Ask Loni

Thank you so much for your email. 

Have you been away recently or are you seeing the sunspots on your skin just from the few nice days that we have had?

The reason I ask is I am slightly concerned that you may be having some hormonal imbalances, or trauma / stress in your life. I feel that you may be seeing melasma (hormonal pigmentation on your skin) This is typically pigmentation that we acquire when we are younger that does not show until pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, or menopausal symptoms that unbalance our hormones. 

My best suggestion to you is to wear a physical SPF which is a mineral veil that sits on the skin and lasts much longer than a chemical SPF and inhibits melasma from surfacing. (I highly recommend Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals) As far as removing the spots if they are caused by the sun then by treating them with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) the spots would darken slightly and gently scab off the skin. With melasma we use (derm-eclat) a procedure which includes suppressing the melasma back under the skin so it is no longer visible. Melasma unfortunately cannot be "peeled" or exfoliated off the surface of the skin, it must be suppressed and protected to avoid it from reoccurring. 

I do suggest booking in for a complimentary skin care analysis so that you can get a great understanding of your skin, and I can assess your concerns and see what treatment would provide you with the best results for your skin.  

Thank you so much again, Have a beautiful day. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  905-604-7444.

Thank you, I can certainly appreciate indulging a little more around the holidays.

Several factors can pertain to puffiness and dark circles around your eye contour. If you have a persistent reoccurring problem I do suggest booking in a one on one facial consultation. An increase in salt, sugar or even a change in sleep habits or sleep positioning can all play a role. I do however have 1 must have product this holiday season, Eminence Organics Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye cream  The Advanced Instant Lift fX eye treatment rapidly de-puffs tired eyes, smooths wrinkles and minimizes the appearance of dark under-eye circles. The cooling, stainless steel rollerball applicator massages hibiscus and ice wine actives into the areas around the eye, appearing to instantly tighten and lift the skin. Key ingredients include Hibiscus: Increases elasticity; moisture rich to keep skin hydrated and supple, Ice Wine Active: Tightens skin so it appears lifted; instantly smooths wrinkles, Caffeine: Reduces puffiness and the look of dark under-eye circles, Botanical Peptides (derived from Hibiscus): Diminishes the look of wrinkles, Green Algae: Increases the look of firm skin, Stevia Extract: Decreases the look of wrinkles and increases hydration $119.99 Purchase online or watch the video 

Some of my Winter Skin Survival Tips:
1.) Switch to a mild cleaning milk instead of a foaming gel.  
2.) Keep exfoliating at least 2 times per week. 
3.) Masking is essential. Apply a thin layer of mask at least 2 nights per week and leave on while sleeping.
4.) Add a facial serum or oil to your nightly routine. 
5.) Dry brush your body daily. 
6.) Moisturize your body immediately after each shower. 
7.) Wear a protective balm daily on your lips 
8.) Wear SPF daily
9.) Eat foods rich in Omegas 
10.) Use a humidifier 
11.) Switch to a hydrating / repairing hair conditioner. 
12.) Always keep a recovery balm on hand. Apply before winter sports, or on windy, harsh days to act as a protective barrier from the elements.
(I highly recommend Eminence Organics Rosehip & Lemongrass repair balm and facial recovery oil.)  
My 'go to' Winter Rescue 

The summer, although probably for the majority of us our favourite season, it can be just as devastating to our skin as winter. SPF is something that we should be applying to our skin everyday of the year. SPF is the #1 prevention method against sun spots, melasma and premature skin aging. 
After the beautiful summer we have experienced you may notice some damage left on your skin. If you notice more fine lines and wrinkles as well as sun spots on the face, neck and hands, there may be several contributing factors. 
 Sun: UV rays break down our skin's natural collagen and elastin, the two main proteins that are responsible for keeping our skin firm and smooth. The best prevention for this is by eating foods rich in Beta-carotene. This antioxidant makes skin more supple and flexible and reduces sun-related wrinkles. You can find it in fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, or in a supplement. Also taking preventative measures by wearing SPF daily and re applying as necessary. 
Regardless a certain amount of damage is going to be apparant after the summer. 
Treatments such as Chemical peels; help to remove damaged cells from the upper layers of your skin. These range from Mandellic Chemical Peels to Organic Pumpkin Enzyme Peels which both provide fantastic visible results.   
Microdermabrasion is form of natural damage to the skin using tiny grains or crystals to remove the outer layer of skin which inturn stimulates new cell growth and collagen production.
IPL / Photo Facial: Short pulses of concentrated light remove specific layers or areas of the skin to reveal fresh, new skin beneath. This also stimultates collagen production and new cell growth. 
Microneedling: Temporary opening of the skins barrier to allow deep product penetration as well as stimulating new collagen & elastin production. 
Skin-lightening creams, masks and serums with a natural alternative to hydroquinone (ex. Eminence Organics Bright Skin System) can help to significantly lighten skin. Kojic and glycolic acids are two other effective ingredients that can help remove these marks also. 
If you're not sure which treatment is best for you please do not hesitate to contact me for a complimentary Facial Consultation to have a better understanding of your skin.  905-604-7444

