Fall is here and it’s time to reverse summer damage with the flavor of the season–pumpkin, of course!
Pumpkin holds a special place in our hearts at Firecracker Beauty Spa–between it’s autumnal nostalgia and fantastic skin benefits–we love this gorgeous gourd! Indulge in a calorie-free pumpkin treat for your skin with our Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, and kick start glowing skin before the holidays.
During Pumpkin season only, get your Pumpkin Peel for $150!
This 20% Glycolic Acid peel combines pumpkin enzymes with fruit acids to turn your collagen “ON” by releasing fibroblasts, which secrete collagen & elastin peptides throughout the dermis. The cozy smell of pumpkin fills the air as your skin transforms with a smoother, tightened, mini face lift.
Choose from a single, double, or triple peel, customized for your skin’s unique needs.
Hello, Beautiful! New Mexico and much of the Rocky Mountain West has just had our first snow storm of the season and we want to take a moment for this snow-packed list of PSAs–drive slowly on icy roads; always keep a big coat, boots, and gloves in the car in case you have to get out and hike; kitty litter is easy to keep in your trunk for extra traction if you’re getting stuck; hydrate even if you don’t feel hot; and SPF is critical in the snow!
Because of our high altitude and sunshine, which reflects off the snow for double-exposure, New Mexicans must be particularly vigilant about sun protection year-round!
What is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much solar energy is necessary to damage protected skin. The higher the SPF, the better protected your skin will be. SPF can be applied through products or by donning the right kind of clothes. For example, merino wool clothing has a UPF of 50. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is similar to SPF, but is the rating system used for fabrics instead of products applied to the skin. Great for protecting your body, wearing clothes with UPF allows you to be exposed to the sun without worrying about reapplication. However, it’s not practical to keep your entire face concealed every time you go out, and summer weather brings summer styles, which often feature bared shoulders, backs, arms, and legs. Having a skin-applied product with SPF means you can safely enjoy the sun in a fashionable outfit!
Why is it important?
UV damage, like the damage you get every time you have even a mild sunburn, is a leading cause of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce your chance of getting skin cancer. With a little thought and the right products, keeping your skin protected doesn’t have to take a lot of time or interrupt your normal beauty and style routine.
In addition to causing skin cancer, the sun’s harsh UV rays cause premature aging to the skin–reducing elastin, increasing wrinkles, dark patches (sometimes called sunspots), and freckles.
Protect your skin. Preserve your youth.
The easiest way to protect the largest amount of skin at once is to wear protective clothing, especially when you’re planning to be outside during the most intense exposure times (typically 11 am to 2 pm) when the sun is highest and its rays are most intense. Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes that cover the tops of your feet, and a wide brimmed hat. There are lots of companies making UPF clothing in a wide range of styles specifically designed to be comfortable and lightweight.
If covering up is impractical or impossible, rely on high quality, broad spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30, but ideally 50+. Finding sunscreen for the body can be relatively easy with tons of products to choose from at your favorite retailer. Various application methods make hard to reach places (like the center of your back), easy to reach!
But the face is different–more sensitive to products and requiring a higher degree of protection both for aesthetic (wrinkles!!!) and practical reasons (the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive). It’s important to invest in quality products that will provide maximum protection without making you look shiny and ruining your make up application.
Dermalogica has a full line of SPF products for all skin types and concerns. From super sensitive to matte application, Leticia can help you find the best SPF for your face (and neck, chest, and shoulders)–saving you money in the long run by preserving your natural elastin, and making your treatments go farther by preventing unnecessary damage.
Don’t forget!
Reapply every 2 hours while out. More often if it’s particularly hot (11 am to 2 pm), sunny, or you’re sweating. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to make your life easier all around.
Protect your skin from the sun and cold with merino wool, which is naturally wicking and has a protective factor of 35 to 50–blocking the rays better than cotton or synthetics.
Scars are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. If you want to minimize healing time and get the smoothest, most discreet healing possible, you should liberally and vigilantly apply sunscreen or keep it covered for the first year.
Mineral suncreens are great for sensitive skin, but are often chalky or difficult to apply.
Chemical sunscreens come in a variety of formulas but wear off more quickly than their mineral counterparts.
Make your dreams of beautiful, clear skin a reality with Face Reality! Our very own Leticia is now certified in the transformational Face Reality Clear Skin method.
Amazing skin is more than skin deep! Genetics, stress, environmental factors, diet, hormones, and skin care routine can ALL impact acne breakouts, which is why the Face Reality method takes a wholistic approach that’s unlike any other skin care brand.
Clear, healthy skin begins on the inside. The Face Reality Skincare method starts with a consult with your Acne Expert where you’ll discuss your history and lifestyle, in addition to your skin. As a Face Reality Skincare Acne Expert, Leticia specializes in treating even the most stubborn acne; adapts your treatment routine to evolve with your skin’s needs; helps you navigate lifestyle factors that can contribute to acne; and coaches and supports you throughout your skincare journey. It’s like getting a counselor, coach, and esthetician in one!
If you’re ready to transform your skin and your life, book your consult with Leticia and begin the life changing Face Reality process.
Hey Firecrackers! Face Reality Skincare is here, courtesy of our Certified Acne Expert, Leticia!
Face Reality Skincare is an award-winning acne treatment program dedicated to giving you clear, healthy skin. The unique combination of professional-grade, award-winning products and guidance from a Certified Acne Expert, licensed and trained in the Face Reality protocol for identifying and treating all types of acne, will transform your skin with visible results in 90 days.
The Real Effect:
Your Acne Expert’s specialized training and knowledge, along with the holistic, individually designed Face Reality approach, help optimize your treatment program for visible results you can’t get with products alone. Your Acne Expert specializes in treating even the most stubborn acne, adapts your treatment routine to evolve with your skin’s needs, helps you navigate lifestyle factors that can contribute to acne, and coaches and supports you throughout your skincare journey for total support.
Why wait?
You could have acne-free skin before summer! Firecracker Beauty Spa now provides Face Reality Skincare consultations and products. If you’re ready to conquer acne, book your appointment right away.
We all know the importance of at-home skin care regimens, but did you know that should only account for about 40% of your skin’s care. The other 60% comes from your custom designed treatment plan–the right products, monthly facials, and regular treatments to address any special concerns or needs (e.g. microneedling, peels, etc.)
60% Regular Spa Treatments
Call it self-care or an investment into your skin’s future, but monthly facials and regular spa treatments ensures your skin is prepped to make the most of your quality at-home skin care routine and can address more pressing issues like acne, wrinkles, scars, and discoloration.
40% Skin Care Routine Demystified
Creating an effective skin care routine isn’t rocket science, it’s just a matter of process. Consult with your esthetician to determine the best products for your skin type, climate, and needs, then fill in the steps. And remember consistency is key!
Step 1: Cleanse – wash away the dirt and grim of the day and create a perfectly prepped surfaces.
Step 2: Exfoliate – get rid of yesterday’s dead skin and debris, make room for new, fresh cells to soak up your quality products.
Step 3: Tone – refresh without stripping your skin and prepare your skin to soak up moisturizers.
Step 4: Treat – whether you have full blow acne or just a few blackheads, spot treat for the best results.
Step 5: Moisturize – restore hydration and protect your skin from the sun. Changing weather can mean a change in routine. Consult your beauty expert seasonally.
Step 6: Bask in the glow of beautiful, healthy skin!