Congratulations to Melanie Moore for winning SPF30 travel kit!

Well, this month's newsletter has been a challenge - nothing of interest seemed to come to mind to write about. I don't believe in having the newsletter just for the sake of having a newsletter. I want you to have information that is helpful and informative. But never fear, the newsletter has finally appeared!

Every month so far this year we have traveled to another country. This month I think we shall just rest and stay home! There have been some areas of interest to come up in the last week that I think are important for people to be aware of, so most of the rest of the newsletter is devoted to that.

Question of the day - Is Brazilian waxing dangerous?

Much to my dismay a - in my opinion - very over dramatic article is in the June 2009 issue of Woman's Health Magazine - "Beware the Killer Bikini Wax". I felt it was necessary to respond. You can read the article online at http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/bikini-waxing-dangers

According to this article, a few women have gotten infections from an improper Brazilian wax experience. It's interesting to see what was included in the article, but more important to talk about what was left out.

Here are my questions after reading the article:

• Did the two women in New Jersey go to the same place?
• What type of wax was used in both the NJ and NY cases?
• Were the women on any type of antibiotic or antihistamines?
• What precautions were taken before or after the wax service?
• What exactly happened during their service? Were there abrasions?
• Did they pick up the infection from the salon or was it just that they had an open abrasion/follicles that allowed the infection to enter later?

Here are the statements I disagree with, along with my reasons:

According to Linda K. Franks, M. D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine, "hair is in this area for a reason-to protect the sensitive skin and mucous membranes in this region."

I find this an interesting thought since waxing/sugaring the nether regions has been around for thousands of years. If we used the philosophy that hair is there for a reason, why are we removing hair from our legs, face, and underarms?! I have had that area "taken care of" for 8 years - first with waxing and then later with laser, though I still wax some. I have never had a problem. To my knowledge, neither have any of my clients.

"For a few days following your wax, apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic cream and an anti-inflammatory 1% hydrocortisone cream to the area, says Bruce Robinson, M. D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. This will ease irritation and help ward off potential infection."

Unless there is an open abrasion, which can sometimes happen (though should not be the norm), why use products that are not needed? Yes, keep the area cleaned, use aloe vera gel with no fragrance or simply smash up some of the plant to apply to the area if you are a little sensitive. I apply a soothing agent to the skin after waxing to help calm the skin. Although you might be tender right after waxing (usually just the first time), you should be fine within 24 hours. With that being said, you know your body. If something does not seem right, let me or your Esthetician know right away. If you are still not sure, then by all means see a doctor. I am not a doctor, these are simply my opinions. You as a consumer need to choose what you feel is best for you.

Here are some tips from one of our own, Rosanne Kinley, owner of Images Day Spa in Anderson, SC, and the current President of the SC Board of Cosmetology:

Choose a facility carefully - Before you make an appointment, drop by to see how clean the place is, or ask a friend to recommend a salon she trusts. Be sure the cosmetologist or esthetician you choose is licensed by your state and has received training in Brazilian waxing.

Ask about the wax - "Hard wax is best. It's gentler and adheres to the hair, not the skin. Sugaring, a natural method that's kinder to the skin than waxing, is a good alternative."

Keep an eye on hygiene - Before beginning the process, the practitioner should scrub up or (at least) apply hand sanitizer. Double dipping into the wax is taboo because it introduces bacteria into the pot.

I was able to talk with Rosanne directly about the waxing problem in New Jersey. She was able to clarify that according to Jay Mohlenga of the NJ Board of Cosmetology, the women did not get an infection - they were actually ripped, one so bad she had to have plastic surgery to repair the labia. It's unclear, but it does not seem that the women went to the same place. Though I have not been able to confirm if the technician used strip wax or hard wax, I am guessing strip wax. Just another reason why I suggest hard wax.

What do I need to know when choosing a salon?

I found this article to be very helpful and informative: http://hairremoval.about.com/od/bikiniwaxing/a/brazilian-wax.htm

In it, Leonard Serrani, Waxing Expert and Educator, here are some of the things you will want to be aware of when choosing that perfect salon, and my response to these questions.

1. Has the technician been formally trained in Brazilian waxing?

Yes - I was trained at Esthetics International in Columbia, SC. I personally think this is the best school in the area, perhaps the state, for esthetics training. We were trained initially to do Brazilian waxing with strip wax. It is also important to note that not all schools teach Brazilian waxing. I learned how to use the hard wax from Lori Nestore's - the Brazilian Wax Queen's - video, The Whole ball of Wax and from her classes at tradeshows. And of course, practiced on friends, first! I have also been asked by other local facilities to train their employees on the proper techniques of Brazilian waxing. And my wax supplier's clients call me with questions and concerns over Brazilian waxing.

