Alpha Hydroxy Acids & Beta Hydroxy Acids

You've probably heard about the benefits that hydroxy acids can deliver to skin. What you may not know is that there are two types of hydroxy acids – alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), sometimes referred to as fruit acids – and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), of which there is only one, salicylic acid. 

About Alpha Hydroxy Acids  

Alpha hydroxy acids (often referred to as AHAs) are derived from fruit and milk. They include:

glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane
lactic acid, derived from milk
mandelic acid, derived from bitter almonds
tartaric acid, derived from grapes
malic acid, derived from apples and pears
amongst others.

AHAs work by exfoliating or removing the top layer of skin  allowing newer, healthier skin cells to show through. They are particularly useful in dry skin and may help to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Studies have shown that AHAs may also help to stimulate collagen production. As well, there is evidence that they can enhance the appearance of sun damage skin. They are often an important component of any skin lightening regimen.  

AHAs are best used in gels, creams or lotions to allow the product to deliver benefits. Washes and cleansers are often removed before the AHA can exert its action. Studies have shown that AHAs work best at concentrations of at least 4% formulated at a pH of around 3 or 4.

About Beta Hydroxy Acid  

There is only one beta hydroxy acid – salicylic acid – derived from acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Like AHAs, beta hydroxy acid (BHA) acts as an exfoliant increasing the shedding of dead skin cells to allow newer, healthier skin cells to show through.

Studies have shown BHA to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin roughness and assist in reducing skin pigmentation disorders. BHA is also extremely useful in the treatment of breakouts and helpful in the management of keratosis pilaris, conditions that involve blocked or clogged pores.

As with AHAs, when choosing a BHA product, you may benefit more by opting for a cream, lotion or gel that stays on your skin. Washes and cleansers are removed from the skin before they have a chance to deliver benefits. Look for products containing at least 1% BHA at a pH of between 3 or 4 in order to derive maximum benefits.

The Difference Between Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acid  

AHAs are water soluble so they do not penetrate well beneath the skin's surface.  They are ideal for use on skin that is not prone to breakouts. BHA, on the other hand, is a lipid (oil) soluble molecule. This characteristic allows BHA to penetrate pores that contain sebum (oil) and help to exfoliate the pore itself. This makes BHA particularly useful in oily, acneic skin prone to breakouts.

Side Effects of Beta Hydroxy Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acids  

Because both BHA and AHAs remove the skin's top layer, they can make skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Sensitivity can increase by up to 50%, which makes the use of broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 a must. Both types of acids can cause irritation including redness, burning, pain or itching. Darker skinned individuals may also be at risk for scarring with the use of AHAs or BHA.

Color has the power to soothe or seduce, nature or ignite.

SpaRitual has designed a lush, shimmering palette of over 80 Nail Lacquers orchestrated in a range of four dynamic harmonies. The SpaRitual Color Harmony Ritual fuses the disciplines of color therapy and numerology to provide a quick mental retreat and moment of contemplation. Each SpaRitual shade is associated with a unique message or meaning and numerological value.

Beautiful manicures begin with healthy, resilient nails. SpaRitual has developed a collection of sophisticated Nail Elixirs to nourish cuticles, build strong nails and establish a flawless environment for color. SpaRitual is also the first to offer DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene-free Nail Elixirs in the professional nail care industry, and the first spa treatment line of vegan nail care products. SpaRitual Elixirs feature the sleek, patented Plum Cap™ with a signature brush for ease of opening, smooth control and a delicate finish.

Dedicated to the spa tradition, sparitual is committed to creating eco-friendly products and packaging perfectly crafted for the enlightened consumer. We use Vegan ingredients from around the world, including many specially sourced and selected plant essences that are wildcrafted OR organic. The formulations are naturally colored and free of synthetic dyes. SpaRitual is constantly monitoring sustainability issues and strives to be on the cutting edge of environmental awareness. Enlighten yourself. Be a SpaRitualist. Because we all deserve to live the good life.

SPARITUAL nail lacquers do not contain DPB. What is DBP? It is a chemical formally known as dibutyl phthalate which acts as a binder to improve the lasting power of nail lacquer. But it's also been linked to cancer in lab animals, and underdeveloped genitals and other long-term fertility problems in newborn boys.

Savvi carries many of Sparitual’s fantastic and favorable colors. Come in today and find which color best suits you!

Osmosis Skincare

In 2007 a new approach to skin care began. Dr. Ben Johnson founded Osmosis Skincare in response to a shift in the direction of skin care that was long overdue. The fact is that the majority of skin care products on the market today focus on the wrong layer of skin: the epidermis. Unfortunately, this results in a losing battle because the majority of skin damage and aging actually occurs in the dermis layer of the skin. This is where Osmosis Skincare comes in. Using scientifically proven methods and sound research, Dr. Johnson created a line of skincare products that treats and restores the dermis layer of the skin using a very effective process called dermal remodeling. Unlike many skin care products that overuse exfoliation techniques and pointlessly target the outermost layer of the skin, Osmosis Skincare treats the skin in the area where it makes a real difference. Osmosis Skincare respects your skin’s natural protective barrier, the epidermis, and leaves it intact to do the job for which it was intended, to protect the dermis from toxins, retain hydration, normalize oil production, and repel UV rays. The goal at Osmosis Skincare is to help restore your dermis (and epidermis to its youthful healthy state for more beautiful skin. In addition to the critical mission of restoring health to the dermis and epidermis, Osmosis Skincare accomplishes one vital task with all of its skin care products: increasing the absorption rate of skin care solutions into your skin.

Frequently asked questions...

1. Can you use Osmosis while pregnant?
Yes. All Osmosis products may be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Vitamin A while pregnant is 2,500 IU (international units) per/day and while breastfeeding the RDA is 4,000 IU. When using Osmosis Active A Serums, depending on the % of Retinaldehyde your specific serum contains, you will not exceed 300 IU per/day even if using the strongest serum available at 2x per/day.  Of course it is always recommended to consult with your physician while pregnant or breastfeeding before the use of any active products or supplements.

2. Is Osmosis packaging recyclable?
Yes. All of there packing is recyclable. Our Harmonized Waters are also packaged in BPA free plastic!

3. How soon can I use Osmosis after a peel or microderm?
If you have received a peel, microderm or any other form of professional exfoliation, it is recommended to stop use of your Osmosis products containing Vitamin A which include all Active A Serums for 5-7 days, or until your skin has normalized. You may continue to use all other products while your skin is re-normalizing including cleansers, clear, antioxidant serums, and moisturizers/sun protection. Our Repair healing balm is especially helpful to aid in the repair of your skin following those treatments.

4. Can I cocktail all of my serums together? EX: (stem factor, replenish, treatment serum, and catalyst) ?
They suggest applying Stem Factor onto cleansed skin, massaging in until absorbed and following with the application of Catalyst combined with an Active A Serum and massaging in until absorbed. Replenish may also be combined with your Active A Serum or applied individually. It is truly up to you and what works best with your skin and your schedule. They encourage you to try cocktailing your products until you find the right fit!

Come in to Savvi today and one of our fabulous Estheticians will help you find the product to help benefit your skin type.

SkinCeuticals 

SkinCeuticals provides the most effective tools for the skincare professional to optimize patient results through medical corrective procedures and in-office treatments. 

The SkinCeuticals complete, customizable range of medically-exclusive epidermal peel procedures are formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients for high efficacy and help expedite the correction of existing skin damage to improve the health and appearance of all skin types.

The Science

Their goal at SkinCeuticals is to provide you with advanced skincare backed by scientific evidence. When it comes to the scientific proof behind skincare technology, SkinCeuticals sets the standard in the cosmeceutical industry. They devote countless resources toward research at major medical institutions to support the technology behind our products. Their active ingredients are pharmaceutical grade, and the studies performed on their core products are peer reviewed. 

Promise

Their mission at SkinCeuticals is to improve skin health. Dedicated to this purpose, they make one simple promise: provide advanced skin care backed by science. 

SkinCeuticals provides complete skin care solutions through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medi-spas, and other skin care professionals, earning them a strong reputation in the United States and in over 35 countries worldwide.

