VitaSkin

The new VitaSkin™ Vitamin Solutions Collection is now available at Lofty Salon and Wellness Center! This new collection of Clear Skin, Calm Skin and Firm Skin Vitamin Solutions are designed to address three different skin conditions including anti-aging (Firm Skin), rosacea (Calm Skin), and acne (Clear Skin). These unique formulations work together with organic masque pairings to treat your skin inside and out to maximize results.

The VitaSkin™ Vitamin Solutions Collection has been clinically tested by an FDA certified laboratory and the results are impressive:


50% of users noticed a reduction in the appearance of skin redness in just 14 days with the Calm Skin Solution


86% of users reported an improvement in skin elasticity in just 14 days and 100% of users reported an improvement in skin elasticity and skin firmness in only 28 days with the Firm Skin Solution


75% of users reported a reduction in acne lesions and scars in just 14 days and in 28 days, 100% felt there was a reduction in the number of acne scars



The Calm Skin, Clear Skin and Firm Skin VitaSkin™ Vitamin Solutions for wellness and beauty employ the innovative Moisture Defense System of pill in pill technology to efficiently protect moisture-sensitive ingredients in the delivery through your body. This unique system creates both internal and external barriers to prevent water migration and maintain stability of the ingredients to ensure the delayed release of the nutrients found in the inside capsule. The pills are designed with inherent, natural properties that mimic the microorganisms that live in your intestines. This prevents the need for enteric coating on the capsules which can often contain toxic chemicals or be harmful to the live bacteria held in the pills. The special delivery system keeps the bacteria stable and inactive until they reach the intestines naturally and is safe for consumption for those with dietary limitations, like vegans.

Calm and soothe sensitive, rosacea prone skin from the inside out with our Calm Skin time release capsules rich with flax seed oil and pine bark extract. Pair with the Calm Skin Arnica Masque for polished and smooth skin.


Say goodbye to problem skin and hello to a radiantly clear complexion with our new clarifying solution. The Clear Skin vitamin capsules are enriched with borage seed oil, acidophilus, zinc and nutraflora which work together with the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque to reduce the signs of acne and calm the skin.

Both the Firm Skin vitamins and Firm Skin Acai Masque are designed to improve skin elasticity and generate skin that boasts the appearance of fewer fine lines and wrinkles. The key ingredients, including seabuckthorn, acai, hyaluronic acid and grape seed, help plump and rejuvenate skin to turn back the years for a beautiful, youthful glow.

I must admit......

We have just brought in a new skincare line called Suki. To quote their website:

“We are the first to perfect uncompromising, advanced skin care solutions based upon the physiological equilibrium of natural pharmaceutical grade ingredients immersed in completely pure & organic bases. because our formulas are made from 100% high performance natural, organic, biodynamic & food grade ingredients, they are compatible to work in unison with the body’s natural biological processes.”

As most of you know, I am madly in love with Eminence Organic Skincare so I must admit, at first; I was not overly excited about another skincare line. Suki and Eminence have some similar qualities, but all in all, they are completely different lines……which is good. Nothing, in my opinion, compares to Eminence’s Treatment Masques. They are organic bliss and they truly change and correct the skin without harsh chemicals or additives. Suki only has two masques, and though they are very result oriented, I don’t think they stand up to Eminence’s Masques nor are they as much of a treat to use. I actually have to make myself NOT overuse my Eminence masques, I love them so much. Once or twice a week is the maximum for masking. However, Suki has some products that give Eminence some serious competition. Which brings me to my first Suki Product Review 

I fight adult acne and congestion. Hormones are a big player in the fight so it is an ongoing battle. Using the best, most pure products out there have really helped change my skin. I will admit, while I was getting settled here in Virginia, I didn’t have the wonderful benefit of working at a fabulous Spa anymore, having top quality products at hand for myself, daily. So I skimped a little and tried some over-the- counter products. I’m not knocking over-the-counter products. But since using my beloved Eminence again, and now Suki, I SERIOUSLY see a difference in my skin and in the quality of products. So I’ve been eyeballing Suki’s Pure Moisture Balancing product. I love Eminence’s Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream, it is heaven to use and it keeps my skin looking radiant. I ran out of it, so I thought I’d give Suki’s Pure Moisture Balancing product a try. This brings me to the title of this piece…..I must admit, I was a little afraid of it. Why? Because it is an oil treatment……….yes, I said OIL! This is where the science of Suki stands out though. Our skin is comprised of oil…and congestion/acne prone skin types tend to either over strip their natural oil in hopes of clearing the skin, only to overstimulate the sebaceous glands, and produce more oil…adding to congestion or not use a moisturizer because they are misinformed and feel like it will “break them out” to use one. Suki’s Pure Moisture balancing treatment actually mimics our own naturally found oils in our skin and tells the sebaceous glands to “chill out” and not over produce oils that lead to congestion and sometimes manifesting break outs. In conjunction to the Organic Jojoba oil that is used, Echinacea is used and is a natural antibiotic that helps to heal and keep skin clear. Also, organic Chamomile has a serious calming soothing effect on the skin and is one of the key actives in this product. The following is the complete list of ingredients:

organic jojoba (simmondsia chinensis), sunflower (helianthus annus), grapeseed (vitis vinifera), rice germ (oryza sativa), borage seed (borago officinalis) & hazelnut (corylus americano) oils, 100% natural non-gmo vitamin e (tocopherol), organic calendula (calendula officinalis), lavender (lavandula angustifolia), chamomile (anthemis nobilis), echinacea (echinacea purpurea) & rose (rosa canina) extracts, aroma (pure premium steam distilled essential oil)

So I gave it a try. I used one to two drops (at night) after I cleansed my skin and toned. It definitely is unnerving the first time you apply it, even when you have the knowledge that this is a pure wonderful active product. It absorbed quickly and I must say, I LOVED THE WAY MY SKIN LOOKED after applying this product. My pores seemed finer and I had a healthy glow (not oily shine). My skin was not greasy at all! I awoke the next morning and no new pustules, just really pretty skin. I thought to myself, “hmmm, I can’t wait to use it again tonight.” I have used this product now for the past 5 days and I am a converted “oil at night” girl. After all, cream is actually a mixture of oil and water. Our bodies respond better to the pure oil than to a cream and now I am a believer! So FIVE stars to the Suki Pure Moisture Balancing treatment!!! I can’t believe I am going to say this, but you have taken the place of my Blueberry Soy Recovery Cream forever.

Very Cherry (thanks mom)

 The joys of Spring are upon us! Our Daffodils and treasured Cherry Blossoms are blooming with beauty! Eminence has the perfect masque and treatment for this exciting time of the year. Pure Organic Cherry pulp and pieces along with honey, make up this powerful Vitamin C packed mask. It's a perfect Spring treatment for almost all skin types, especially for dehydrated, mature, large pored persons. The delicious scent is almost enough to make you want to taste it. This is my new must have product for Spring! It will leave your skin glowing, super hydrated, and radiant. If you are in the Vienna, VA area, we are running a special for our 90 min. Cherry Blossom facial that showcases this product, for only $100. This promotion is ending at the end of the DC's Cherry Blossom Festival so book your treatment today! http://www.loftysalon.com/ for online booking or call 703.242.0609. Even if you miss this promotion, we can special order you a jar for you to use at home for your weekly masking treatment.

Words that move me

"It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come."

~Dalai Lama

Luscious Pears

The sweet scent of fresh pear washes over me as I apply Eminence's Pear and Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher. This fabulous form of natural manual Mircodermabrasion is a true treat to use. It's more than just a basic scrub! Pear, Poppy, and Walnut seeds in conjunction with Silica act as powerful resurfacers to deeply exfoliate and refine your skin. Green Apple puree and Green Tea enrich the skin with antioxidants and vitamins. This is one of the best manual exfoliation products I have ever used. My skin feels smooth as glass when I rinse this product off and my skin glows. It's very concentrated so you use about a dime size amount with about a tsp. of water to emulsify and work around your entire face gently for 1-2 minutes in circular motions. You should use this product 1-2 times weekly but always remember you can overexfoliate and strip the skin so always follow the recommendation guidelines. Not only does this product remove dead dry layers, but it also allows your following products to penetrate more deeply. I always recommend following your weekly exfoliation treatment with a treatment mask. The skin is perfectly prepped to get the most out of the skin changing possibilities of a facial mask.

Cananga Odorata

I've really been drawn lately to essential oil use and aromatherapy. I begin and end all my facials with the power of this centuries old technique of healing. I believe in it and can truly feel a shift in my mood as I use the different oils. My go-to oils as of late have been to begin with the all-purpose Lavender that induces relaxation and then to awaken and energize with Lemongrass. I absolutely love Lemongrass and fresh Lavender from the garden is hard to beat. I'm feeling the need to branch out and try other not as popular oils either to blend or to use separately to enhance to benefits of these powerful oils. So this brings me to the Cananga Odorata! Ylang Ylang is the essential oil derived from the greenish yellow flowers of this evergreen Asian tree. In the ten years of being an Esthetician, my appreciation has changed for different scents. I did not care much for Ylang Ylang years ago and found that in my essential oil tool kit, I always skipped it. Now I am absolutely drawn to it, loving the exotic, rich, deep fragrance that hints of jasmine and neroli. Not only the scent, but the power it has to wash away anxiety, depression, and to lower blood pressure is inspiring enough to make it a staple in my work. For more information on what this beautiful oil can do for you, check out this website I found highly informative: www.organicfacts.net/heath-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-ylang-ylang-essential-oil.html.

The power of Stone Crop

This beautiful plant is the main ingredient in my new project I am doing at work. Every month I am doing a "Nichole's Product Pick" where I feature my favorite skin care product. As my followers from Indiana may already know because I have such an affinity for this plant, I have chosen the Stone Crop collection before. The stone crop is known by many names, two of which are Sedum or Hens and Chicks. These powerful little beauties are full of healing power and have been used for centuries as a healing plant. Not only are they healing but they also have the ability to help your skin retain vital moisture. Think of it as Aloe but much more powerful. In conjunction with healing and hydrating power, this plant also has what is called tyrosinase inhibitors. Without getting too wordy, tyrosinase is an enzyme that is one of the stimulants of melanin production. A tyrosinase inhibitor "inhibits" the production of melanin, helping fight the development of hyperpigmentation or what is commonly known as sun spots or age spots. So now you see why I absolutely love and believe in the Stone Crop Collection in the Eminence line. It hydrates, it heals, and it fights hyperpigmentation....with the power of organic mother nature.

My current Nichole's Product Pick is the Stone Crop Gel Wash. This wonderful cleanser gently removes impurites and surface build-up on the skin without over stripping your vital moisture. This is very important, especially this time of year when humidity is lower and the environment is harsh. It has a beautiful fresh scent and will make your skin clean and soft. It is perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin because along with the other properties I have listed, the Stone Crop plant is an anti-irritant. The only client I caution to use this product are those with tree nut allergies as it does have Shea Butter in it and Shea Butter is a derivative from the nut of the African Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa).