Why Use a Facial Toner?

A few clients have been asking: “Why is toner important for my skin?”

First off, what’s most important is your own skin’s reaction to the toner.

Absolutely do not use any toner that irritates your skin. Any irritation disrupts your skin’s natural healing process and reduces healthy collagen production.

The purpose of toner is to rebalance and restore skin’s pH balance after cleansing. Your skin needs a range of ingredients like antioxidants, glycerin, fatty acids and ceramides to restore and repair its surface (skin can never get too much of these important ingredients!) The right toner can do wonders for your skin, giving it what it needs for a healthy, radiant glow.

Skipping toner can cheat your skin of the beneficial ingredients it needs to become healthier and smoother. Using toner within a particular skin care line is always a good idea because the products are formulated to work together (cleanser, toner, and moisturizer).

>>In the news: Tune in to the Hallmark Channel to watch the debut of Marie Osmond‘s new talk show October 16th, 2012 at noon. Shizuka new york Day Spa will be featured in the “Extreme Beauty” segment!

At Home Pumpkin Enzyme Facial

It’s that time of year when we see pumpkins popping up everywhere—as festive décor, in desserts, even as seasonal ale! Why not apply pumpkins’ sweet hearty goodness to your skin too?

Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel utilizes pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. This peel also includes antiseptic herbs such as cinnamon bark, oregano and rosemary extract that help clean and soften skin. It smells so good, you’ll want to eat it (PLEASE DON’T)!

We use this peel in some of our Shizuka NY facials and also offer it as an add-on treatment.

Use this peel on normal to oily skin and give yourself a mini-facial at home 2-3 times a week. Here’s how:

1. Apply 1 tsp of Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel to clean skin and hold face near a stream of hot water (can be done in the shower) to allow steam to activate the enzymes. Massage with fingertips and leave on for 3-5 minutes, rinse and towel dry.
2. Rebalance skin with Shizuka NY’s Skin Freshener to help close pores and remove excess oil.
3. Finish by applying Shizuka NY’s Oil Free Moisturizer to hydrate and restore normal barrier function without clogging pores.

Hydration for Supple Skin

From Elle Magazine: Just add water for a supple complexion

Maintaining an optimal moisture balance is essential to youthful-looking skin. Avoid harsh detergents and exceedingly hot showers, and always use a moisturizer. Formulas rich in glycerin and hyaluronic acid will plump, while formulas with ceramides or lipids help lock in hydration.

Check out our Hyaluronic Acid Mask ($43) and Hyaluronic Acid Gel ($67) for its deeply hydrating and anti-aging properties.

Summertime Lavender Skincare

During these hot summer days, we invite you to cool down and relax with some soothing lavender for your skin. Shop around our store for some fragrant summertime skincare treats:

Aloe Cleansing Gel – A foaming sulfate-free cleanser with a refreshing blend of Aloe Vera and Lavender that gently clarifies the skin while maintaining natural moisture.

Lavender Honey Balancing Mist – A refreshing blend of balancing Lavender and moisture rich Honey helps tone and hydrate the skin while restoring equilibrium to the mind. This can be used as a toner after cleansing the face or throughout the day as a skin refresher.

Lavender Protective Moisturizer w/ SPF 17 – This nourishing emollient cream combines micronized Zinc Oxide to help protect the skin from UV damage with antioxidant Turmeric Root to help reduce redness. Apply a liberal amount to skin 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. The SPF 17 blocks over 95% of sun’s damaging rays. (Note: this product is not water-proof).

Lavender oil, known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, can be found in our Shizuka New York Skincare line as well:

Shizuka NY Moisturizer – This moisturizer is a non-greasy and absorbs immediately to hydrate, condition and rejuvenate, and works to clarify and brighten the complexion.

Shizuka NY Foaming Cleanser -This Foaming Cleanser is used in most facial treatments in our NYC day spa and contains a slew of other nourishing ingredients leaving the skin renewed, softer and more supple.

Retinol for Timeless Skin

A recent article in Vogue Daily, “The Return to Retinol” by Cristina Mueller, highlights the time-honored and celebrated anti-aging qualities of retinol. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a compound discovered 81 years ago. Because of its ability to “penetrate all the layers of the skin, prompting extra-speedy cell turnover and exfoliation in the process”, retinol has been used to treat skin conditions from acne to reduction in fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

“Retinoids trigger change in the skin to make it look clearer and more youthful; they actually help skin get back to a healthier place. And there’s strong, strong clinical data behind that,” says Jennifer Linder, M.D., dermatologist and chief scientific officer for a clinical skin care line.

