harmony of fruit enzymes to really impact your skin and beauty. ALL skin types, all skin issues and all skin ages benefit from the support that fruit enzymes provide your skin.  Enzymes are truly a gift from mother nature!

Reverse UV Damage with Antioxidants

Beauty and the TanSun Damage Reversed by Antioxidants

Let’s be honest, tan fat looks better than pasty white fat, but most bronzed beauties are using UV beds instead of spray tanning.   Unfortunately, UV rays, may it be from the sun or a bulb, can break down the integrity of the skin in many ways. It’s not my job to tell you what to do, as an educated esthetician, I’m just here to help you combat the premature aging, cellular mutation and inflammation that tanning causes.  A regular monthly facial, as well as a skincare routine rich in antioxidants and retinols can not only protect you from the damage that UV causes but it can also reverse past damage. 

The science:  UV radiation mutates skin cells, which activates your immune system to kill off the damaged cells, which causes inflammation that degrades the skin’s matrix.  The skin’s matrix is made up of many things, including collagen and elastin, which we need for our skin to look youthful. Years of UV damage causes premature wrinkles, age spots and skin cancers.

Antioxidants in skincare products have been scientifically proven to help erase existing damage and prevent further collagen breakdown from UV and other environmental factors.  Furthermore, retinol suppresses the collagen degrading MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) in our skin.  MMPs are increased by UV damage and speed aging and can help cancer grow.  The right skincare routine can help protect against collagen break-down and help reverse age spots and dangerous cellular activity.

An esthetician’s job is to listen, learn and provide services and products that will fit in each client’s lifestyle.  Facials help promote skin beauty and health by removing damaged skin cells, reversing cellular damage and restoring balance.  Educated estheticians also take note of changes to skin and refer their clients to a dermatologist when appropriate. Having an honest relationship with your skin care professional will skirt premature aging and help detect skin cancers early.

Shelly Todd, Esthetician
J Renee Spa
Adairsville, GA

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Start your UV reversal routine with a home facial kit including a full strength peel and a progressive home peel treatment done weekly.

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Source:

Natural Antioxidants Protect Skin from Solar Radiation

Skin Photoaging and the Role of Antioxidants in Its Prevention

Microdermabrasion on skin remodelling

L.E.D. Light Therapy and Anti-Aging

Microneedling and Neck Skin Aging

Microneedling More Effective for Scarring than Chemical Peels

Custom Skin Treatments

I love taking my ingredient knowledge into the treatment room! Custom exfoliating mix for each client’s specific skin needs. Gentle or an active blast… everyone has different needs and limitations.

- J Renee Enzyme Peel #3

https://www.jreneeorganics.com/facialmasks/p/peelmask3

- J Renee Scrub Bits

https://www.jreneeorganics.com/tonerandserum/p/scrub

- Pineapple pulp

- Activated Coconut Charcoal

- Lactic acid powder

- J Renee Retinol Revive Serum

https://www.jreneeorganics.com/tonerandserum/p/retinol-revive-serum

Order home facial kit:

https://www.jreneeorganics.com/skintype-facialkits/p/new-client-home-facial-kit-and-skin-assessment

Schedule a facial:

https://jreneespa.as.me/schedule/d5066875

Shelly Todd, LE

Read Bio: https://jreneespa.com/about-us-ready