Syringa Spa Suites Mission and Tag Line
I loved sharing the story of why I moved locations and how Syringa Spa Suites came to be. So I did want to also share the mission and tag line.
The Mission
The goal of Syringa Spa Suites is to provide a high end spa experience for the clients of South East Idaho. I love the providers that have joined the collaboration thus far and am excited to hopefully add one more spa professional.
We believe in creating an environment that feels and smells SO good. We believe in treatment the body, mind and skin wholistically and naturally.
The Tag Line
If you’ve followed me in business, I love using a tag line. The tag line for Essential Esthetics by Zoey is Breathe. Let Go. Relax. It has suited me well … and years later, I still LOVE it!
We wanted to create a new tag line for Syringa Spa Suites. One that would not only embody our mission here, but to also include everyone that is currently here … and who might join us in the future.
And that’s when the tag line was born …
Self care starts here.
We hope you will join us in supporting these amazing spa professionals and helping their businesses to grow and thrive in our Pocatello Community. Welcome!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
My Beauty Secrets in 2023
Each year, I love to share with you some of my skin care wins. You know, the things that are working for my skin and the things that I see clients doing that are making a BIG difference and impact.
Are you ready for my 2023 beauty secrets? Here they are!!!
Using a facial mop
If you haven’t been following along, you might be wondering what the heck a facial mop is! It is just a damp, gentle washcloth.
I always share the story of your kitchen floor. You would never walk away after you throw cleanser and water on it, would you? You use a mop to pick up the remaining bits and do the cleaning.
The facial mop does the same thing for you skin. And I’m here to tell you that I can tell a BIG difference in my skin when I use it.
Bonus! This is a free tool once you have a baby washcloth or microfiber cloth.
Using an esthetic wipe with toner
Remember that a toner (aka - prep solution, treating mist, etc.) is part of The Core Four. Using this product adds many great ingredients for your skin without a high price tag.
My trick is to not just spray it on your skin, but to spray it on an esthetic wipe (or cotton round) and wipe away. This extra buffing of the skin not only removes any left over makeup, dirt, oil that you’ve missed from cleansing, but I feel like it helps get those ingredients immediately on the skin. LOVE IT!
Exfoliating regularly
Your home run hitter!!! Your skin slows down naturally exfoliating as we age, so it’s important that you help it along! If your skin is not properly exfoliated, the products you put on after will not be able to do their job 110%.
Tips for exfoliating …
Be sure to follow the instructions on your exfoliator. More is NOT better! Longer is NOT better!
If you exfoliate and mask, do them on the same day for an even bigger impact.
Pick days of the week that you always exfoliate so that you don’t go weeks without doing it.
Add in a serum
Yes girl! The other home run hitter in skin care and (in my opinion) where you should not skimp when it comes to the budget. Smaller molecule size means that it will penetrate your skin deeper, making greater, longer lasting changes.
Tips for adding in a serum …
Always use after your prep solution step
Use your Esthetician in helping you pick THE perfect serum to benefit YOUR skin
Use morning and night
Regular treatments
You knew I would talk about practice what you preach, didn’t you? Yes! I receive monthly facial treatments. And YES! I think that these trips to the ‘trainer’ make a difference on my skin.
One benefit that I wanted to point out is that you will have an extra set of eyes looking at changes in your skin.
And, if you make it into my treatment room, you will learn what it means to marry results with relaxation. Let’s schedule your appointment today.
So those are my best beauty secrets of 2023. Which one are you going to add into your beauty routine?
Use a facial mop
Use an esthetic wipe with toner
Exfoliate regularly
Add in a serum
Regular treatments
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Opinion: Accutane and Acne
Years ago, I was adamant that Accutane was the worst medication. I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to take it (the laundry list of side effects) and knew that acne could also be cleared without the use of medications.
Fast forward through time and my son started having a lot of acne problems to the point where it was starting to scar. I was worried and then ask him to commit to a skin care routine, doing treatments, changing diet, etc. You should have seen his face.
I knew right then and there, we had to do something to minimize scarring.
AND then it hit me.
There is a time and a place to use all things. I think of it like eastern and western medicine. Can’t we use both? Can’t we all just get along?
My son was NOT going to follow any plan that his mom put together. He didn’t necessarily care, but I did. So we started Accutane. It took a couple months, but he started clearing and having great results.
