Skin care for gender affirming treatments and procedures

Transgender individuals may experience a wide array of skin changes, sometimes quite abruptly, during gender affirming hormone treatments. In addition to breakouts or changes in skin texture, hair changes can cause in-growns. Gender affirming surgeries also have a risk of scarring. Licensed estheticians are able to help with these challenges to assist their transgender guests to transition more comfortably.

Solutions for Acne:

Acne vulgaris is a common and chronic skin disease characterized by the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Androgen hormones can lead to acne, as well as increased sebum (oil) production and clogged hair follicles. Acne may present on the face, back, and chest.

Often, people attack acne with overly aggressive scrubs which can spread bacteria and further inflame pustules. Another common mistake is using harsh drug store ingredients like skin drying wipes, or skipping essential hydration which then leads to an increase in oil production as skin tries to compensate. Acne prone skin is inflamed and angry and like the saying goes, you can’t fight fire with fire. The products below will help nurture and calm skin.

For mild to moderate acne, a skin care regimen that addresses the root causes might include:

Beta Green Tea Cleanser: A gentle blend of salicylic acid and green tea helps with inflammation and keeps excess oil at bay, without stripping skin of needed moisture.

Mandelic Arginine Serum: A gentle blend of acids designed to exfoliate skin over time without irritation or spreading bacteria. This product also minimizes excess oil without stripping skin of moisture.

Balancing Grape Seed Serum: Wild Yam extract in this serum suports skin with hormone imbalances. If you watched the show Grace and Frankie you’ve learned the benefits of wild yam for menopausal hormone changes! It works for skin too. You’ll see this product recommended frequently for any hormonal transitions.

Blemish Serum: Use this as a spot treatment on blemishes or lesions. This is a far better choice than picking at them!

Growth Factor Gel: A daily moisturizer suited for oily and acne prone skin that absorbs quickly and calms irritation.

Rhonda Allison skincare ideal for breakouts

Solutions for changes in face and body hair, including ingrowns

People taking feminizing hormones may wish to undergo hair removal. In the beginning, coarser hairs might be best treated with a laser hair procedure as opposed to waxing to thin the hair. Laser hair removal breaks down the hair cells, slowing growth. This is not a service we offer at East Village Spa, but is what we generally recommend. Waxing some coarser facial hair can lead to irritation and ingrowns and isn’t always advised.

As people age, androgen hormones trigger longer, bushier hair in the ears and eyebrows. Our licensed esthetician, Cassandra, noted that people who have shaped their eyebrows with waxing from a younger age often will have less hair growing in general, those starting later in life will be “catching up” but with a knowledgeable esthetician, even bushy brows can be still beautifully shaped and products like a brow mousse can help to keep them in place.

Ingrown hairs can be treated similarly to other breakouts. Cleanse the area with a cleanser like Beta Green Tea Cleanser (see above) or All Purpose Cleansing Pads, then spot treat with Beta Green Tea Lotion, which is a toner, 1-3x per week. Our power player for hormonal imbalances, Balancing Grape Seed Serum with Wild Yam Extract (see above) is also a useful product to treat areas prone to in-grown hairs.

Estrogen-related changes

Estrogen can cause skin to thicken and become more dry. It can also increase melanocytes which can lead to melasma, or areas of skin that darken unevenly. Melasma is particularly prevalent in people taking estrogen and darker skin types, but can impact all skin types.

To counteract dryness and thickening skin, a cleanser like the Beta Green Tea cleanser with anti-inflammatory properties and a gentle skin exfoliating acid like Mandlic Arginine Serum are appropriate. It is important to have the correct moisturizer to help counteract dryness, as well as a hydrating eye and lip serum.

For melasma, see a licensed esthetician for the best products for your skin. They might also recommend a series of professional treatments like peels or hydrafacials. Because everyone is different, it is hard to say the best course of action based on your skin type without a consultation.

