Beauty is skin deep and more

Annetta Crawford shopping
(Photo:simple formal dresses)

It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, or what the weather is like, it's a must for women of all ages to protect their skin against the sun and other elements.

It's a known fact that good skin care can keep a woman's skin healthy and glowing for years to come. Just ask Design By Faces owner Martha Jones, of Marietta, who started a make up and skin care business in the basement of her home in Woodsfield.

Martha is a native of Colombia and studied aesthetics in her home country and in Europe, working with a plastic surgeon before moving to the United States in 1998.

One of the biggest contributors to dry skin along with wrinkles and other skin problems, like skin cancer, is the sun.

“One of the most important ways to take care of your skin, whether for men and women, is to use sunscreen year round. While 20 minutes in the sun offers us a healthy dose of important Vitamin D, all sun exposure beyond that can lead to skin damage,” explained Martha.

A lot of women discover brown spots on their face, chest and hands beginning around the age of 40. “Most likely that came from unprotected sun exposure in their younger years. Just as these spots take years to show, they can take many months to disappear with proper treatment. So the best advice Martha says she can offer all women no matter what age is to avoid going in the sun without proper protection. “Wear sunscreen on all exposed surfaces,” she said. What about tanning bed? “Tanning Beds are not your best friend! Those rays can also lead to skin damage, so try sunless tanning products,” she commented.

Because of all the attention in the media being drawn to various skin issues and how women can look years younger, Martha has noticed an increase in clientele and decided a few years ago it was time to move to another location, then she found herself moving again to a much larger location. She has added staff and more services and a retail product line.

Shortly after opening her third location, Martha, who claims she is always looking ahead, found a unique property in downtown Marietta that had tremendous potential. For three years she and her husband Jerry worked to make improvements at the 416 Front St. location, and have been their since 2013.

“My goal is to empower women, and I love to help them find ways to improve their lives. My dream has been to share my knowledge of skincare by teaching, and last year that dream became a reality when the FBD Academy held its first Permanent Makeup class, and graduated five students. I feel awesome being able to encourage five women to begin a new life journey,” she said with a beeming smile.

One of the biggest skin care products on the market today is anti-aging products. “Well, again I repeat myself by saying, wear sunscreen,” Martha said. Other ways to make a woman's skin look younger and healthier is exfoliation. “It's the most overlooked step in skin care. We have many products to help make our clients look younger by getting rid of the dead, flaky skin that naturally accumulates every day.” Just be careful Martha warns, not to use an exfoliant around your eyes, that could definitely cause some problems.

Another factor in the aging process is stress, both internally and externally. “We usually don't sleep well, which can lead to under-eye circles and puffiness. Staring at the computer all day while tired makes us rub our eyes, causing fine lines and wrinkles,” she explained. With a smile Martha said, “We may have a drawn or angry appearance, and we don't want that. “This can lead to lines on the forehead, between the eyes, and around the mouth.” FBD can help that issue with a soothing facial or relaxing massage. “The time spent here is always stress-free,” she said with a smile.

Martha also has advise for teen girls, “Wash your face twice a day, morning and night, with a cleanser made specifically for the face. Body washes and bar soaps have ingredients that are too harsh, and can strip your skin, which can trigger acne outbreaks.” FBD has a product that fits all skin types, plus removes all traces of makeup.

Many young teens suffer with acne. For that Martha says there are many oil-free products available that will not clog pores and cause breakouts. Girls are welcome to schedule a free consultation to help them find a good treatment plan for their problematic young (or not so young) acne-prone skin.

Another key factor is taking care of your skin is nutrition.

“Healthy living does help – your skin's job is to protect your body. In case you didn't know skin is the body's largest organ,” said Martha. Generally speaking, if you are healthy on the inside, then you'll look healthy on the outside. So drink lots of water, eat sensibly, and try to exercise every day. If you are under stress, try to find gentle relief methods – music, reading, yoga or meditation.

Remember, when you feed your mind and body good things, it's better able to maintain a vibrant, energetic lifestyle. And when you feel good, you always look your best, says Martha, who offered the following advice, “Always be true to yourself, true to your heart. It's so important to treat yourself with love, just as you would treat another family member.”

Today, Faces By Design employs a staff of 10, including six estheticians and one massage therapist. There are also two key partners who bring critical services to the business, and are key team members. Together, the FBD family offers a complete line of skincare services that include: Microdermabrasion Facials, Oxygen Facials, Youth Facials, Chemical Peels, Waxing, Lash/Brow Tinting, Massage, Permanent Makeup, Infrared Sauna, Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening/Cellulite Reduction, and Photofacials. Retail product lines are available for purchase, and include Dermalogica, Bare Escentuals, Philosophy, and Skinceuticals.Read more at:bridesmaid dresses australia