The demand for safe, effective, non-surgical treatments to improve the contours of the body continues to grow. Patients want to enhance the shape of their physique without the cost, potential complications, or downtime associated with a surgical procedure (i.e. liposuction). Non-invasive body-contouring treatments powered by radio frequency (RF) have emerged as some of the most effective therapies available, and have proven to help: Reduce skin laxity (looseness) to improve the appearance of excess or sagging skin. Common treatment zones include the abdomen, thighs, arms, and jowls.

Sculpt, tighten, or tone the skin. Increase cellular metabolism, lymphatic drainage, and circulation. Streamline body contours. Smooth and firm the texture of the skin. Boost collagen production. Decrease the circumference and volume of the targeted treatment zones. Minimize the appearance of cellulite (unsightly skin dimpling)

Reduce stubborn fat pockets

HOW DOES IT WORK? The body contouring applications of radio frequency (RF) treatments are premised upon the stimulating power of thermal heat energy—an oscillating electrical current forces collisions between charged molecules and ions, transforming them into heat. RF thermal stimulation is believed to produce a micro-inflammatory process that promotes the growth of new collagen and causes the skin to contract, temporarily smoothing, tightening, and firming the surface of the skin. RF treatments can also be utilized to reduce the size of stubborn fat pockets.

Because RF thermal stimulation occurs irrespective of skin type or color, RF body contouring treatments are appropriate for people of all ethnicities and skin types.

A: Calluses unfortunately do happen and are very common. Calluses typically develop on the feet due to the fact that the foot itself requires extra protection in that specific area. Wearing flip flops and sandals in the summer can be very hard on your feet, or wearing work boots / shoes daily depending on your career. Your foot is no longer supported or fully balanced and therefore the foot will develop a callus to try and protect the nerves from further damage. Never have a callus shaved or bladed off! This instantly leaves the foot re-susceptible to damage and will grow back a thicker callus faster to try to fight the damage you are causing. Using a foot paddle or pumice stone to gently remove dead skin build up can be done on a daily basis after showering or soaking your feet. Applying a nourishing foot balm morning and night will help to heal the cracks and calluses in time however looking closely at your foot wear may just be your cure. In the meantime I highly recommend the Gehwol Line from Germany. Most effective are Callus Cream $23.95 or medicated Salve for cracked skin. $24.95. Call me for a complimentary consultation anytime. 905-604-7444

It is hard to say without seeing the skin, however you can always come in for a complimentary facial consultation to have a better understanding of your skin's conditions. I believe you may be referring to broken capliiaries.  
Broken capillaries is a problem with the tiny blood vessels that become visible near the surface of the skin and usually appear as streaks or blotches. They are commonly known as spider veins because of their tree branch, or spider web-like, shape. Broken capillaries appear close to the skin surface and can be identified by their red or blue color.
There are tiny and delicate veins just under the skin that are responsible for the blood circulation in the face. When the walls of these veins narrow and widen suddenly, breakage may occur. Some of these ruptured blood vessels cannot repair themselves or go back to their normal thickness without some kind of treatment. Spider veins can be found around the nose, cheeks and mouth, on the neck, as well as the upper chest and legs.

There are two types of broken blood vessels. The first kind is the fairly common bruising that takes the form of a purplish skin swelling. It is usually caused by some form of trauma to the skin and disappears in a couple of weeks without any treatment. The second is a blood spot that occurs just beneath the skin surface and looks like a red-colored spreading of cells. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as malnutrition, disease and other problems that traumatize the body and the immune system.
 

Occasional dark circles under the eyes can be caused by factors as simple as a lack of sleep, dehydration or an allergy, particularly congestion in the central facial and nasal area. Dark circles can also be hereditary, and are more likely to occur in certain ethnic groups. For many, dark circles...Read More 

I was waiting for this one. There is not a woman in the world that wouldn't shrink her pore size. Often it becomes more of a complaint than fine lines and wrinkles. Large pores and excessive oil go hand in hand. When sebum gets stuck in your pores, it causes inflammation that physically expands the pore. Some quick tips on minimizing the dreadful large pore. 1. Charcoal cleansers and masks. charcoal is known for its ability to bind itself to grime and extract it from your pores, in fact charcoal can bind 800 times its weight in dirt and oil. 2. Ditch the harsh scrubs and stop over exfoliating, use a chemical exfoliant 2-3 times a week on a pad for a gentle wiping exfoliation. 3. Tighten collagen and elastin. Yes gravity and aging causes the pore shape to droop strengthening collagen firms the pore wall and decreases their diameter. 4. Protect your skin from the sun. UV rays tear at the collagen in your skin prevent structural skin damage before it happens. 5. Use vitamin c serums to restructure collagen to tighten pores and only use oil free makeup

The hardest part for me to get women to understand is that celebrities do not look like they do in the media at home. We all suffer with problem skin and as we age we must take better care and become much more strict with our skin care routine. Night masking, using the most potent serums and making sure the skin is properly exfoliated. Choose a mineral foundation, Most of the time when you see flawless celebrity skin, it is a pure mineral foundation applied professionally. I put my faith in Jane Iredale. It is often referred to as the Skin Care Makeup. It is composed of 100% minerals containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, it provides SPF 20 (recommended by the skin cancer foundation) and leaves a flawless finish. Highlighting and contouring the skin with a mineral blush or bronzer will have you red carpet ready. Stop by for a consultation and a complimentary application of Jane Iredale Minerals, I will even teach you how to apply them exactly for your skin type / condition.

As the weather turns colder, our bodies experience a lot of dry heat. Whether it's from the furnace turning on, the heat in your car or the layers of winter clothing we bundle ourselves in, our skin becomes less exposed and therefore less attended to. Exfoliation is essential in removing dead skin cells, and using a luxuriously hydrating body lotion or body oil is equally important. Many women exfoliate their faces but forget about their body. Before stepping into the shower, brush yourdry skin with a dry body brush. This will help remove the loose skin and prepare it for the exfoliating process. Begin with the soles of your feet, and work upwards using circular motions always towards your heart. Get into the shower and wet your body. Using a salt or sugar exfoliating body scrub, (I highly recommend Eminence Organics Coconut Sugar scrub. It will exfoliate evenly, leave it on to shave as it will act as a shaving gel, and leaves the skin silky with coconut oil hydration), scrub your body in a circular motion starting with the bottoms of your feet and working up. Rinse your body with lukewarm water, and follow with the coldest water you can stand. After stepping out of the shower, apply a moisturizing body lotion or oil. (I recommend Eminence Organics Monoii Age Defying Body Moisturizer or Eminence Organics Apricot Body Oil)

Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually enough to achieve silky skin; however, women with oily skin should exfoliate more often than those with dry skin. 

I can certainly appreciate the confusion you are having. It seems that Botox and fillers have become Hollywood's most popular quick fix. However we have also all seen the horror stories. It sounds like you are using great products and likely have beautiful skin. My suggestion and alternative to injections is Dermatude. (aka my new best friend) Dermatude is a treatment that creates tiny micro-perforations in the skin and penetrates serum deep down into the dermis, this stimulates collagen and elastin production and encourages cell renewal which heals the skin from the inside out.  Results are incredible! Fine lines and wrinkles are diminished, a significant decrease of hyper-pigmentation and old acne scarring  I recommend a series of 6 Dermatude treatments with a maintenance treatment twice a year it's that simple. Skip the needle and schedule a Dermatude Treatment. 

Thank you for a great question. Everyone's skin I think is feeling a little over polluted from the summer we have had. It was short but beautiful. Our skin produces more oil in the summer months as well as extra activity can cause us to stray from our regular skin care routine. I would definitely recommend a few microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion when using a natural crystal is similar to a light sandblasting of the first few layer of dead skin. This allows the dead skin to slough off and promote the growth of new healthy skin cells. Then "Reveal your natural beauty" at home with Eminence Organics new skin renewal peels. This is a great way to give your skin the fresh new boost it has been looking for!! These active exfoliating peel solutions FIRM, BRIGHTEN, CALM and CLEAR the skin. They visibly renew the skins texture and are anti-oxidant rich. The skin is left feeling soft, smooth and revitalized. The best part you apply them with a provided dual action cotton and they do not have to be removed!!!! ($79.95) Call today for more information or a sample to try at home, your skin will never feel the same again. 

