Friday, July 3, 2009

NJ SKIN CARE EXPERT EXPAINS THE TRUTH BEHIND WHAT YOU 'C' IN THE MIRROW


Question: Hi Valentina, I am a 45 year old woman with sun damaged skin. I have heard that using Vitamin C can help reduce wrinkles. Is this true?



Valentina: I’m so glad you brought up this subject. Vitamin C is one of the most widely used and promoted skin care ingredients. The variety and amount of Vitamin C skin care products on the market today has exploded, making the situation somewhat complicated.

On one hand, topical vitamin C is scientifically validated for wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. However, that being said, not all C’s are created equal.

Topical Vitamin C helps the skin in two ways. First, it helps your skin produce collagen, a key factor in keeping the skin firm and plump. Second, vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help fight free radicals which damage the skin causing fine lines and wrinkles.


Products that claim to contain Vitamin C may be insufficient for many reasons. First, Vitamin C can become oxidized in the presence of air if not properly stored. When the C becomes oxidized, not only can it not boost collagen production, but it can actually CAUSE free radical damage from the corrupted C. Second, only high concentrations of fat soluble C can deliver enough vitamin C to the cells to be effective. Most over the counter products either contain oxidized forms of C or do not contain high enough levels, rendering the product useless.


In the right form and dosage, Vitamin C can be highly effective in improving your skin’s texture, reducing fine lines and preventing further free radical damage.


I recommend and use Skin Ceuticals Serum C10. This serum combines ferulic acid with 10% pure vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and stimulates collagen synthesis. This is one of the most well known and effective Vitamin C products in the skin care industry. You can purchase this product from our store online by visiting by clicking on http://www.store-aquamedicaspa.com/detail.aspx?ID=58


Remember, before you invest your money in a Vitamin C product, check with a skin care professional to see if the product is even capable of delivering on its promise. Most over the counter Vitamin C products are not manufactured to stabilize the Vitamin C (prevent the C from oxidizing) or they do not contain high enough levels.


I hope this answers your question, it was a great one!


About Valentina Chistova


Valentina Chistova is a world-renowned aesthetician and beauty expert whose experience encompasses all facets of skin care and body treatments. Internationally trained, educated and certified, Valentina has devoted more than twenty years to her profession. Throughout her successful career she has provided services to many celebrities, including Mrs. Globe 2001, famous socialite and entrepreneur Ivana Trump, well-known KTU radio personality Michelle Vassage and Olympic figure skating champion Galit Chait Prior to opening AQUAMEDICA in Long Branch NJ, Valentina also consulted with leading dermatologists, providing skin care regimes for their patients.

Valentina is a member of the National Cosmetology Association and a CIDESCO candidate (Comite International Desthetique et de Cosmetologie Desthetique), which is the highest degree of beauty therapy certification available in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Valentina completed a rigorous training program with the Spanish organization Wontersaf, one of the world's leading centers for trichology, capillary diagnostics and scalp and hair treatment to combat hair loss and other hair dysfunctions. Valentina also holds a Registered Nursing Degree from Kharkov State University and Cosmetology degrees from the Kharkov Medical Institute in the Ukraine and the Capri Institute of Cosmetology in New Jersey.

Read more about Valentina at http://www.aquamedicaspa.com/who_we_are.shtml


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

ASK VALENTINA: NJ SKIN CARE SPECIALIST SHARES TIPS FOR KEEPING OILY SKIN DRY IN SUMMER


Question: Hi Val, I have very oily skin. In the summer, it seems to get worse. If it’s hot outside, it feels like the second I walk out the door my face is full of oil. How can I keep my skin from getting too oily in the hot summer weather?

Valentina:
Summer time can indeed be a disaster for anyone with oily skin. The face often appears very shiny and makeup can easily melt right off due to the buildup of oil. It’s especially important that people with oily skin follow these simple tips to help prevent excess oil buildup.

1. Keep your skin clean over summer by washing twice a day. The soap you choose is extremely important. A harsh soap will over-dry your skin, causing even more oil to develop. A gentle antibacterial soap or special cleansing soap is good for oily skin. Look for ingredients chamomile and tea tree oil if you want to go herbal.

2. Use a Toner specifically for your type of skin: I don’t recommend harsh astringents, as I said, stripping too much oil from your skin will only cause skin to produce even more. Use a balancing Toner for oily skin after each washing. This will help dry up oily spots and hydrate dry areas, for combination skin. During the day, blot your skin with a pad soaked with the toner. You will have to reapply make up in between. But you can blog to lift excess oil. You can also blot with a dry tissue or any other clean cloth that will absorb oil.