We agree that retinol can do wonders for the skin! Our Shizuka NY Anti-Aging Night Repair 1 product contains retinol which actively evens skin tone and texture, while it also gently reduces fine lines and wrinkles (all while you sleep)! We suggest using this product in conjunction with Anti-Aging Night Repair 2 and Weekly Brightening Pads for maximum results.

Check our our discounted Anti-Aging “Bento Sets” for Day and Night >>

Product Highlight: Shizuka NY Clay Cleanser

Discover our Shizuka NY Clay Cleanser featured in the latest issue of Essential Homme Magazine, pp. 154-55:

Before basking in the rays of the sun, you’ll need to clean up that face. Made with Moroccan lava clay,this cleanser rids clogged pores of the kind of impure built-up that could result in an uneven tan while its green tea and pearl protein components leave your skin looking rejuvenated. $48/ 5.3 oz.; shizukany.com/development

How to get Celebrity (flawless) Skin

“I insist on exfoliation, even if you have dry skin,” says  Susan Evans, M.D., a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist,  “You have to remove old layers first before products can really penetrate.”

Check out Shizuka Bernstein’s appearance on Good Morning America with Dr. Evans >>

Shop online for Naturopathica’s Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub >>

Sensitive Skin Moisturizers

Recently, clients have been asking us: “Which moisturizer should I use for my sensitive skin?”

Skin Care, Ins and Outs

Check out the latest mention of our Halloween Week Special – Geisha facial here! There’s still time to take advantage of our exclusive Halloween Week spa deals. So hurry, offers end October 31^st, 2011!

While the idea of a daily facial seems unlikely, especially for those constantly on the go, there are a couple things you can do daily to keep your skin happy and healthy this season.

As the weather gets cooler and the air dryer, it’s important to remain mindful of the foods we eat. It’s difficult to determine the exact correlation certain foods have on skin conditions, but for most, a slight change in the way we eat can bring a drastic improvement to our skin. Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center in New York City, says, “Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look”.

To ensure you’re getting enough essential vitamins to nourish your skin from the inside out, we’ve compiled a list of seasonal winter foods to look out for the next time you go grocery shopping. For ultimate skin protection, we’ve paired them with our vitamin-infused topical serums and potions for a customized mini-facial everyday!

Reduce wrinkles, curb inflammation, improve skin tone, increase collagen levels: Eat foods rich in Vitamin C like sweet potatoes, red peppers, pineapple, oranges, and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is best known to strengthen your immune system but can also protect your skin’s cells and tissues from premature aging. Apply our C-Mollient Gel for a Vitamin C boost and Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisturizer.

Soft, smooth, radiant skin: Eat foods rich in Vitamin E like fortified cereals, almonds, turnip greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, and avocado. Vitamin E helps fight off toxins in your body and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Apply Shea Butter Ultra-Rich Body Cream to immediately hydrate and sooth any area of your skin, excellent for all skin types.

Build up anti-aging defense mechanisms in your skin, even skin tone, reduce skin irritation and itchiness: Eat foods rich with Beta Carotene like carrots, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli and spinach. Beta Carotene promotes cell growth and increases immunity. Apply Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel to naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, and for mature skin apply Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel which is infused with both Beta Carotene and Vitamin C.

Reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles and skin discoloration: Eat foods rich in Vitamin K like olive oil, scallions, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus, broccoli, and pears. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health but also helps heal skin discolorations and scarring. Apply Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum to under eye circles and our RosaGel (also infused with Vitamins C and E) to reduce the appearance of redness and small capillaries.

Smoother, naturally hydrated skin: Eat foods with Hyaluronic Acid like fish and poultry. Hyalauronic Acid helps to hydrate and tightly bond skin cells together. Apply our HydraPeptide Gel for deep skin hydration and Glycolic Purifying Peel for both exfoliation and hydration, for normal to oily skin.

Healthy glowing skin: Eat foods rich in complex B vitamins like whole grains, poultry, fish, and eggs. B vitamins helps build healthy cells and can help even out skin tone. Apply Cassis Ultra Replenishing Cream to protect the skin from noxious chemicals in the air and improve resilience. Its ‘ultra’ components include Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid to boot.

Check out our current Spa Deals here>>

Can’t make it to the spa? Check out our online store>>

Halloween Week Spa Specials

Hey Shizuka NY Insiders!

With Halloween right around the corner, you’ll scream at these Halloween Week Specials, good October 24th – 31st, 2011. Appointments are going fast, so reserve your spa TREATment now by requesting an appointment online, or calling (212) 644-7400.

Geisha Facial®, $90 (Reg $180) Save 50%!

Halloween beauty never looked so good! Save a whopping 50% on this exclusive facial, seen on TV broadcasts and magazines internationally for harnessing the unique Japanese geisha tradition of cleansing the skin with nightingale droppings. This 50 min. facial also includes cleansing and light pore extraction using products from the all-natural Shizuka New York Skin Care System, a camellia oil facial massage and a green tea Collagen Mask.

Gel Nail Manicure – solid color, $38 (Reg $50)

Show off your Halloween spirit with our solid color Presto LED gel nails. Better yet, bring in a sample of your costume and let us create a custom color just for you. Mix things up a bit with festive stamps, hand drawing and glitter for an additional $10 and up.

50 min. Shiatsu or Swedish Massage , $80 (Reg $105)

Almost as sweet as a bagful of candy, our Shiatsu and Swedish massages will leave you feeling rejuvenated minus the empty calories! Treat your body and spirit to a 50 min. massage by one of our highly skilled massage therapists.

Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel , 1.7 Fl oz/50mL – $56

If you don’t feel like carving pumpkins this year but still want to indulge your festive side, try Naturopathica’s best selling Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel. By utilizing pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities, this refining peel is formulated to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. For an additional $30, sample it by asking your esthetician to add it to your favorite facial (already included in some). Or, simply take some home for yourself and let your skin glow like a jack-o-lantern all year round!

Spa deals are available October 24th – 31st, 2011. Schedule your appointment now by using our online request form or call (212) 644-7400.

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

FDA Issues New Rules for Sunscreen Safety

The summer solstice today marks the beginning of the season of beaches, parks, and sun. Just in time, the Federal Drug Administration has recently issued new rules that are intended to improve the way sun protection products are marketed and used.

Here are a few important points to keep in mind when purchasing and using sunscreen this summer:

• SPF only refers to protection from the sun’s UVB rays. In order to prevent sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, you need broad spectrum UVB and UVA protection.
• SPF is based on testing that uses large amounts of product on the skin. In order to be effectively protected, apply more sunscreen than you may want to, and more often than you normally would.
• There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. All sunscreens lose effectiveness when you sweat or swim. In these cases, reapply frequently.
• There is very little difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. There is no need to purchase a sunscreen with SPF higher than 50. Rather, look for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and reapply frequently.
• In addition to using sunscreen with SPF 30-50 daily, you should protect your body with clothing and light-blocking hats and umbrellas.

When you venture outdoors this summer, take care of your skin to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Recommended Sun Protection Product:

Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+
By DCL Skin Care

DCL Skin Care’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ combines high UVB absorption and powerful UVA blockage for broad spectrum protection in an elegant silky sheer, matte finish that leaves the skin residue free.

The superb photo protective performance of ultra microfine zinc oxide contributes to the high SPF protection while supplemental antioxidants safeguard the skin from environmental free-radical damage.

Size: 1.7 Fl oz / 50 mL
Price: $24.00

Purchase Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ >>

More about this topic at NYTimes.com >>

More from the FDA >>

Review: Shizuka New York Moisturizer

Shizuka New York’s original Moisturizer ($62 at ShizukaNY.com) is featured in this month’s issue of BeautyNewsNYC.com.

In a piece titled “Searching for Holistic Asian Skincare,” writer Patricia Wersinger delves into the myths and truths about this beauty trend that also includes our Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial.

The verdict?

“The Shizuka moisturizer just sinks in and melts like butter leaving the skin moisturized and fresh. It has a calming re-texturizing effect while green tea, aloe vera and chlorella clarify and brighten it. Along with buying the products for home use, why not treat yourself to one of the best facials in town at the Shizuka Spa.”

Read the rest of the review on BeautyNewsNYC.com >>

Learn more about Shizuka NY products and purchase online >>

SNL – Bird Poop Facials & Turtle Poop?