Scarring

Post surgical scarring is a concern for many. To prevent keloids (thick, raised scars), products that increase skin cell turnover quickly and heal skin are appropriate soon after procedures.

Growth Factor Serum expedites health skin tissue regrowth.

Therapy E Serum rebuilds and repairs skin that has been traumatized. It is ideal for scar prevention and repair.

An important component of scar prevention and relief is self-massage of scar tissue. This video from Breathe Physical Therapy focuses on a c-section scar, but the concepts are easy to follow and apply to any surgical scar tissue.

We are here for you!

At East Village Spa, we are here for you and honored to support you at any point in your transition or your life. If you have questions, the best way to contact us is to e-mail [email protected] and one of our licensed estheticians can assist you that way. If you are local to Des Moines, IA, we’d love to see you for a service to best assess your skin needs or offer more advanced treatment options. Not local? Feel free to shoot us a note via e-mail and we’ll reach out to our nationwide network to help you find an esthetician who is a perfect fit.

Best contact? [email protected], visit our website at http://www.evdayspa.com or http://www.shopeastvillagespa.com!

Want to do a deeper dive? One great resource for dermatological issues to be aware of with gender affirming procedures is this article from the National Institute of Health.

5 best-selling products of 2020

I asked Kelly, our spa director and web store genius to compile a list of our top selling retail products from the last year. When we saw the mix of items, they absolutely made sense as products many of us use! I have every single one of these products in my home right now!

1. Kneipp Lavender Bath Salts

Kneipp Lavender Bath Salts available at www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com

The blend of pure essential oils found in Kneipp Relaxing Mineral Bath Salt can help you decompress and unwind after a stressful day. The unique crystalline structure of the thermal spring salt naturally absorbs more Lavender essential oil for a highly concentrated, effective bath. When added to warm water, the familiar floral aroma fills the air, mentally transporting you to serene lavender field in Southern France for a moment of tranquility. Take time to quiet the world around you and prepare for some much-needed beauty rest.

Kneipp Mineral Bath Salts contain hand-processed, natural thermal spring salt sourced from a 250-million-year-old ocean buried 1500 ft below the Earth’s surface. The ancient thermal brine is free of chemical additives and environmental influences, producing salt in its purest form, uncontaminated by the pollutants of the modern world. The high concentration of trace elements and minerals that naturally occur in our deep-sea salt gently cleanses and softens the skin as you relax in the tub.

View in store

2. East Village Spa Lacrosse Ball

We love lacrosse balls for DIY trigger point release and myofascial massage. Our licensed massage therapists love showing their guests exercises for home care. This is an inexpensive tool that you can keep at your desk or even in your purse or gym bag.

A review published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that self-myofascial release may: increase joint range of motion, help muscle performance, decrease fatigue after exercise, decrease soreness after exercise.

Shop Lacrosse Balls

3. Rhonda Allison Mandelic Au Lait

A hydrating, lightweight moisturizer, Mandelic Au Lait is a highly versatile blend of superior antibacterial ingredients and soothing elements making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of skin issues, including acne and rosacea skin types.

Apply Mandelic Au Lait to face and neck and let absorb. May be worn day and night, over other serums and correctives and layered under SPF when used during the day

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4. Farmhouse Fresh Honey Heel Glaze

A scrumptious bottle of love for heels and toes. Our team personally loves it for dry, chapped hands too! This divine honey-based serum seals in moisture and brings rich color back to tired feet. It’s been called the Instant Pedicure. Simply brush on and rub into feet for chalkless bliss – no more white ashy look!

This golden jar is a true guilty pleasure from the first moment you let it breathe – fragranced with velvety cinnamon notes, sweet cloves and actual honey.

The finest of moisturizing elements have been incorporated from genuine honey, and aloe leaf juice to pineapple and papaya fruit extracts. Honey Heel Glaze is ultra-smooth, non-greasy, and addictive in every way.