3. Be careful with moisturizers! If you have combination skin, you need to moisturize areas of your skin that are dry. If your skin is completely oily, you need very little to no moisturizer. And choose a moisturizer that balances oily skin. (link to moisturizer for oily skin)

4. Use a clay masque at night to help reduce oil.

5. Use makeup that is oil free. Mineral makeup works great for oily skin.

Be sure to follow these few guidelines over summer when oil production can be at its highest! Keep absorbing tissues on hand to gently blot excess oil away. And remember, do not over wash your skin to dry up all of the oil! Be gentle and kind to your skin, follow these rules and your skin will be kind to you! 


About Valentina Chistova
Valentina Chistova is a world-renowned aesthetician and beauty expert whose experience encompasses all facets of skin care and body treatments. Internationally trained, educated and certified, Valentina has devoted more than twenty years to her profession. Throughout her successful career she has provided services to many celebrities, including Mrs. Globe 2001, famous socialite and entrepreneur Ivana Trump, well-known KTU radio personality Michelle Vassage and Olympic figure skating champion Galit Chait Prior to launching AQUAMEDICA, Valentina also consulted with leading dermatologists, providing skin care regimes for their patients.
Valentina is a member of the National Cosmetology Association and a CIDESCO candidate (Comite International Desthetique et de Cosmetologie Desthetique), which is the highest degree of beauty therapy certification available in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Valentina completed a rigorous training program with the Spanish organization Wontersaf, one of the world's leading centers for trichology, capillary diagnostics and scalp and hair treatment to combat hair loss and other hair dysfunctions. Valentina also holds a Registered Nursing Degree from Kharkov State University and Cosmetology degrees from the Kharkov Medical Institute in the Ukraine and the Capri Institute of Cosmetology in New Jersey.
Valentina is the owner and director of skin care for Aquamedica Salon and Day Spa in Long Branch NJ.
www.aquamedicaspa.com

THE TRUTH ABOUT BRAZILIAN BIKINI WAXING: NJ WAX EXPERT ANSWERS



Question: Hi Valentina, I have heard that Brazilian waxes can be dangerous and can transmit disease. Is this true?

Valentina: When done properly, Brazilian waxing is very safe. There are many myths about Brazilian waxing. The truth is, when you go to a professional day spa that follows proper sanitary conditions, there is nothing unsafe about getting a Brazilian. Below are answers to some common questions as well as precautions to consider if you are having this procedure.

1. Do NOT get any waxing done if you are on medication, especially Acutane. Some medications can increase skin’s sensitivity, and your skin can literally be pulled right off if the technician is not careful. If you are on any medications, ask your doctor if it is safe to have waxing performed.
2. Do NOT get any waxing done after going tanning. Again, your skin is sensitive and you risk burning or tearing the skin.
3. Be sure the facility is properly licensed and be sure technicians are not only licensed, but highly trained in Brazilian wax (Licenses should be hanging in the front of the salon, visible to customers). Ask how long the technician has been performing this procedure and be sure to let them know that you only want someone highly skilled in Brazilian waxing.
4. You can NOT get an STD from Brazilian waxing. Due to the high temperature the wax is kept at, bacteria nor viruses can live within the wax.
5. Be sure your technician is wearing latex gloves. Many spas wear latex gloves during a Brazilian wax. Don’t be embarrassed or offended. This is a proper sanitary precaution to protect both you and the technician.

Before beginning, your technician should have a consultation with you and ask if you are on any medications that could sensitize the skin, especially Retin-A. They should ask if you have been tanning recently and ensure that you are not on your period, or about to get your period. If the technician does not have this proper consultation with you, this is a good sign to forgo your appointment and seek out a qualified facility that follows proper procedure.

About Valentina Chistova
Valentina Chistova is a world-renowned aesthetician and beauty expert whose experience encompasses all facets of skin care and body treatments. Internationally trained, educated and certified, Valentina has devoted more than twenty years to her profession. Throughout her successful career she has provided services to many celebrities, including Mrs. Globe 2001, famous socialite and entrepreneur Ivana Trump, well-known KTU radio personality Michelle Vassage and Olympic figure skating champion Galit Chait Prior to launching AQUAMEDICA, Valentina also consulted with leading dermatologists, providing skin care regimes for their patients.
Valentina is a member of the National Cosmetology Association and a CIDESCO candidate (Comite International Desthetique et de Cosmetologie Desthetique), which is the highest degree of beauty therapy certification available in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Valentina completed a rigorous training program with the Spanish organization Wontersaf, one of the world's leading centers for trichology, capillary diagnostics and scalp and hair treatment to combat hair loss and other hair dysfunctions. Valentina also holds a Registered Nursing Degree from Kharkov State University and Cosmetology degrees from the Kharkov Medical Institute in the Ukraine and the Capri Institute of Cosmetology in New Jersey.
Valentina is the owner and director of skin care for Aquamedica Salon and Day Spa in Long Branch NJ.
www.aquamedicaspa.com

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

GIRLFRIEND'S SPA GETAWAY PACKAGE


Do you know Teresa and Vanessa?
They just finished breakfast at Cedars & Beeches and are on their way to the beach. They enjoyed a Girlfriend’s Getaway package at Aquamedica Spa where each received a neck & shoulder massage to relax them and soothe their tired muscles and then for those aching feet, a reflexology massage. A shared bottle of wine on the front porch, dinner on the Boardwalk, and a good night’s sleep.

Do you know Teresa and Vanessa? They are the two friend’s sitting on the sand, laughing and relaxing, no tension anywhere.
Cedars & Beeches and Aquamedica Spa, both located in Long Branch, New Jersey have teamed together to create hotel & spa packages to fit everyone’s need. A mother–daughter bonding weekend or a girlfriends’ getaway – this bed & breakfast and day spa combined to create packages designed for the 2 of you or more. Pre-nuptial or pre-natal, an escape before the big event to this perfect retreat.
Maybe a romantic escape for the two of you, a mini-vacation or a renewal of the two of you, the beach resort and spa atmosphere is an ideal place to stay and play.
Is the big event is here? A big birthday, a bachelorette party maybe even your wedding. Cedars & Beeches and Aquamedica will create a group package for all of you to enjoy.
Call 1-800-323-5655 or 732 571 6777 for Cedars & Beeches Bed & Breakfast or book online at www.cedarsandbeeches.com. Aquamedica can be reached at www.aquamedicaspa.com or 1-732-222-8611.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

ASK VALENTINA, NJ SPA GURU:QUESTIONS ABOUT BRAZILIAN WAXING


Question: Hi Valentina, I do not live in NJ but I have followed your blog postings on waxing so I wanted to ask you something about the Brazilian bikini wax. I am considering having the procedure done for the first time to surprise my fiancée. Will I be able to have sex after I get waxed? And when the hair starts to grow in will it bother my fiancée when we have sex? I know when I shave the stubbles can be scratchy.
Valentina: I definitely do not recommend having sex within 24 hours after your first Brazilian wax. Until you get used to the procedure, your skin will be red, tender, and perhaps a little swollen.
Sexual intercourse, friction or tight clothing immediately after your waxing can irritate the area. So plan to have your Brazilian wax a few days before the actual surprise.
As for stubble, the nice aspect of waxing versus shaving is that the hair grows in softer.
When you shave, you cut the hair at the skin’s surface. The hair then has a flat, jagged edge. It’s course when it begins to pop back through the skin’s surface again. Waxing removes the hair from the root, so a new hair must re-grown. The tip is soft and pointed, not stubbly. Also, in time, less hair will grow back which means less frequent visits for your wax appointment.

More About Valentina Chistova
Valentina Chistova is a world-renowned aesthetician and beauty expert whose experience encompasses all facets of skin care and body treatments. Internationally trained, educated and certified, Valentina has devoted more than twenty years to her profession. Throughout her successful career she has provided services to many celebrities, including Mrs. Globe 2001, famous socialite and entrepreneur Ivana Trump, well-known KTU radio personality Michelle Vassage and Olympic figure skating champion Galit Chait Prior to opening AQUAMEDICA in Long Branch NJ, Valentina also consulted with leading dermatologists, providing skin care regimes for their patients.
Valentina is a member of the National Cosmetology Association and a CIDESCO candidate (Comite International Desthetique et de Cosmetologie Desthetique), which is the highest degree of beauty therapy certification available in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Valentina completed a rigorous training program with the Spanish organization Wontersaf, one of the world's leading centers for trichology, capillary diagnostics and scalp and hair treatment to combat hair loss and other hair dysfunctions. Valentina also holds a Registered Nursing Degree from Kharkov State University and Cosmetology degrees from the Kharkov Medical Institute in the Ukraine and the Capri Institute of Cosmetology in New Jersey.
Read more about Valentina at http://www.aquamedicaspa.com/who_we_are.shtml

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

SPA RESORT BABYMOON ESCAPE


This weekend at Cedars & Beeches, one of our favorite couples came to visit again. They have often visited the inn for a relaxing weekend together.
She is a model and he, in construction; both live in the city and have been dating for awhile. They arrived this weekend with news. Since their last visit, they got married and they are pregnant!
Congratulations to the three (?) of them.
Hopefully they will come to visit before the little one is due and if they do, I am going to suggest they book the Babymoon Escape. On last quiet weekend before baby arrives! Check-in to Cedars & Beeches for the start of a restful staycation weekend at the Jersey Shore. Then off to Aquamedica Spa where she will enjoy a prenatal massage and a healing foot facial while he enjoys a therapeutic massage and purifying facial.
The perfect way to prepare for the new arrival.
Cedars & Beeches and Aquamedica Spa, both located in Long Branch, New Jersey have teamed together to create hotel & spa packages to fit everyone’s need.
Cedars & Beeches and Aquamedica can also create a group package for all of you to enjoy.


Aquamedica can be reached at www.aquamedicaspa.com or 1-732-222-8611.

Call 1-800-323-5655 or 732 571 6777 for Cedars & Beeches Bed & Breakfast or book online at www.cedarsandbeeches.com.

We are happy to work with any sized group and any budget to make the experience at Aquamedica memorable and enjoyable.
Booking a Spa Party is easy! Just call us at 732.222.8611. Ask for Valentina or Anatoliy, we will be happy to help you plan and coordinate the perfect event!

Why should you choose AQUAMEDICA Salon and Day Spa?
We are located on the beaches of Long Branch New Jersey, at the famed Pier Village attraction center. We offer a beautiful setting, complete with private changing facilities for men and women, soft, plush spa robes and slippers, unlimited time in our relaxing Dream Room, before or after treatments, and the invigorating breeze of the Atlantic Ocean sweeping through you as you arrive for your services.

Our ocean front setting at Pier Village boardwalk is perfect for enjoying a full day of shopping, dining, entertainment and of course, romantic spa services.
Do you know someone with massage envy? Visit our Store on Line and give them the gift of relaxation!

If you have enjoyed reading this web blog, visit our website www.aquamedicaspa.com for more information and sign for our newsletter
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW we’d love to help you select the very best.

Our Spa covers the following New Jersey Counties and Cities:

Central and South NJ Monmouth County Middlesex County Ocean Shrewsbury Asbury Park Deal Fair Haven Little Silver Brielle Colts Neck Elberon Fair Haven Highlands Holmdel Keyport Lincroft Long Branch Locust Manalapan Marlboro Manasquan Matawan Middletown Monmouth Beach Red Bank Rumson Sea Bright Sea Girt Belmar Sea Girt Spring Lake Tinton Falls Union Beach Tinton Falls Wall Old Bridge Eatontown
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS - RESORT SPA VACATIONS AT LONG BRANCH NJ


Summer is coming!
After a week of rain, the weekend brought beautiful, glorious sun and warm days to spend at the beach. Everyone must have been tired of sitting in or dodging raindrops because Cedars & Beeches phones’ were ringing with everyone wanting to come to shore. And not everyone was ready to expose those toes and skin to the sand and sun. So early Saturday morning, right after breakfast, some of our guests went off to Aquamedica Spa for a quick pedicure and even a waxing!
From there just steps to the beach to luxuriate in the wonderfully warming sun.
Cedars & Beeches and Aquamedica Spa, both located in Long Branch, New Jersey have teamed together to create hotel & spa packages to fit everyone’s need. Cedars & Beeches and Aquamedica can also create a group package for all of you to enjoy.

Aquamedica can be reached at www.aquamedicaspa.com or 1-732-222-8611.

Call 1-800-323-5655 or 732 571 6777 for Cedars & Beeches Bed & Breakfast or book online at www.cedarsandbeeches.com.

We are happy to work with any sized group and any budget to make the experience at Aquamedica memorable and enjoyable.
Booking a Spa Party is easy! Just call us at 732.222.8611. Ask for Valentina or Anatoliy, we will be happy to help you plan and coordinate the perfect event!

Why should you choose AQUAMEDICA Salon and Day Spa?
We are located on the beaches of Long Branch New Jersey, at the famed Pier Village attraction center. We offer a beautiful setting, complete with private changing facilities for men and women, soft, plush spa robes and slippers, unlimited time in our relaxing Dream Room, before or after treatments, and the invigorating breeze of the Atlantic Ocean sweeping through you as you arrive for your services.

Our ocean front setting at Pier Village boardwalk is perfect for enjoying a full day of shopping, dining, entertainment and of course, romantic spa services.
Do you know someone with massage envy? Visit our Store on Line and give them the gift of relaxation!

If you have enjoyed reading this web blog, visit our website www.aquamedicaspa.com for more information and sign for our newsletter
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW we’d love to help you select the very best.

Our Spa covers the following New Jersey Counties and Cities:

Central and South NJ Monmouth County Middlesex County Ocean Shrewsbury Asbury Park Deal Fair Haven Little Silver Brielle Colts Neck Elberon Fair Haven Highlands Holmdel Keyport Lincroft Long Branch Locust Manalapan Marlboro Manasquan Matawan Middletown Monmouth Beach Red Bank Rumson Sea Bright Sea Girt Belmar Sea Girt Spring Lake Tinton Falls Union Beach Tinton Falls Wall Old Bridge Eatontown