My youngest daughter wanted to do the medicine too. I wanted to try to do the routine, diet, treatments and more with her to clear her acne. After a year of trying, her acne was worse than ever. So after a trip to a dermatologist, we started on that route as well.
As an Esthetician, it was hard at first to admit that I could not clear everyone. Through this experience, I am more open to different types of treatment and know even more than ever that a one size fits all approach to skin care is not realistic.
If you are struggling with acne, I recommend that you see an Esthetician that specializes in clearing acne or a dermatologist. Depending on the type of acne and your personal needs will determine the approach you should take. Don’t wait!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Open House Goodies - Your Instructions
I’m so excited to invite you to Syringa Spa Suites Open House, Thursday, March 2nd, 2023.
This Open House will feature demos, deals of the day, goodie bags for the first 200 and fun prizes from our vendors as well as other local, small businesses. We are so thankful and hope that you will join us!
When you receive your goodie bag, you may have a skin care item included. Some have instructions and others aren’t included. If you are needing instructions, look no further! (All are available for purchase.)
Native Collagen Gel
This one can be used as a facial mask (quarter size or a little more - leave on for 15-20 minutes), a serum for dry skin, or moisturizer for oily skin. Pea size for serum or moisturizer. It’s one of GM Collin’s 911 products and I have to say that it’s one of my favorites!
Optimal Serum
Serums go on under your moisturizer. This one is my favorite product of 2016 and the reason I fell in love with GM Collin in the first place. Pea size is all you need. Top with moisturizer/SPF.
Optimal Cream/Gel
This is a great nighttime moisturizer (without SPF). The smells are just heavenly! Pea size.
Gold Nugget
You are in for a treat! The Gold Nugget is a ceramide. You use it after cleansing and toning. You can use it morning or night, but I prefer evening. Twist or break open and spread luxurious oil over face and decollette. This is a client favorite and one I recommend using at least once a week!
Anti-Aging Exfoliant Masque
For all skin types to use after cleansing up to 3 times per week. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, rinse with tepid water. Glymed product.
Mega-Purifying Cleanser
Apply 1-2 pumps to dry palms onto dry skin. Gently massage onto the face, neck and decollate to remove makeup, dirt, oil, debris and to prepare skin for 2nd cleanse. Add water to provide slip. Can be used as an eye makeup remover. Rinse with tepid water and wipe with a damp, gentle cloth. Another Glymed product.
Ultra Hydrating Enzyme Masque
After Cleansing. Apply masque to the face and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. Remove with tepid water. Use 2-3 times a week. The newest Glymed product clients are falling in love with!
Fur Oil
Delicious for anywhere where skin and hair meet. (A favorite for my waxing clients.) Just a couple drops will go a long way. You can also use on your cuticles!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Brazilian Wax Testimonials For Essential Esthetics by Zoey
I often talk about Brazilian Waxing. This is my most requested service and the one that I perform the most. In 2022, I completed 881 Brazilian Waxes! I have perfected this treatment and focus on education, touch up strips, and after care … making this the best Brazilian Wax in Southeast Idaho.
But don’t take my word for it!
Here are a few of my most favorite Brazilian Wax Testimonials:
“Zoey is amazing! She is very friendly and professional. She made me feel comfortable and felt like I was chatting with my friend during the Brazilian wax, I didn’t feel pain. You can tell that she really knows what she’s doing.” —-Kate
“Zoey is absolutely fantastic, from the moment I met her she made me feel completely at ease and put my nerves to rest. She’s quick and efficient yet does a wonderful job.” —-Melanie
“What a sweet, wonderful gal Zoey is! SO PROFESSIONAL and SO PARTICULAR!!! Wish I hadn’t waited my whole 58 years to do a Brazilian!” —-Lisa
“Zoey always does a fantastic job whether it’s a wax or a facial. She’s fast, efficient, and meticulous with her work. Plus we always have great converstaions.” —- Cindy
“Zoey is the best! 10/10 recommend to everyone. So sweet and such a great experience every time.” —- Chantel
Syringa Spa Suites Highlight - Massage Therapist Erica Powell
I’m kind of a jack of all trades. First and foremost I am a mom to four amazing tiny humans. Aside from mom duty, I have done many things like; dental assisting, English major, Insurance agent, office manager, etc.. I just never felt like I was making a difference in the world or for anyone with any of these professions.
I was first introduced to massage therapy by my sister in law. I became so interested and was researching like crazy that she finally told me, I should just go to massage school! I looked into a bunch of different schools in the area and just wasn’t satisfied with the curriculum. I ended up finding a school in Boise and moved up there to get trained and licensed. While this was a challenging time, I believe it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Having training from a handful of different therapists from different massage backgrounds really helped me to become a well rounded and competent therapist.
I am so excited to bring new life to the massage world in Pocatello! I specialize in therapeutic massage modalities such as deep tissue,cupping, and sports. While I love a gentle massage, I also know without a doubt that deep tissue can be just as relaxing with so much added benefit to the body! I am constantly keeping up to date on the latest and greatest techniques. I am fascinated by the human anatomy and never want to stop learning how to help heal it!
In the coming months I will be attending multiple continuing education classes including Spontaneous Muscle Release and LomiLomi. I am excited to add these services to my menu in the near future!
Skin Care Trends - Icing
My teenager daughter keeps me in the loop about most current skin care trends. If you haven’t heard of icing, it’s the most popular one right now … and I’ve been talking about it for years.
Particularly in problematic and acne prone skin! When you have a pimple coming to the surface, one of the best ways to treat it is to ice it.
There are lots of different icing tools out there that are fancy and fun to use. The rollers that you stick in the fridge, cryosticks and more. But you don’t need to spend extra money on a gadget.
I love just sticking an ice cube in a baggie and holding over in circling on the spot until it gets cold. Then move to the next spot. If you are just working in one area, hold it as long as you can and then set the baggie down for a couple minutes and repeat until the ice cube is melted.
Either way, the trick is to cool and calm down the skin, but to continue moving it around so that you aren’t getting frost bite or other issues.
Why this works:
This works because acne is an inflammatory disease. As you work to remove the inflammation, the skin will start healing faster.
Can it work for other things?
The answer is yes! There is an aging that is related to inflammation as well. When you remove that one component, it will slow down aging and again, help the skin heal.
Have you tried it yet?
If you haven’t tried this trend, I really think that you will like the results. I even use cryosticks in my treatment room! Once you’ve tried it, let me know what you think!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Experience the Difference in 2023
I’m so excited to share my challenge for you in 2023!!! I am calling it Experience the Difference … and it actually encompasses several aspects.
What is Experience the Difference?
I am known for the best Brazilian Waxing in Southeast Idaho. I spend time during your wax to educate, perform touch up strips, and give you options for amazing aftercare. These are KEYS to the best wax experience.
I also offer exceptional Rejuvenating Facials where we marry results with relaxation. Each and every facial are a head to toe heavenly experience. I include everything I possibly can for you to not only be relaxed, but also to help you reach your skin care goals. Simply put, this is not your ordinary facial.
Pick up the best skin care routine or after waxing products! I have hand selected products that will help your skin each and every day. If you want to see your experience elevate, then you have to have the home care too! 80% of results come from what you do at home. (Yes!!! This is also true with waxing!)
If you’ve ever experience a wax or facial at a different location, then I invite you to “EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE” with ME!!! It IS different. And once you experience the difference, I know you won’t go back!
…..
Experience the Difference with
The smoothest wax you’ve ever had!
The best rejuvenating facial you’ve ever had!
The perfect skincare routine and post wax routine you’ve ever had!
The time is now! Let’s get you started!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Syringa Spa Suites Highlight - Massage Therapist Tiffany Stringham
I often joke that I am mom to 18 kids, but only 3 of them are mine forever. I have been a foster mom for 9 years and 2023 will be the first year that we take a step back from that life. My incredible partner in crime aka my husband and I have been so blessed to have one kiddo of our own and adopt 2. They keep us busy and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
I graduated from The College of Massage Therapy located at Bingham Memorial Hospital in 2017. I have always loved helping others and massage gave me a way to do that on a regular basis. One of the greatest blessings with massage for me has come with being able to help my daughter manage her pain and discomfort after her scoliosis diagnosis.
I specialize in cupping and therapeutic wellness massages. I love when a client leaves feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and feeling less pain and tension. Overall wellness of the body and mind is one of my top goals, so I often combine essential oils with massage. I always have quality DoTerra oils being diffused to help clients feel more relaxed & grounded.
I look forward to helping you this year and in the years to come with your wellness and self care goals and hope that you will allow me to show you just how good your body is meant to feel through quality, therapeutic massage.