Shop Honey Heel Glaze

5. Eurospa Shower Mist in Eucalyptus Mint

We carry Eurospa shower mists in 5 scents, but our top seller in 2020 was the Eucalyptus Mint scent. Pure Eucalyptus Oil is infused with fresh, tingling Mint essential oil. The quality and purity of these oils are what deliver such wonderful scents. In addition to transforming your shower into an at-home spa experience, you will also receive the full benefits derived from these aromatic oils.

Mint oil is the perfect home remedy for nausea and headaches. Mint also provides relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion. The fresh tingly sensation will awake your senses, and help combat anxiety and restlessness. Mint stimulates mental activity, clears the mind, and increases focus on cognitive tasks. Your shower transformed from a daily task to an escape that offers benefits you will enjoy all day long.

shop Eurospa

What are your favorite products from www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com? We offer quick shipping in the U.S. as well as free parking lot pick-up and in-spa browsing for those who are local to Des Moines. Have questions? Our online store is backed up by a team of licensed experts who all use and love our products. We’re happy to help over the phone at (515) 309-2904 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Three Freebies for the best shopping weekend of the year!

We’re not open for services right now, but our gift shops (brick and mortar and online store) are open and we are ready to help you with the perfect gifts for wellness, peace, and relaxation this season.
For Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, take advantage of these three FREE offers!

For Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, take advantage of these three FREE offers!

Farmhouse Fresh free gift with purchase

Spend $75 on Farmhouse Fresh gifts and select a free limited edition Vanilla Cream or Butter Rum body wash. If you’re shopping online, just add the free gift to your cart and let us know which scent you want (or we can surprise you.) Offer good throughout the holiday season, as long as supplies last.

(Note, you can only use one promo code per online order, if using multiple codes and ordering $75 in Farmhouse Fresh items, just put in the online notes you want the free Farmhouse Fresh gift, but don’t add the item. We’ll get it sorted out for you!)

Shop Farmhouse Fresh Now

Rhonda Allison free gift with purchase

Spend $75 on Rhonda Allison products and choose a free Illumicolour lip gloss ($23 value). If shopping online, let us know in the notes if you prefer a nude shade, a pink shade, or a more red shade. Color selection is limited so first come, first dibs!

(Note, you can only use one promo code per online order, if using multiple codes and ordering $75 in Rhonda Allison items, just put in the online notes you want the free lip gloss, but don’t add the item. We’ll get it sorted out for you!)

Shop Rhonda Allison Now

Free gift Just for being awesome!

Stop in, order online, or just call us from the parking lot (no purchase necessary) and we’ll get you one of our little “A Week of Intention” card packs through Monday. Kelly and Cassie designed these cards with some of the intentions that have kept them getting up and showing up during some really challenging days. And don’t worry, this isn’t another set of “If you can dream it, you can do it!” cards, these are designed for a 2020 reality.

Gift card sale

Our gift card sale is BACK! For every $100 in gift cards purchased IN the spa (excludes e-mail gift cards) you’ll receive a free $20 service voucher good weekdays in 2021.

Our gift shop is still open, even though we’re temporarily pausing services. Stop in M, Tu, Th, F 9:30-6, Wednesday 10-8, Saturday 10-5, or Sunday 11-3.

This year, to make things safe and easy, we’re offering a pre-order option so you don’t have to come into the spa. Just click the button below, fill out the information, and we’ll have your gift card ready for parking lot pick-up or to pop in the mail!

Pre-order gift cards

We’re eager to assist you, however is safe and comfortable for you this holiday season! Call, stop in (masks and sanitizer required), shop online, or arrange for parking lot pick-up. We’ll even happily set up a time for you to enjoy private shopping in our spa or a face-time visit if you’d like a more close-up look at products.

Reach East Village Spa’s team at (515) 309-2904 (call or text) or [email protected]. East Village Spa is located at 601 East Locust Street, Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50309. Our web store, www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com offers quick shipping throughout the United States.

New to professional skincare? Try a DIY Facial Kit!

By guest blogger, Joni Etheredge, our Guest Experience Assistant

Shortly after I started working at East Village Spa, COVID19 forced our 3 month closure. During that time I ran out of my big box store facial products and needed to get more. I decided to switch up my skin care routine and try the spa’s Rhonda Allison products. During my quarantine, the spa’s online store made it super easy to order and pick up curbside or get it mailed.

*Joni with two of her favorite products, the Beta Green Tea cleanser and the Cleansing Pads.*

I started off with the acne DIY facial kit we were selling which included the Beta Green Tea Cleanser, Skin Brightening Enzyme, Wasabi Mask and the Hydrating Grape Seed Serum. Surprisingly I enjoyed the process even though I’ve never been much for spending time on my skin care. This may have been because quarantine meant I had lots of time on my hands.

Cleansing was easy with the beta green tea. Then I moved on to using the skin brightening enzyme that had to sit for 10-15 minutes so I checked emails that I didn’t have, and read a little to pass the time. DING, time to remove with a soft damp cloth as the instructions suggest. It was nice to not have water dripping down my arms from just running and splashing water. On to the Wasabi mask; at first this was a little spicy but after a minute my skin calmed down. The spicy feeling seemed to lessen after several weeks of using this product in my facial routine.

Last on to the Grape seed hydrating serum for moisturizing. It definitely was hydrating and made my skin feel great especially after the enzyme and wasabi. After getting my routine down I switched my moisturizer to the Aloe Matte for daily use since during the summer my skin can get oily. The grape seed serum could leave me feeling oily so I also switched to the Mandelic Au Lait on days I masked with the enzyme and wasabi since it could leave me feeling more dry.

I also was looking for the products that had antibacterial properties in them because I always deal with a lot of jawline and cheek acne and blemishes. I added the Mandelic Perfecting Polish later to my routine a couple times per week for exfoliation. It was fun to have something new to learn about during my quarantine time!

***

Are you curious about our DIY Rhonda Allison Facials and aren’t able to visit yet, or still staying home as often as possible due to COVID19? Maybe you live further away but want the benefit of professional skincare with advice from licensed professionals. Visit www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com to see what we offer. Several include videos by East Village Spa’s Lead Esthetician, Camille Arbegast, to help you decide what will work for you! You’re welcome to e-mail us at [email protected] and put “skincare” in the subject line. Let us know your skin concerns and a licensed esthetician can make some professional suggestions for you!

“Maskne” Solutions

Masks are vital to return our communities to health and keep our business open, but the aren’t always skin-friendly, causing breakouts that have been referred to as “maskne.” Despite the fact that this term will probably get as irritating as the breakouts it refers to, at East Village Spa, we’re leaning into it with solutions.

NEW! Maskne Facial

This 60 minute service offers an hour of relaxation and stress relief for your mind and therapeutic care for your skin. Our estheticians will select products to relieve clogged pores, breakouts and irritation. For a limited time, your Maskne facial includes $15 toward the Rhonda Allison products suggested by your esthetician, as home care is essential to prevent and manage future breakouts. Book yours online!

Manage maskne at home

In addition to the Maskne Facial, we can help with home care to help keep these annoying breakouts at bay. Our lead esthetician, Camille’s top picks:

Beta Green Tea Cleanser: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, exfoliating with salicylic acid and green tea. Unlike many salicylic acid cleansers, this will NOT dry out skin!
Mandelic Au Lait Moisturizer: Even if you feel your skin is getting oily from wearing a mask, you still need a moisturizer. If you skip moisturizing, your skin will produce more oil to overcompensate. This product absorbs quickly with lightweight hydration and mandelic acid to heal and provide antibacterial support.
Blemish Serum: This spot treatment for breakouts can be used after cleansing and before moisturizing, morning and night.
Mandelic Arginine Serum: Exfoliating and supportive for breakout prone and inflamed skin, this multi-benefit serum should be used after cleansing morning and/or evening and before moisturizing.

Breakouts are annoying, but the benefit of wearing your mask far outweighs this minor convenience. The more we wear our masks, and wear them properly, the sooner we can get back to business as usual. We can help your skin get through this trying time, and reduce some of your stress in the process.

Products available in spa and online at www.shopeastvillagespa.com

Solutions for stress-related skin freak-outs

Camille suggests Rhonda Allison’s Mandelic Arginine Serum for a gentle, daily exfoliation to curb breakouts from stress and also help calm rosacea flare-ups.

With weather (slowly) warming up, it might be time to switch to a lighter moisturizer. Camille recommends the Mandelic Au Lait, which is medium weight and has ingredients that also help calm breakouts and reduce redness.

Outdoor must-haves

Socially-distant outdoor activities like gardening, long walks, or supervising kids in the yard, are stress-busting musts for many of us. Rhonda Allison has two great sunscreen options. 1. eZinc is best for those with concerns about breakouts or redness. It is light weight and doesn’t have that sunscreen smell or feel. 2. Daytime Defense is ideal for those wanting to get pro-youth antioxidants.

Beta Green Tea Cleanser is great for AM and PM and one of our most popular clenasers. It has a small amount of salycilic acid to deeply cleanse sweat and dirt without drying skin. For best results with any Rhonda Allison cleanser, start with dry skin (or just put a few drops of water on your fingers) and massage in your cleanser that way first, before adding water. You’ll get a better cleanse and your product will last longer!

The Arnica Therapy is a staple of the Rhonda Allison line and is a natural antibacterial cream. It is great for cuts, burns, wounds, or bug bites.

Medical-grade PPE relief

Our front line medical providers and support staff are heroes. Many of have seen photos of the raw skin caused by wearing N95 masks all day. Camille suggests a 3 step approach to ease pain from the irritation caused by these masks. 1. Rhonda Allison Creamy Milk Cleanser, a gentle and soothing cleanser. 2. Rhonda Allison Arnica Therapy, a barrier for skin before the mask goes on. 3. Rhonda Allison Drops of Essence, a soothing gel for after cleaning at the end of the day to help ease discomfort.

We took her suggestions and created a specially priced Face Mask Relief kit that you can purchase for a front line healthcare worker who is struggling with pain from their mask.

Rhonda Allison Skincare for face mask irritation.

Poor diet, dehydrated skin

Listen, we won’t tell you what to eat in times of stress and I pity the person who gets between me and my “secret” chocolate stash right now. We WILL gently suggest that you increase your water intake. All of those Zoom Cocktail hours and extra coffees are going to take their toll on your skin. Tired of water? Try adding some calorie free, sugar free, caffeine free Pure Inventions extracts to your water. For a delicious “mocktail” mix your favorite drops with sparking water and drop in a few frozen blueberries and a lemon wedge.

Blueberry Lemon mocktail at East Village Spa

We can’t wait to be able to give you professional facials and Hydrafacials again, but don’t neglect your skin while you wait for your esthetician to be able to safely provide services to you. Take control of your skin and start or continue good habits at home now!

Blog contributors: Camille Arbegast is the managing esthetician at East Village Spa, where she’s worked since 2012. Cassie Sampson, BA, LMT is the owner of East Village Spa.

Eye Candy: Three awesome eye creams from Rhonda Allison

Rhonda Allison Eye Creams — Eye Candy! Rhonda Allison’s top 3 eye creams available at East Village Spa

Eye creams are essential to help protect skin around the eye area from signs of premature aging. Regular lotion won’t cut it for the eye area. This delicate skin requires power-packed ingredients gentle enough to be used on delicate skin.

Peptide 3-n-1 Eye Cream

This light, age-defying eye blend is good for people who want to reduce puffiness, hydrate the skin around the eyes, brighten dull skin, and minimize fine lines.