A recent episode of Saturday Night Live included a sketch titled “Spa Talk with Tyla Yonders.” In the skit, Yonders (played by Kristen Wiig) attempts to bring serenity to her guests with bird poop facials, and even turtle poop facials!

Bird Poop Facial – Daily Mail (UK)

The UK’s Daily Mail recently featured the Geisha Facial® at Shizuka New York Day Spa:

It’s been hailed as a beauty wonder product and Victoria Beckham loves it… but would you put bird poo on your face?

From bull’s semen to flesh-eating fish, women have endured some bizarre things in the name of beauty.

But the latest treatment to hit high-end spas features what is perhaps the strangest ingredient to date.

Nightingale excrement, collected from the Japanese island of Kyushu, is being hailed as the hottest beauty wonder product.

…

Known in Japan as uguisu no fun, the facial was conceived in November 2007 by New York facialist Shizuka Bernstein, who was inspired by her mother describing how geisha girls in feudal Japan removed their thick white lead make-up.

Mrs Bernstein, 52 explained: ‘The bird poop facial works because of an enzyme that breaks down the dead skin on the upper layers of the face.

Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/beauty/article-1350741/Its-hailed-beauty-wonder-product-Victoria-Beckham-loves–bird-poo-face.html

Get Jack-O-Lantern-Faced (It’s a Good Thing)

If you think your skin is starting to resemble that of a jack-o-lantern, you might consider making Jack into a pie and then slathering that on your face.

Believe it or not, pumpkin is a very effective skin care ingredient. Natural enzymes in pumpkin break down dead skin cells and pumpkin is also loaded with beta carotene, a natural anti-oxidant. If your skin is feeling dull, dry or congested this October, try Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, an aromatic facial mask that decongests and polishes the skin. Here’s an easy way to work Pumpkin Enzyme Peel into your routine:

1. Start by taking a warm shower or bath. Cleanse your skin while bathing, using gentle circular motions. The steam from the water will also allow your pores to open.
2. Pat your face dry and apply Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Enzyme Peel to the skin. Allow it to sit on your skin for 3-5 minutes (dry your hair or listen to a tune). You may feel a light tingling sensation which means the peel is activating. However, if any burning or itching occurs, or if the skin becomes red, remove the product immediately.
3. Rinse Pumpkin Enzyme Peel off with lukewarm water.  To help remove the product, you can also use a gentle cleanser.
4. Apply your favorite moisturizer.  If it is in the A.M., make sure to apply sun protection before leaving home.
5. Repeat 1-2 times per week, as needed and tolerated by the skin.

You should also check out a homemade pumpkin facial recipe from Shizuka that was featured on FoxNews.com.

Fall Skin Care Guide

The weather is changing…is your skin care routine?  It is important to slightly modify your beauty regimen each season as you change your wardrobe.

Moving into the Fall season, the weather begins to get cooler and less humid in many places, including NYC.  Here are a few tips to adapt your routine to maximize your skin care results:

Tip #1: Putting on an extra layer of clothes? Remember to put on some moisturizer as well.

As your surroundings get colder, you will naturally want to wear more layers of clothing. Don’t forget that your skin also needs extra protection from becoming dried out.   If your skin is feeling itchy and dry, try a slightly richer moisturizer during the day.  Here are a few of our recommendations for fall moisturizers by skin type.

Tip #2: Make sure that your cleanser is still working for you.

Keep in mind that if you have been using stronger cleansers with Salicylic acid and AHA’s for congested summer skin, this may not continue to benefit you through fall and winter months.  After cleansing, your skin should feel clean, but not overly tight and dry.  If this is happening, you may want to transition to a gentler cleanser during colder weather:

You can find more information about Shizuka NY Spa Products and Naturopathica products, including ordering information in our Online Store, or simply order below using our secure shopping cart. If you have further questions about fall skin care tips, please feel free to email blog@shizukany.com/development.