Can’t wait to meet you! Tiffany
The Core Four
Have you ever heard about the core four? I’m excited to tell you today about these must have products for your home skin care routine. They are cleanser, prep solution, moisturizer and SPF.
#1 - Cleanser
This first step is the start to removing all of the makeup, dirt, oils, etc. that are on your skin. There are milk/lotion, oil, gel, or foaming cleansers. Some also have exfoliants in them.
You don’t want to layer the leave on products on dirty skin as they won’t work!
#2 - Prep Solution
This is the first leave on product to start with. It is a liquid, like water. This step helps to balance the pH of your skin and prepares it to receive all other ingredients that are left. This is my personal favorite step in the core four. It feels very refreshing and is often jam packed full of awesome ingredients and antioxidants, without a heavy price tag.
#3 - Moisturizer
When using just four products, the next thing that stays on the skin is moisturizer. Choosing a moisturizer that is right for your skin is important. They range from gel, to lightweight cream, to a traditional cream, to a thicker balm. Moisturizer helps the skin to balance and locks in all of the nutrients from the skin.
#4 - Sunscreen
In the morning, you’ll need to finish layering your skin with sunscreen. You can choose from physical or chemical SPF, but I always recommend picking one that you love the feel of, so that you use it daily and correctly. There’s nothing worse than using a product you don’t love. And with sunscreens, you definitely want something that feels nice to you!
So those are the core four!!! If you are missing one of these steps, try and add it in. I know you’ll see the changes in your skin …. without having to add too much time.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Why Did You Move Locations?
The number one question that I’ve been asked this November and December 2022 is why did you move locations?
The answer is that I outgrew the old location. Being at the salon was such a learning and growing opportunity for me …. and I’m so glad that I had 7 years there!!!
I had graduated school about a year prior and then just felt inspired to go out on my own. It was terrifying, yet so fulfilling and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I started doing more eyelash extensions than anything else. And then in August 2018, I stopped offering my number one service so that I could focus more on facials and waxing.
In October 2019, I put on my vision board that I wanted a space of my own. On it were these things:
Washer/Dryer Hookups
Great Energy
2-3 Rooms
Lobby Area
I started searching and almost immediately stopped searching due to the pandemic. I resumed my search summer of 2022 and found a place that had Washer/Dryer Hookups, Great Energy, 6 Rooms, and a Lobby Area. Knowing this was the best spot for me to continue growing and building my business.
In Syringa Spa Suites, I have 2 rooms - one for waxing and one for facials. I no longer spend my day flipping my room back and forth for the different services. I spend it loving on clients and making them feel happy, relaxed, and empowered.
I am also joined here with amazing other spa professionals. I can’t wait to share more with you about them in the coming weeks!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
How To Pick The Right Products For You
Anytime that I see clients, we talk about homecare and the changes that can happen at home when you use the right products. It never fails that the client will want anti-aging products. We all want to slow down that clock, but let’s talk about how to pick the right products for you.
First up, TikTok video makers usually do not have their Esthetician certificate and license. They haven’t seen or felt your skin. Likewise, your favorite InstaGram influencer also doesn’t know you and you probably don’t have the same skin type. These people (while super fun to listen to and sometimes do have great information) are not the experts.
Secondly, if you’ve never seen an Esthetician, I recommend trying to find one that is right for you. During a facial treatment, he or she can look at your skin, feel your skin, and listen to where you want to go. They can be a mentor and guide to help you get there. They know where you are starting and have helped others get there.
My general recommendations are this.
Everyone needs to be using a moisturizer. If you don’t moisturize your skin and your skin feels dry, it will signal to produce more oil. Oily clients especially don’t want to hear this.
Everyone needs to be using a daily SPF product. No, your foundation does not count. It is extra.
If you are truly sensitive, we have to balance your barrier of your skin FIRST. Seek to find gentle, soothing products with little or no actives.
If you experience breakouts or acne, we need to really balance out the skin before working on anti-aging.
If you are a simple girl, please don’t buy a seven step system to start. Let’s start with the core four and work our way from there. (Cleanser, Prep Solution, Moisturizer, SPF.)
Pick an exfoliant and serum for YOUR skin with your Esthetician’s help. These are your home run hitters and you will see better results if you use them.
There is a difference on what you can purchase from your Esthetician versus what you can get from a drugstore. They have to assume that everyone has sensitive skin, so actives are less potent, lower quality and further down in the ingredient deck list.
If your budget doesn’t allow for the whole system to be purchased at once, start with one product and add in a new one each month. I know you’ll notice a difference in quality!
To recap, see your Esthetician. Start with balancing any sensitivities, acne, and hydration levels first. Don’t overbuy steps that you will never use. Remember that exfoliants and serums make the biggest change.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Why I Exfoliate and Mask on the Same Day
If you know me, you know that I am constantly learning and improving myself and skills in the treatment room. About six months ago, I learned something new to me and want to share it with you. The webinar host said that they exfoliate and mask on the same day.
But why do these two steps together?
Think about what each of these skincare routine steps do. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells so that products can penetrate the skin better. They aren’t fighting through dead skin cells. They reveal the healthy layer of skin so that you have that youthful glow. Masks help to target levels of hydration, reduce pore size, balance oil product, add in vitamins and nutrients to the skin, and so much more.
If you apply the mask over layers and layers of dead skin cells, is it really able to do the thing 110%? It’s why in a facial you would exfoliate first and always mask as the last step that is removed from the skin.
Usually, you’ll exfoliate 2-3 times a week (depending on your skin type, which exfoliant you are using, and the recommendations from your Esthetician.) Masking is usually done just once a week. Let me suggest that one of your exfoliation days, you also add in the mask to reap the maximum benefits that you can from these steps.
If you’ve never tried it before, I suggest you try it. It’s been a game changer for my skin! Can’t wait to hear how you do with this challenge!!!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
How to Layer Your Skin Products
When you have all of the steps in your homecare routine, you might be wondering if you are doing it right. You might even have the steps down, only to add in one more thing… and then you're confused! So let’s go over the steps in order of how you would layer them on your face.
First up, any and all of the products that you would wash off your skin. Always a cleanser (sometimes a double cleanse), exfoliant, and mask. If I were doing all three that day, it would be in that order. For a double cleanse process, always start with the oil or milky cleanser, and follow up with a gel or foaming cleanser.
Now for all of the things that will stay on the skin. The basic rule of thumb is that it goes in order of thickness - thinnest to thickest.
Prep solution (otherwise know as treating mist or toner) would be the first step. The main purpose of this product is to prepare the skin for other ingredients by making sure that the skin is at the right pH level. This is my favorite step and can pack a big punch for antioxidants and other powerful ingredients without the price tag.
Serums go next. These are one of two home run hitters on your skin care routine. They are a smaller molecule size and penetrate the skin deeper, making better, longer lasting changes. Serums are targeted to whatever you are working on in your skin.
Active products, such as retinols, ceramides, actives or peel pads are included in the serum step. When using multiple serums, be sure to consult with your Esthetician for the best layering routine. I usually recommend using the retinol OR the peel pads at night followed by an additional traditional serum if needed.
Don’t forget the moisturizer. Yes! I’m speaking to you with oily skin in the back. If your skin feels dry, it will signal to (say it with me), create more oil. It’s important to pick the right moisturizer for your skin type. These range from lightweight or gel consistency, to a traditional cream, to a thick balm type.
Last up for AM. Sunscreen. It should be the outer most layer to reflect or scatter the UV rays (depending on which type of sunscreen that you use.) This is a MUST and should be worn daily. Reapply when you are outside for the day.
So, how did you do? What products would you like to add into your routine? Are you up to the task of layering? As always, your Esthetician is here to hep!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Don't Forget to Treat Your Lips
So by now, you have a bathroom cabinet full of the very best products to slow down the aging process, treat acne, hyperpigmentation, dark circles around your eyes and more. Your routine most likely will include cleanser, prepping solution, serum, moisturizer, SPF, and exfoliating.
One of the common areas to forget about is our LIPS!!! That area is like the eye area … because you can’t just use any product on it. It is prone to dryness in our Idaho winters. Some even crack and bleed. And don’t forget the flaking of dead skin there too.
So what can be done?
First, use a lip product that is actually hydrating and repairing … that is non addictive. You know those products that feel great, but all of a sudden you feel like you need 20 applications a day. That is not good. You’ll find great products that have excellent ingredients from your Esthetician.
Second, use the product as needed, but do not overuse.
Third, use an exfoliation step to help alleviate those lips from dry, dead skin. Do these gently and regularly.