SkinCeuticals Skin Systems...

A targeted, comprehensive regimen is necessary to maintain optimal skin health. SkinCeuticals Skin Systems are designated to address 3 key skin concerns: Hyperpigmentation, environmental damage, and acne. These regimens feature best-in class technologies for multi-action step solutions. 

SkinCeuticals offers a wide variety of products, most of which are found here at Savvi.

Stop by today and we can help you find the best product to achieve that youthful skin you’ve always craved. 

Award Winning Products...

C E Ferulic, which is a revolutionary antioxidant combination that delivers advanced protection against photoaging- neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. 

Phloretin CF Gel, which defies the boundaries of gel formulations using a state of the art gelifier that meets the strict vitamin C parameters established by Duke University research.

Phloretin CF, which represents a new class of preventative and corrective topical antioxidant treatment. After five years of extensive research, SkinCeuticals developed this patent-pending breakthrough technology combining the newly discovered, broad-range power of phloretin with vitamin C and ferulic acid in a biodiverse formulation to divide and conquer sources of damage at every level. 

Blemish + Age Defense, which is an oil free approach to treat adult acne and signs of aging.This 1st-to-market acid blend combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation designed to prevent the formation of acne, minimize hyperpigmentation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Rhonda Allison

Rhonda Allison is a professional skin care company that offers not only cosmeceutical skin care products to licensed aesthetic facilities, but extensive education and services as well. Not just another mainstream cosmeceutical line, a choice that was made in order to bring more active formulas to the market requiring professional guidance in its use and application of the RA Systems, the Rhonda Allison difference lives up to its reputation as a leader in this field.

Who is Rhonda Allison? 

Rhonda Allison, the founder and CEO of Rhonda Allison Clinical Enterprises, respected world-wide for her innovative work with acids and chemical peels, is known as a highly respected speaker, author, and educator who has worked behind the aesthetic chair for 30 years. It was from observing and understanding the importance of getting results for clients that Rhonda personally researched, formulated and developed a skin care line using only pure, fresh, quality-driven ingredients – everything today’s discerning consumer wants!

Rhonda uses only pure, fresh, natural, quality-driven ingredients that deliver results!  We use no dyes, artificial coloring, or artificial fragrances – essential oils and the scent of the plant extracts are the aroma of the product.  All preservatives are essential oils, plant derived, or safe FDA approved ingredients.Skin Peels

Ms. Allison became excited about skin peels during a time when little was known on the subject. In 1992, after many years of education, experimentation, trial and error, and collaboration with medical doctors and biochemists, Rhonda produced a groundbreaking video titled The Art of Skin Peeling that revolutionized her industry. She again raised the industry standards with her professional, step-by-step instructional book Cooking With Acids. Because of Allison’s approach to results-driven skin care and her uncanny ability to develop superior acid formulas, Rhonda Allison Clinical Enterprises continues to offer cutting edge services and products along with a full DVD library featuring advanced clinical skin treatments.

“No Animal Testing only Human Testing.” The Rhonda Allison Company and its affiliates are environmentally aware of the planet and endeavor to GO GREEN whenever possible. 

Come into Savvi today and see what Rhoda Allison product best fits your skin type!

Experience Epicuren....

Like technology and research, Epicuren is ever changing and evolving. They offer pure, innovative, skin care using the most luxurious, natural ingredients available. Epicuren’s mission is to enhance our customers well being and personal evolution. 

Cutting Edge Approach

Epicuren’s philosophy is made possible through their approach to never remain married to any one specific manufacturing or ingredient technology. This gives us the freedom to progress with technology, information and awareness; enabling them to continuously evolve as they do. 

Customization: Specifically For You

The first step to revitalized skin is coming into Savvi so we can provide a detailed skin analysis and recommend a custom professional treatment plan and home regimen.Your customized regime can be corrective, preventative, or both, inviting absolute restoration while attending to every aspect of your skin’s needs. Whether your focus is fine lines, acne, age spots, texture, or healthy skin maintenance, Epicuren has a system that will be created specifically for you.

Developed to address every face and body need, Epicuren’s all-encompassing product line provides valuable versatility to benefit all ages and skin types; truly allowing for the ultimate in customization.

The Difference: The Metadermabolic Enzyme

Epicuren’s enzyme protein complex, referred to as the Metadermabolic Enzyme, is the heart of the Epicuren line. This enzyme is a protein that is combined with a waterborne solution of B Vitamins to create a “protein with intelligence.” The Metadermabolic Enzyme encourages the skin to self-rejuvenate, similarly to how aerobic exercise supports your metabolism. Your largest organ, the skin, is replenished, receiving antioxidants and moisture, naturally resulting in a more youthful, vibrant appearing skin.

Savvi offers a wide variety of Epicuren products and there is always someone willing and ready to suggest the right products for you!

The Benefits of Moisturizing....

When it comes to a good skin care regime moisturizing should be one of your top priorities, helping to keep your skin supple, healthy and younger looking.

Moisturizers...

• Provide Younger Looking Skin
• Makes Applying Your Makeup Much Easier
• Provides a More Soft, Touchable Skin
• Replenishes Moisture Lost From Acne Products

What moisturizers are best?

Moisturizers with an SPF15 are your best choice, the SPF15 will help to protect you from the suns damaging UV rays and will therefore help prevent premature aging. A moisturizer containing antioxidants will also be beneficial as the antioxidants will help to keep your skin youthful. Use an overnight moisturizer for your face, it will allow your skin cells to repair whilst you are sleeping leaving your skin refreshed and radiant.

How often do I moisturize?

Moisturize every day. Just like your body needs water daily to keep you healthy from the inside, your skin needs to be hydrated from the outside too to keep it looking it’s best.

When do I moisturize?

The best time to moisturize is after a bath or shower as your skin is still slightly damp and will soak up the moisturizer a lot quicker and deeper. Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of towel drying (or after cleansing and toning for your face) will again allow the moisturizer to sink deeper into the skin and will therefore keep your skin hydrated for longer.

How do I moisturize?

When applying to your body, apply in gentle circular motions and towards your heart, this action will give your circulation a boost and your skin will look noticeably plumper.

The skin on your face and neck is more sensitive and ages quicker than the rest of your body’s skin so when applying to your face and neck use gentle upwards and outwards strokes, this will help to tone.

Skin around the eyes is the most delicate and a moisturizer specifically made for this skin should be used, a normal facial moisturizer will be too heavy for this area and the oil content in these moisturizers stretch the under eye skin causing puffiness. Apply with your ring finger, gently dabbing the moisturizer from the inside corner to the outside corner taking care not to drag the skin.

Savvi offers some of the best moisturizers out there, here are just a few of the great products that we carry. 

• Rhonda Allison Exotica Rhodiola. Perfect for Rosacea prone skin and sensitive skin. 
• Rhonda Allison Ultra Hydration Cream. Especially beneficial for dry skin types. 
• Rhonda Allison Aloe Matte Cream. Ideal for problematic skin types.
• Rhonda Allison Hyaluronic  Serum. Great for dehydrated skin.
• Rhonda Allison Drop of Essence Hydration Drops. Provides  anti inflammatory benefits and aides in the healing of burns, shingles and cold sores.
• Epicuren Aloe Vera Calming Gel. Hydrates while promoting cellular calming. 
• Epicuren Brazillian Propolis Lotion. Boosts skin immune function and promotes healthier skin.
• Epicuren Evening Emulsion Enzyme Moisturizer. Enhanced with Epicuren’s enzyme protein complex that effectively replenishes skin. 
• Facial Emulsion Enzyme Moisturizer. Containing protein enzymes and collagen elastin designated to hydrate and nourish the skin.
• Hydro Plus Moisturizer. Drenches the skin in moisture while remaining lightweight and mild.
• Ultra Rose Treat Enzyme Moisturizer. Soothing relief for extremely dehydrated skin.
• SkinCeuticals Emollience. Nourishes and hydrates. Ideal for high altitudes and cold or dry climates.
• SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. Helps tissue repair and replenishes nutrients the skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger.
• SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter. Specifically formulated to improve the creping, thinning appearance of mature skin.