2. How many Brazilian waxes do they perform weekly?

For the most part, this is the service that I do the most in a week but the numbers vary depending on the week and time of year. The number of Brazilians I do is about 20% more than facials and about 40% more than regular bikini or Hollywood waxes. So yes, I see a lot of the land down under every week!

3. Do they use a NEW wax applicator every time the wax is applied?

This has been a source of debate in our industry for years. According to Lori Nestore, there is no need for this to be done as the stick itself does not touch the skin. But I will be changing our protocol to help alleviate any concerns.

4. Does the technician wear gloves?

ABSOLUTELY - I have always worn nitrile gloves on both hands.

5. Does the technician use hard wax or strip wax?

I use a hard wax for all sensitive areas.

I am sure that is more talking about the nether regions than you've wanted to hear about! This Women's Health piece was not meant to be a doom and gloom article, but simply an informative piece about an important issue. But I feel they left out vital information and didn't give people the full picture. If you have any more questions that I didn't cover here, call me at 864.271.2710!

Brazilian Waxing Testimonials

Here are what some of my clients are saying about Brazilian waxing:

"I've been getting full Brazilian bikini waxes for almost 7 years and absolutely love them. I was shaving before that and didn't like the stubble or irritation I got from having to do it daily. With a Brazilian wax, I can go two full weeks without any growth and when the hair does grow back in. it is much softer and finer. I go consistently every 4 weeks and that makes the waxing experience even less painful. The longer you wait between appointments the more it feels like "starting over" when you go.

"The removal process is simple and while yes painful, is very short in duration and the pain is gone immediately. Stress level, hydration and sleep all play a role in the sensitivity of the hair removal process. The more hydrated and better rested I am the less sensitive the skin is, making the appointment less painful. I leave the appointment slightly red, and within a few hours it is gone. The next day I am as smooth as a baby's bottom with no pain or irritation. I have only had a reaction one time to the wax used, and learned it was a bad batch that the esthetician then stopped using. I have never had any problems from either having the wax done, or the time in between appointments.

"I've been going to Nicole for almost 4 years and she's done the best of any esthetician I've seen. The appointment takes about an hour and is very reasonably priced for the quality of work. Brazilians are not for the shy, when done well they are very thorough and therefore modesty needs to be checked at the door. But the results are fabulous. Nicole does a great job with detail and listens to her clients' needs/preferences. I time my appointments accordingly whether it be for vacation (bikinis) or intimacy. I am very athletic and spend many hours in the gym. Having no pubic hair makes me feel cleaner, cooler, and fresher. I also love being exposed for intimacy. I would recommend it to anyone and think both you and your partner will love it. :-) Recently I had to make some financial changes and cut out my Brazilian waxes. Within 3 months I was back to them regularly - having made budget adjustments elsewhere. I can't live without them!"

- J.D.

"Let's start off with women were waxing thousands of years ago in the ancient civilizations of India, Greece and Persia. So this is nothing new. I have been getting waxed for over 8 years. The process only takes about 30 minutes, the cost is less than what I pay for a facial and the pain factor is minimal. Benefits I get are the following: 1. Wearing revealing clothes without having to think about shaving. 2. Feeling clean and it's very hygienic. 3. On a personal note, it looks great and I love the feeling of not having anything there."

- E.D.

And what Hollywood is saying:

"Every woman should try a Brazilian wax once. And then the sex they have afterward will make them keep coming back"

- Eva Longoria

June Contest - Send us your questions!

Send me a question about skincare, make-up, sun protection, waxing or anything really that deals with the wellness/beauty industry that you have. We will use these questions for our newsletters.

So send me your questions and we will draw a name from all entries received by Tues, June 16th. The winner will receive a 2 oz. Raspberry Enzyme from Dr. Caniglia (a $22 value)!

Gift Certificates and Free Shipping In Our Online Store

Remember, you can now purchase gift certificates on line at http://www.RaspberryMoonST.com. Go to the store and then click on gift certificates. Great idea for Mom this Mother's Day!

And if you need something from Colorescience but can't make it to the shop, we now offer free shipping on our website, too!

Here, There, and Back Again

If for any reason you are unable to make your appointment please call me 24 hours in advance so I may offer another client your time. Take a minute to add me to your phone - 864-271-2710, then I will always be at your fingertips!

I will be out of the office:

Look like I'll be here all of June and July!