Fourth, this is not a prescription to skip water altogether. Water and hydration from the inside is very important. But it may not be enough for skin and lips.
BONUS! My three favorite lip products. Are you ready for my share. My favorites are from GM Collin, Sorella, and Image Skincare. I currently carry the GM Collin one … and have SO many clients that have come to love this one like I have. I invite you to try it today!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Why Sunscreen is Your Number One Anti-Aging Product
Glycolic acid, Coenzyme Q10, Niacinamide, Green Tea Extracts, Resveratrol … and the list goes on! So many AMAZING and WONDERFUL ingredients and products are on the market to help you slow the aging process down. So, are you going to die when I tell you that there is one simple (and number one) anti-aging product … and it’s not that fancy serum or ceramide?
You know what I’m about to say too!!! Protecting your skin from the number one external aging factor is the most important. So, you need to be wearing your SPF daily and reapplying when you are out in it.
Common conversations with new clients sometimes go like this.
“I do wear sunscreen when I go out.”
OR
“My makeup has sunscreen in it.”
Here are my responses.
“If you can grow a plant in your house, then you have enough sunlight that you need to be wearing SPF daily.”
“Consistent efforts are seen in the skin years later. Maybe of the memes that I like to share during skin cancer prevention month and summertime say things like, ‘If I could go back to the 20 year old me, I would tell myself to wear SPF.’”
“Did you know that in order to get the number on the bottle from your foundation, you need approximately 9 pumps? Ain’t nobody be wearing 9 pumps of foundation a day. Foundation is extra, like gravy. But it does not substitute for your daily sunscreen.”
Because the aging and burning rays are getting to us everyday, you need to be mindful of the products that will best slow down our clocks of aging.
New bonus though! Many of the professional sunscreen products you can get from your Esthetician will also have ingredients on the anti-aging deck list! Wahoo!!!
Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t been as consistent as you would like in the past. Let’s start today and get you an SPF that you love so you’ll look forward to wearing it daily, reapplying as needed, and never skipping a day!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Using Retinol to Exfoliate
Have you ever heard of using Retinol to exfoliate the skin? Or maybe you have, but you aren’t sure. Let’s go over the benefits of using this ingredient on the skin.
Retinol is used in many skin care products. This ingredient was founded in the 1970s and was used in a product called Tretinion. This product was originally used to treat acne and has since become an anti-aging ingredient.
So how do Retinols work?
Retinols exfoliate the skin, help increase skin cell production, increases collagen production and helps unclog pores.
If you want to use retinols to exfoliate, you will also benefit from the list above. First and foremost, make sure that you follow the instructions on your retinol product. If it says to use at night only, make sure you do that. Cleanse, tone and then the retinol (like a serum) would be next. I like to have my clients ease into the use of a retinol product. You may want to start twice a week, go to every other day, until your skin can tolerate an everyday use.
I’ve been SO pleased with the newest offering of retinol that I have at Essential Esthetic by Zoey. It is non irritating … and I’ve been able to start and continue using daily without having the redness and other side effects that can occur with using a retinol.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. The same goes with slowing down and even reversing the aging process. Give your skin time to adapt to new ingredients. Take pictures if you want proof that it’s working. Take note of how your skin felt before using a product and then several weeks in as this takes time and consistency to work.
As always, make sure that you consult with your Esthetician. They know your skin and where you want to go. Plus, they want more than anything for you to see amazing results!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Favorite Winter Treatments
Here is it. The seasons are changing. We went from a glorious autumn of 70s and 80s for weeks. And then the breaks flew on and winter rounds the corner. While winter can be a hard time for your skin and face in particular, it doesn’t have to be. Here are three of my favorite treatments for the colder months.
Hydrating Facials
While this one shouldn’t seem shocking, sometimes we forget what that warm forced air can do on our skin. It can draw out the moisture, especially on our face and hands. Hydrating facials can be a miracle cure.
I love performing facials that focus on repairing and fortifying our barrier of the skin. In winter, I make sure that everything we do makes your skin feel nourished and moisturized. The finishing mask is just one way that we do this. And of course, I love to make sure that we incorporate a hydrating serum as well.