Eye Revitalizer

This is a cooling daytime eye cream that quickly revives tired eyes. This product is great for people who need a quick lift and brighter looking eye area after a long day in front of the computer or before photos. Perfect to keep in the fridge for a pick-me-up or keep a bottle in your purse to use during travel or between work and a night out.

Eye & Lip Renew Serum

This is a thicker serum that melts into delicate tissue above and under eyes, creating a dewy, softer appearance. With 30 days of continued use, people notice fewer fine lines and more hydrated eyelids. A super benefit to this indulgent eye cream is that it doubles as the best hydrating lip product you’ll ever try!

Stop in to browse our amazing and extensive collection of Rhonda Allison skincare and we can help you pick the products best suited to your skin care needs and lifestyle. For customized professional recommendations and to enjoy a treatment by our licensed estheticians, book one of our facials online! As always, we offer Rhonda Allison products as a buy 3, get the 4th free*!

*Special pricing available only with in-spa skincare purchases. All products must be different and discount is taken on lowest cost product.

Sunscreen FAQs

Lately there’s been buzz about chemical sunscreens. Many of our clients are asking if sunscreen is still safe. The answer YES! There are different types of sunscreens and it can get confusing. Our expert estheticians are here to sort it out for you!

Woman with hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on her nose.

What’s the difference between chemical sunscreen and barrier sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreen contains ingredients that absorb the sun’s rays, change them to heat, then release them from the skin. These are sunscreens you’re most likely to find mass marketed and probably what is in your pool bag. I sometimes use an aerosol chemical sunscreen when I swim alone so I can get my back and I don’t plan to stop. We understand clients are concerned right now because the FDA is investigating 12 ingredients used in chemical sunscreen for more information because these ingredients can absorb into the body. The FDA and American Academy of Dermatology still want people to use sunscreen, even chemical sunscreens, during this study.

Physical barrier sunscreens are those that contain zinc oxide and block the rays from getting to your skin. These are the sunscreens we carry from Rhonda Allison because they are tend to be better for sensitive skin and cause less irritation.

Chemical sunscreens are hit and miss causing serious skin irritation for my husband and me, so we’ve both found Zinc Oxide barrier sports sunscreens work best to protect us when running or biking in the sun. Granted, these are thick and don’t absorb quickly…but we’d rather have streaky sunscreen residue on our skin than cancer! Our favorite sport brands for our sensitive skin are Think Sport (available at REI) and Blue Lizard (which we’ve only found online).

What is the difference between Rhonda Allison E-Zinc and Daytime Defence Sunscreens?

Rhonda Allison Sunscreen eZinc vs Daytime Defense — Rhonda Allison offers two sunscreens. EZinc, and Daytime Defense

Rhonda Allison eZinc Protection Cream is a highly protective barrier sunscreen with Zinc Oxide offering a natural SPF 22 for daily sun protection without leaving the skin white or pasty. This is light, quick-absorbing, and may be used day and night. If you travel light like me, you COULD use this as a light nighttime moisturizer for a few days if you’re only packing a carry-on. This is great for people who are a bit more sensitive, oily, or breakout prone. It also has a really accessible price point to make it easier to use daily. Personally, I’m a fan of the eZinc, but it is less protective than the Daytime Defense SPF30.

Rhonda Allison’s Daytime Defense SPF30 is an ultra-refined complex; perfect sun protection providing a continuation of good skin care. Giving skin support to guard against environmental pollution, it glides on skin for soothing moisture protection you will feel all day. Using Zinc Oxide to as a natural sun barrier, this pure and clean formulation protects the skin while providing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and soothing, healing support that is ideal for all skin types.

Whichever type of sunscreen you put on in the morning, it won’t protect you from the sun all day. You’ll still need to reapply regularly and after any activity where you sweat or get wet as these are not waterproof or sport sunscreens.

My make-up has sunscreen, am I good to go?

No! Make-up with SPF and mineral make-up is great for added protection, but if you’re wearing it thick enough for a sufficient application to protect against sun exposure, we need to have a chat about how much make-up you’re wearing!

I see scary stories about sunscreen in my facebook feed, how do I know who to trust?

It is important to carefully select reliable sources when researching health information online and making health decisions. Skin cancer is a serious issue. To get you started on your research for the best sunscreen for you, check out the well-researched sources I used for this post: American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic. Want more advice or want to try on some of our Rhonda Allison sunscreens? Stop into the spa or book a facial with one of our licensed estheticians for customized advice.

Rosacea Awareness

April is Rosacea Awareness Month. Many people don’t understand rosacea, which is frequently confused with sensitive skin. According to Shannon Esau of Rhonda Allison, “Rosacea is a chronic and progressive disorder that impacts 16 million Americans. Rosacea will typically present as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that will come and go. It is a complex condition, with three stages of progressed symptoms.”

More progressed rosacea with bumps and thickening of the skin.

Mild rosacea causes some redness or flushing that is exacerbated by certain topical products, improper skin care, some foods, alcohol, drugs, or other triggers. According to the Mayo Clinic, more progressed stages of rosacea can lead to bumps that look like acne, a thickening of the skin on the nose leading to a bulbous appearance, and eye issues. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene. It may be hereditary, but people with fair skin with sun damage, people who drink or smoke may be more at risk.

Things to avoid

Rosacea symptoms may be lessened by avoiding triggers. This can include using a sunscreen daily (which you should do anyway), reducing sugar, and stopping smoking. Studies show that alcohol consumption may cause rosacea or worsen symptoms for some people, though it is important to note someone who never drinks can also develop rosacea.

People with rosacea should also avoid “scrubbing” their skin or using manual exfoliation (gritty) products. These can cause irritation which may worsen symptoms. A product like Rhonda Allison’s Mandelic Arginine serum can gently rejuvenate skin without an aggressive scrub.

Managing Symptoms

In addition to avoiding triggers that can worsen symptoms, proper skincare is essential to treating rosacea. For more severe symptoms, people may wish to seek assistance from a dermatologist.

At East Village Spa, we offer Rhonda Allison professional skincare which has several options to help ease rosacea symptoms.

Sensitive Skin Complex: This serum supports inflamed, irritated, infection-prone skin while providing a high degree of environmental protection. This product also eases facial redness and burning.

Creamy Milk Cleanser: Formulated for sensitive and traumatized skin, gentle with milk proteins to soothe and hydrate.

C-Stem Cell: This complex strengthens skin and protects against environmental stress.

Milk Mask: A cooling, calming, and hydrating mask

Wasabi Mask: It may be surprising that wasabi would be an appropriate ingredient for sensitive skin and rosacea, but this mask purifies and hydrates acne and rosacea-prone skin.

If you have concerns about your skin, you can visit with a licensed esthetician for more guidance, regular facials and proper home care can make a world of difference in your skin health. To book a facial with one of our licensed estheticians, click here.

Resources

Differentiating Rosacea From Sensitive Skin, Shannon Esau, Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals. Available at Skininc.com

Mayo Clinic: Rosacea https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/symptoms-causes/syc-20353815

American Academy of Dermatology: Does Drinking Cause Rosacea?
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea/does-drinking-cause-rosacea

American Academy of Dermatology: 6 rosacea skincare tips dermatologists give their patients:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea/6-rosacea-skin-care-tips-dermatologists-give-their-patients

Don’t get scammed by diverted beauty products

Confession time: I’ve bought diverted products in a moment of despiration and I KNOW better! A couple years ago, I realized that I didn’t have enough foundation to last through an upcoming trip. Because of my poor planning, I didn’t have time to run to the store that carried the brand, and there wasn’t enough time to have it shipped directly from an authorized retailer. I caved to the temptation: I ordered it on Amazon Prime for 1 day shipping. My foundation arrived and I immediately realized it wasn’t quite right. The label didn’t match the original label. Instead of the shade being printed on the bottle, it was attached with a crooked sticker. It was orange. I’d been fooled. Not only was I out the money for a fake bottle of foundation, I was still out of foundation for my trip.

What does it mean if a product is “diverted?”

Diverted products are not sold through authorized channels. Many people think of shampoo and conditioner, but this is common with skincare and cosmetics too. Some lines are intended only for sale by licensed professionals or authorized distributors. Products sold outside of these channels are likely to be expired, diluted, adulterated, have not been properly stored, and are definitely not gauranteed by the manufacturer. Sometimes, these products contain dangerous additives or ingredients that are not on the label, so you can’t be certain a diverted product doesn’t contain ingredients you are allergic to.

How to spot a diverted product:

If you see a salon or spa brand, or any exclusive cosmetic or personal care product at a drug store, grocery store, or discount clothing and home goods store, chances are it is diverted. This In-Style article offers helpful tips for spotting diverted items, including looking for inconsistencies in the labels or packaging, covering bar codes to make them harder to track (look for bar code stickers or markered out bar codes), and prices that seem significantly lower.

This bottle of hair spray has a telltale sign of diversion: A sticker over the real barcode. Note how old the product and sticker are. This was on the shelves at a Des Moines grocery store today.

Am I getting a better deal at a big box store?

Many professional quality hair and skincare lines dictate the prices that their authorized distributors can charge. No authorized licensed professionals or distributors are allowed to charge less. Ironically enough, many diverted products cost as much as, or more than, a guaranteed product sold from a legitimate distributor, and you truly can’t know what you’re buying if it isn’t from an authorized retailer.

This bottle of Redken Shampoo sells for $15.99 from an authorized salon, but was on the shelf at a local grocery store with a sticker over the real bar code today for $19.99.

Professional skincare lines like Rhonda Allison, our exclusive skincare line, are only available through licensed estheticians or dermatologists. According to Rhonda Allison:

“Consumers need to be aware that if they purchase from an institution such as eBay or Amazon, their product may be diluted, expired, or counterfeit. Such product may not be safe to use or perform as tested and Rhonda Allison will not take responsibility for the purchaser’s dissatisfaction…these products are considered “diverted” and constitute a high risk to the consumer.”

A quick check of Amazon showed a few Rhonda Allison products, and almost all of these diverted products were priced higher than our products! Some appear to be bottles that are either older designs or not “quite right.” For example, I found a bottle of Rhonda Allison’s Drops of Essence today on Amazon selling for nearly $50 more than we sell it at East Village Spa. Our product is guaranteed to be exactly what it says, comes with expert advice, and we’ll happily ship it to our clients!

Diverted and seriously overpriced product on Amazon.

If diversion is so bad, how are stores getting away with it?

According to Consumer Affairs, the illegality comes from people within the supply chain diverting the products to stores like big box or online retailers, which is a breach of their contract. For example, if a distributor unethically sells their products, including those that are expired, damaged, or used, to a big box store, they are breaching their contract with the manufacturer. Some individuals sell stolen goods. The products then go to a warehouse where the products bar codes are destroyed or covered to make them hard to track. When a big box store buys diverted products from these unethical operators, this is not illegal, but it is unethical because the retailer cannot guarantee the authenticity or safety of the products.

The only way to reduce this practice, short of passing legislation making it illegal for retailers to purchase unauthorized products, is to educate consumers about product diversion and encourage consumers to purchase directly from their salon, spa, or wellness professionals. This is the only way to guarantee that you are getting what you pay for, and more often than not, you’ll end up saving money. Plus, you will be supporting small business owners instead of online or big box retailers engaging in unethical practices without concern for your health.