Your summer skin survival regime should start with exfoliating more often. (3 times week for dryer skin and up to everyday for oily skin types.) This will help to prevent clogged pores. Exfoliating will also allow your sunscreen to better penetrate your skin. Switching to a serum or a fluid as a daily  moisturizer and applying a mineral (powder) sunscreen on top may be the best option for you. I suggest Eminence Organics Red Currant Balancing Concentrate or Stone Crop Serum followed by Eminence Defence Minerals SPF 30. They are easy to carry and make re-applying a breeze with the built in application brush, the best part is they are great for men and children and water resistant up to 4 hours in moving water! (perfect if you are a swimmer like myself) Staying hydrated internally will help your skin look and feel its best, In other words drink up - water that is. Lighten up on your makeup and carry a refreshing mist to spritz every time you need a boost. (I suggest Eminence Organics Lime Refresh Tonique, or Stone Crop Hydrating Mist) to help your skin feeling super light and clean. Have a great summer!

 Great question! Exfoliate and mask more often. Daytime Application: after applying moisturizer, typically something less heavy for the summer with SPF (I highly recommend Eminence Organics Persimmon and Cantaloupe SPF 32, or switch to a gel moisturizer) Then apply a thin layer of facial primer (I highly recommend Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer) Skip the liquid foundation and apply a mineral powder base that has SPF (I recommend Jane Iredale pure pressed base or Eminece Organics sun defence mineral SPF 30 ) then continue with the rest of your makeup regimen - using some waterproof products like mascara or eyeliner may help, even though I think the primer may do the trick. Let me know how you are doing.

Light Therapy uses specific color wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin at varying depths which energizes the cells to promote collagen, improve elasticity, increase blood circulation and oxygen flow while releasing toxins this in turn stimulates the anti-aging process, helps to normalize cellular imbalances and improves skin tone and clarity.  

Light Therapy is painless and a great add-on to most facials for immediate and lasting results.

Sunscreen use is essential every day if you will be outside, including short travel in your vehicle. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays year round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand, and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays.

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays that reach the earth – ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Overexposure to either can lead to skin cancer. In addition to causing skin cancer, here’s what each of these rays do:

UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass.

UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass.

The best type of sunscreen is the one you will use again and again. Just make sure it offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, an SPF of 30 or greater which blocks 97% of the sun’s rays, and is water resistant. Higher number SPF blocks slightly more of the sun’s rays but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays. High-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs and should be applied approximately every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Use enough sunscreen to generously coat all skin that will be not be covered by clothing.  Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. Follow the guideline of "enough to fill a shot glass", which is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body. Adjust the amount of sunscreen applied depending on your body size. Apply the sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes BEFORE going outdoors. Skin cancer also can form on the lips. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Re-apply sunscreen approximately every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily according to the directions on the bottle.

Many people appreciate brush on minerals SPF which applies like a loose or pressed makeup powder onto the skin and acts as a barrier (or umbrella) to reflect harmful rays. Excellent for travel and children.

Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet.

Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a professional. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

I highly recommend Eminence Organics Sun Defense minerals (SPF 30), Red Currant Day Cream SPF 32 or Jane Iredale Amazing Base or pressed powder (SPF 20)

Stop by and ask me for an application or a sample to see which SPF is best for you.
 

Wearing a daily moisturizer is extremely important as it provides the skin with anti-oxidants and acts as a barrier to protects the surface of the skin from environmental damages. 

A serum however acts as a cure or a "fix" for specific concerns you wish to address with your skin making serums essential in every day use. Serums are packed with more potent ingredients and are delivered deep down into the skin making them essential for skin repair.

If you feel that your skin is needing a boost, if it's dull, dry, sensitive, or you are noticing more fine lines or pigmentation a serum is your answer.  If you are not sure which serum is right for your skin call me for an in-depth complimentary skin consultation or a sample of a serum to try. 905-604-7444 Your skin will thank you.

With the kind of weather we have been having lately, there's nothing better than using a facial oil. Yes, I said 'oil'. When formulated for skin care, this magical fluid work harder to add moisture to your skin, balancing oil production and providing much needed nutrients. Here are a couple of ways that facial oils can benefit your skin and help you achieve a glowing and hydrated skin.

(1) Oils are highly effective moisturizers because they have 'fat loving' elements that pass through the lipid layer of the skin faster which leads to hydration.

(2) Oils are packed with nutrients: vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids providing much needed nutrients for the skin.

Remember even if you suffer from oily skin, applying oil can actually reduce oil generation.

Some recommended facial oils to try are: Eminence Calendula Oil for moisturizing for all skin types and Facial Recovery Oil for mature, dry skin types also recommended for stretch marks.