Order the Products Listed in this Blog Post

Shizuka NY Theramoist Oil-Free Clarifying Moisturizer (Oily/Acne)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Moisturizer (Normal/Combination)

Naturopathica Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisuture (Normal/Dry)

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream (Dry/Mature)

Shizuka NY Multi HA Medicated Cleansing Foam (Oily/Acne)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Clay Cleanser (Oily/Combination)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Foaming Cleanser (Normal/Dry)

Naturopathica Chamomile Cleansing Cream (Dry/Mature)

View your shopping cart and check out here

Getting Made-Up With Kim Kardashian

Scandalous vixen Kim Kardashian of Keeping up with the Kardashians and Dancing with the Stars fame is now a contributing beauty editor at OK! Magazine.  Kim will divulge some of her personal celebrity beauty secrets and makeup tips for looking gorgeous.

She will make her editorial debut covering New York Fashion Week on September 10, and we’re all  very curious to see what she has to say!

Source: Examiner.com

Did you know…?

Shizuka’s Foaming Cleanser was featured in OK! Magazine shortly after Shizuka’s line of skin care products was introduced.

“My facialist used this during a treatment and I’ve been addicted ever since!” said an OK! staffer.

Read more about the Shizuka New York Skincare System and purchase through our online store.

Will Ferrell’s Charity Sunscreen Line wants to give you a “Sexy Hot Tan”

Celebrity funny-man Will Ferrell of Anchorman and Saturday Night Live fame uses his best “assets” to support cancer survivors with his new line of sunscreens.

With provocative names such as “Sexy Hot Tan,” “Forbidden Fruit” and “Sun Stroke,” 100% of the proceeds of Ferrell’s signature sunscreens benefit Cancer For College, an organization that provides college scholarships to cancer survivors.  According to CFC’s website, over 10,000 bottles have already been sold.

In true Ferrell form, the descriptions of the SPF 30 sunscreens are equally as hilarious as the very exposing pictures of him on each bottle:

• Sexy Hot Tan
  Are you Sexy?  Are You Hot? Then who wouldn’t want a sexy, hot tan? This sunscreen is made with our very own streaking strength formula plus one.
• Sun Stroke
  What golfer wouldn’t want to sport a rich dark tan and add 57 yards to their tee shots?  This sunscreen provides improved accuracy, added distance and the ultimate bronzing power…we think.
• Forbidden Fruit
  Honestly, the less we say about this one the better for fear of being cast into a pit of fire.

More information about Will Ferrell Sunscreens and Cancer For College at CancerForCollege.org.

New Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ from DCL

The temperature is beginning to rise in New York City and it especially important to think about protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories (DCL) has just introduced a new sun protection product, Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+. This silky-smooth sunscreen carries a rating of PA+++ based on its score of 16 in the Persistent Pigment Darkening Test adopted by the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (the minimum score for PA+++ is 8).  What this translates to is superior sun protection in a sheer formula that leaves a non-whitening matte finish with no sticky residue.

This quick drying and fragrance free sunscreen also contains supplemental antioxidants to safeguard the skin from environmental free radicals.

Shizuka highly recommends Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($24.00) this summer.  It is available for purchase, along with other sunscreens and sunblocks online, in the spa, or by phone at 212.644.7400.

[Reader Questions] Secrets to Beautiful Skin, Part 2

In case you missed Part 1 of this post on Secrets to Beautiful Skin, please take a look.

Here are some great anti-aging ingredients that you should look out for when shopping for skincare products:

Vitamin C

In addition to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C is essential in the creation of collagen in the skin.  One of Shizuka New York Day Spa’s most popular skincare products is C-Mollient Gel ($63 at ShizukaNY.com) which contains Vitamin C and green tea extracts in smooth and light gel.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid has become very popular in skin care products lately for it’s ability to deeply hydrate the skin and promote collagen formation.  Two great hyaluronic acid skincare products we offer are the Hydrapeptide Gel ($66) and DCL’s Hydrating Serum ($40.70).

Did you know?…
A form of hyaluronic acid is also what is injected beneath the surface of skin in dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is one of nature’s best skin brighteners.  It is actually a byproduct of the sake brewing process and is incredibly effective at treating hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun spots, and freckles) and creating a more even complexion.  In the KojiLac Cream ($63), kojic acid is combined with lactic acid (see below).

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body and one of the main ingredients in Shizuka NY’s new T-Zone Facial.  Lactic acid is an excellent natural exfoliant that can remove environmental debris and excess oil from the skin’s surface.  Lactic acid is one of the peeling ingredients in Shizuka NY’s Multi Hydroxyacid Daily Pads (for acne treatment) and Weekly Pads (for anti-aging).