Microneedling
When the sun isn’t out as much and we stay inside more, I love to really work on the skin! You’ll find that I do a lot of microneedling for clients that are working on texture and anti-aging. Microneedling is using a pen with needles that go up and down (just like a sewing machine.) This process creates microchannels in the skin, like columns where we can push in serums and other peptides. This process is much like aerating the lawn and works wonders on the skin. My favorite months to do these treatments are September through May.
This treatment also helps break up hyperpigmentation, promotes collagen and elastin, and works on fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring.
Chemical Peels
I offer a range of chemical peels, but perhaps the ones that I do the most in the fall, winter and spring are the Get Glowing Peels by Elaine Brennan. This formulation of chemicals works on all skin types and all skin concerns. It is perfect as a medium depth peel. Most clients experience some flaking and peeling, especially around the nose and mouth. Some also experience a secondary peeling that occurs 2-3 weeks after the peel. Most peeling is between days 3 and 5.
The benefits of doing a peel are to work on acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, any aging concerns, etc. You will experience a brightening and tightening effect of the skin.
I also will commonly rotate between the microneedling and chemical peels. Maximum benefits are a series of six.
Of course, any treatment will benefit your skin. I hope you will consider adding a treatment this season to boost up your amazing home care routine. Seek to ask your Esthetician which of these is best suited for you and your skin care goals.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Confessions of an Esthetician - Dealing With Hormonal Acne
My skin was always pretty good, other than an occasional pimple here and there. Until 37. Oh boy!!! Did that year just do a number to my skin. I found that I was constantly breaking out. Some were these giant monsters. I just didn’t even know how to deal with it. Yes, I am an Esthetician! But this simply had never happened to me before.
I’d like to say that I handled it with grace, but I probably handled it more like a toddler. I want that product! I want to try that new treatment! I just wanted clear skin, and I wanted to have clear skin NOW!
So, after trying a ton of things, and realizing that hormonal acne was going to be different than teenage acne, I decided to start giving different types of products a longer chance. One Esthetician friend recommended that I try the Fulvic Elixir by Glymed Plus… so I did. That was a game changer for me!
Here’s what I learned during the process of healing my acne.
#1 - Some problems are internal. See your doctor and check your hormones.
#2 - Stop picking!!! (I’m speaking to me in the back.) Picking makes every type of acne worse.
#3 - Using traditional acne products probably isn’t going to work for acne that happens in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and yes … 60s.
#4 - You need to be willing to try products longer than a week to see if they will work for you.
#5 - Be open to different types of products and treatments. Calming, soothing, and yes, even hydrating ingredients might help you. Light peels and high frequency might help more than you think as well.
#6 - What works for your friend or InstaGram influencer might not work for you!
If you’ve been struggling with hormonal acne, I’m happy to see if I can help you! If I think it’s beyond what I can do, I'm also happy to point you in the direction of another acne specialist in town or Dematologist if it’s past my scope of practice.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Opinion: Mositurizer Addiction
Welcome to the new Opinion Articles! These are my opinions on different topics in the skin world. Enjoy!
One of my skin care philosophies is more is not always better. Or … less is more. When I was attending a recent skin care class, I found myself shaking my head about this topic and wanted to weigh in with my opinion.
The presenter stated that your skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In the 1950s, there was a big push by the beauty world to slow aging with moisturizer. It was a marketing tactic and those companies wanted to sell more. So, all of a sudden, all the women needed this. They added this into their beauty budget. This is how this fad came to be … and we are all still embracing a product that we don’t need.
She talked about how the skin will balance the water and oil content in the skin naturally if we don’t make the skin lazy by using too much. She also mentioned the fact that you need to be using actives in the skin regularly … and moisturizing as needed, but that if your skin works properly, you really won’t need it at all.
My opinion —- Of course, there needs to be a balance. And, I still believe that more is not always better. In the climate of Idaho (dry, desert and mountain terrain), I do think that 95% or more of clients that I see are dehydrated. Dehydrated means lacking water content in the skin. Dry means lacking oil. Using products that balance the water in the skin will help your skin feel better. And in my opinion, work better.
If you are using professional products, I don’t believe that you need to be using a large amount. A small pea size will do. Also, if you feel like your skin won’t produce too much oil, by all means, don’t use a moisturizer and try this out for yourself.
The bottom line —- Our skin will always give us cues of what to do. It is our job to listen to what it is telling us, and follow appropriately. If you don’t know what your skin is telling you, see your Esthetician and work together to come up with a plan and steps that will help you indiviudally.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE