A recent post in truthinaging.com reviews Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Collagen Boost Facial. The reviewer highlights our GentleWaves® LED Facial Rejuvenation technology that’s used in this facial. Nisha Buckingham of truthinaging.com explains:

Mari Miyoshi, an occupational therapist and director of the Brain Gym Learning Center NYC, shares how prioritizing self-care can propel you to accomplish more things faster:

“Ensure you participate in activities weekly that bring you ease, and help                              you relax. By making this a priority, your brain’s electro-chemical                                      activity enhances,  allowing you to release stress, rest better and have                                  more energy left over to take on new challenges.

Prioritizing self-care means ensuring you are taking necessary steps to                                 limit the amount of stress (whether it’s emotional, mental, physical,                               etc.)  you feel on a daily basis.  As you take conscious steps towards                                       fulfilling your resolutions, the fear of change will quickly turn into the                                     exhilaration you feel after you’ve tried something new.“

How do you plan to keep your resolutions this year? We’d love to hear from you!

1)  Inhibit cancer cell growth

2) lower total cholesterol level

3) Slow down the aging process

4) have bacteria-destroying properties that can help prevent food poisoning, dental plaque and promotes odor elimination.

5) be rich in Vitamin C

Green tea also contains caffeine, which gives you a boost and helps burn fat. However, excessive caffeine consumption can cause insomnia or headaches. At Shizuka NY, we serve either green tea or houji tea (roasted green tea) per our clients’ request. Houji tea contains significantly less caffeine, so we recommend choosing this tea for a reduced caffeine option.

Also, we’ve been asked what gives our green tea its rich green color? Well, our tea is a special mixture of finely chopped green tea leaves and matcha. Matcha is powdered tea often used for tea ceremony in Japan (it looks like finely ground coffee beans). Matcha immediately gives the tea an extraordinary bright green color.

On your next visit, please enjoy our tasty teas with rice crackers at Shizuka!



Sometimes we forget that the skin on our scalp needs our love and attention just as much as the skin on our face and bodies — in fact, a healthy scalp means healthy hair!

A scalp massage with nutrient rich scalp serum will nourish your scalp evenly and fully. It may even prove a great way to wind down and relax.

At SHIZUKA NY we incorporate head and scalp massages into most of our facials including: Signature Micro Facial, Classic Facial, Geisha Facial, Lifting Facial, Lightening Facial, Microcurrent Facial, Ionizing Facial, and Omedeta Maternity Facial.

Request a facial appointment with head and scalp massage here >>

Check out the WebMD Slide show about hair health here >>

A Paraffin Wax treatment for your hands and feet is an inexpensive, speedy, yet luxurious way to warm and hydrate your skin while relaxing stiff muscles and joints. The wax contains paraffin oil making it softer than, for example, wax used for hair removal. Because it’s softer, the wax melts at lower temperatures, so it won’t burn or blister your skin. Add a Paraffin Wax treatment to your favorite manicure or pedicure or get it on its own for a quick and soothing treatment for your hard-working extremities!

Here’s what our Paraffin Wax treatment entails:

• First our estheticians lightly massage your hands or feet using SpaRitual Organic Moisturizing lotion, with Geranium essential oil.
• Then you will submerge your hands or feet into melted paraffin wax until your skin is generously coated (for feet, the process is slightly different to ensure that hands and feet aren’t dipped into the same wax).
• Your hands or feet are then covered with plastic and then slid into terry cloth mitts to keep the wax warm.
• After about 5 minutes, the process is complete and the wax is removed all at once.

Your skin will feel deeply moisturized and softened without being oily or greasy.

Paraffin Wax treatment by itself:

Makes sense to us!  Simply, give a quick wipe of hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to the outsides of your phone a few times a week to keep any acne-causing bacteria at bay.

Check out a few more day-to-day acne prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic:

• Avoid heavy foundation makeup. Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they’re less irritating.
• Remove makeup before going to bed. Going to sleep with cosmetics on your skin can clog tiny openings of the hair follicles (pores).
• Clean make-up brushes regularly. Be sure to throw out old makeup and clean your cosmetic brushes and applicators regularly with soapy water. *Shizuka stresses the importance of this because brushes can transfer bacteria back and forth from powder to skin.
• Shower after exercising or doing strenuous work. Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria.

Read more acne-prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic here>>

What’s helped you prevent acne? We’d love to hear from you, share your comments below>>

As winter begins, our skin starts showing symptoms such as itchiness, and we get sore throats and common colds.  A very basic tip to decrease the chance of getting these annoying winter problems  is to use a humidifier!

Where to put the humidifier?                                                                                               As a humidifier reaches all over the room, the place to put it really doesn’t matter.   It’s better to put it away from walls and windows.  If it’s too close, mold or mildew may develop from the condensation.  What’s important is which heater and which humidifier you actually use.

The best percentage of humidity for human- 40%~60%. 

Which humidifier is good?                                                                                                       –the owner Shizuka loves Air-O-swiss. http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/air-o-swiss-7135-ultrasonic-warm-cool-mist-humidifiers.html?itemId=1185　                         Humidifier Best 3 http://www.consumersearch.com/humidifiers

When you use humidifier….probably better to put it a bit away from you about 1 yard so it can hydrate you well. Better to have one humidifier in each room and close the door. When you are not at home, of course turn off the machine and leave the door or window open to let humidity go.

How to prevent dryness?                                                                                                          It is important to take care of your skin but it also important to “prevent”  before skin gets to dry.

1)      Avoid hot water- Hot water strips moisture away from your skin. Don’t use harsh soap. Use natural wash cloth rather than synthetic.

2)      Taking a bath—soaking the body into the warm water can relax you by soothing the nerves.  This will enhance the cell metabolism and increase blood circulation which can make a beautiful skin. Also, it opens up pores and let the dirt out from them. The water temperature raging between 96F to 105F is ideal. Hanshinyoku—hip bath? Too hot water is dangerous. It may overburden your body. Bath agent or bath oil is recommended to moisture your skin. The aroma can relax you as well.

3)      After the bath, pat your body with dry towel quickly and apply moisturizer. It penetrates into the skin when skin is still wet and soft. However, it you leave the skin too long without putting anything, skin gets drier due to the tendency of water evaporation. 

Please see our past news letter regarding how to take care and prevent dry skin.   http://www.shizukany.com/newsletter/old/news/vol12_2002_12_e.html

These products are really helpful to take care dry skin!                                              Shizuka NY Hyaluronic Acid Gel (Hydrating Serum) $66                                                      Shizuka NY New Barrier Repair  (Moisturizing Cream)$42                                             Shizuka NY Hyaluronic Acid Mask (Hydrating Mask) $70

Check out the latest mention of our Halloween Week Special – Geisha facial here! There’s still time to take advantage of our exclusive Halloween Week spa deals. So hurry, offers end October 31^st, 2011!

While the idea of a daily facial seems unlikely, especially for those constantly on the go, there are a couple things you can do daily to keep your skin happy and healthy this season.

As the weather gets cooler and the air dryer, it’s important to remain mindful of the foods we eat. It’s difficult to determine the exact correlation certain foods have on skin conditions, but for most, a slight change in the way we eat can bring a drastic improvement to our skin. Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center in New York City, says, “Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look”.

To ensure you’re getting enough essential vitamins to nourish your skin from the inside out, we’ve compiled a list of seasonal winter foods to look out for the next time you go grocery shopping. For ultimate skin protection, we’ve paired them with our vitamin-infused topical serums and potions for a customized mini-facial everyday!

Reduce wrinkles, curb inflammation, improve skin tone, increase collagen levels: Eat foods rich in Vitamin C like sweet potatoes, red peppers, pineapple, oranges, and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is best known to strengthen your immune system but can also protect your skin’s cells and tissues from premature aging. Apply our C-Mollient Gel for a Vitamin C boost and Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisturizer.

Soft, smooth, radiant skin: Eat foods rich in Vitamin E like fortified cereals, almonds, turnip greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, and avocado. Vitamin E helps fight off toxins in your body and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Apply Shea Butter Ultra-Rich Body Cream to immediately hydrate and sooth any area of your skin, excellent for all skin types.

Build up anti-aging defense mechanisms in your skin, even skin tone, reduce skin irritation and itchiness: Eat foods rich with Beta Carotene like carrots, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli and spinach. Beta Carotene promotes cell growth and increases immunity. Apply Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel to naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, and for mature skin apply Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel which is infused with both Beta Carotene and Vitamin C.

Reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles and skin discoloration: Eat foods rich in Vitamin K like olive oil, scallions, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus, broccoli, and pears. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health but also helps heal skin discolorations and scarring. Apply Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum to under eye circles and our RosaGel (also infused with Vitamins C and E) to reduce the appearance of redness and small capillaries.

Smoother, naturally hydrated skin: Eat foods with Hyaluronic Acid like fish and poultry. Hyalauronic Acid helps to hydrate and tightly bond skin cells together. Apply our HydraPeptide Gel for deep skin hydration and Glycolic Purifying Peel for both exfoliation and hydration, for normal to oily skin.

Healthy glowing skin: Eat foods rich in complex B vitamins like whole grains, poultry, fish, and eggs. B vitamins helps build healthy cells and can help even out skin tone. Apply Cassis Ultra Replenishing Cream to protect the skin from noxious chemicals in the air and improve resilience. Its ‘ultra’ components include Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid to boot.

Check out our current Spa Deals here>>

Can’t make it to the spa? Check out our online store>>

Hey Shizuka NY Insiders!

With Halloween right around the corner, you’ll scream at these Halloween Week Specials, good October 24th – 31st, 2011. Appointments are going fast, so reserve your spa TREATment now by requesting an appointment online, or calling (212) 644-7400.

Geisha Facial, $90 (Reg $180) Save 50%!

Halloween beauty never looked so good! Save a whopping 50% on this exclusive facial, seen on TV broadcasts and magazines internationally for harnessing the unique Japanese geisha tradition of cleansing the skin with nightingale droppings. This 50 min. facial also includes cleansing and light pore extraction using products from the all-natural Shizuka New York Skin Care System, a camellia oil facial massage and a green tea Collagen Mask.

Gel Nail Manicure – solid color, $38 (Reg $50)

Show off your Halloween spirit with our solid color Presto LED gel nails. Better yet, bring in a sample of your costume and let us create a custom color just for you. Mix things up a bit with festive stamps, hand drawing and glitter for an additional $10 and up.

50 min. Shiatsu or Swedish Massage , $80 (Reg $105)

Almost as sweet as a bagful of candy, our Shiatsu and Swedish massages will leave you feeling rejuvenated minus the empty calories! Treat your body and spirit to a 50 min. massage by one of our highly skilled massage therapists.

Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel , 1.7 Fl oz/50mL – $56

If you don’t feel like carving pumpkins this year but still want to indulge your festive side, try Naturopathica’s best selling Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel. By utilizing pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities, this refining peel is formulated to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. For an additional $30, sample it by asking your esthetician to add it to your favorite facial (already included in some). Or, simply take some home for yourself and let your skin glow like a jack-o-lantern all year round!

Spa deals are available October 24th – 31st, 2011. Schedule your appointment now by using our online request form or call (212) 644-7400.

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Our current news letters has been updated!

(Don’t forget to subscribe for our deals and updates! –> Click here)

Please check out the News letter Vol. 101 and book your appointments with latest deals!

After Summer Spa Deals:

Through October 31, 2011

Express Facial (40min) – $60 (Reg. $95)

The Express Facial cleanses the pores with signature all-natural products from Shizuka NY. If you’d like to enhance this facial, try adding an Enzyme Peel, Extra Extraction and/or Collagen Mask. Please ask our receptionists for prices.

Lightening Facial (80min) – $140 (Reg. $180)

The Lightening Facial is the perfect marriage of pore cleansing and skin brightening, reducing the appearance of dark spots.

IPL Spot Treatment – $150 and up (Reg. $200 and up)

The IPL Spot Treatment focuses primarily on reducing hyperpigmentation on specific areas of the skin with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).

Spa deals are available through October 31, 2011.** Schedule your appointment now by using our online request form (promo code: summer) or call (212) 644-7400.

The end of Summer brings our Shiatsu Lunch Special to a close. The last day to save up to 30% on this popular spa treatment will be September 30th, 2011. Our Brazilian Bikini Wax and Eyelash Perm Lunch Specials will be ongoing.

**Spa Deals may not be combined with any other coupons or promotions, including Spa Finder gift Certificates.

Our famous Bird Poop Facial was introduced as one of all natural and unusual facial!
 

(Please be patient as video loads.)

owner Shizuka Bernstein says her geisha facial – which includes the use of purified bird droppings — is in high demand.

“The ingredients in the droppings have a natural enzyme and it exfoliates, it breaks down the top layer of the skin, so it’s a good exfoliation,” Bernstein said.

But Day wasn’t so sure.

“Anything that is a leftover or a by-product especially in feces of another animal I would be very hesitant to use on my skin,” she said.

For centuries, geishas used the droppings to remove makeup and revitalize their skin. Bernstein incorporated the idea to make it a substitute for clients who didn’t want to use harsh chemicals on their face.

Mixed with rice bran and applied to the face, the bird droppings emit an “organic” aroma, but first-time client Jennifer Teman didn’t seem to mind, and she’s looking forward to her next visit.

“It smelled a little funny, but I was expecting that… I would recommend other people to do it because it’s definitely a different kind of a facial to get,” Teman said.

The geisha facial takes about 60 minutes and costs $180.

The 100th Edition of our spa newsletter is truly the best yet, featuring exclusive spa deals and the best skin care tips from our first 99 newsletters.

100th Newsletter Spa Deals good through September 5th, 2011:
Signature Micro Facial – $120 (Reg. $160)
Nagomi Manicure & Sakura Pedicure – $80 (Reg. $100)
Eyelash Extensions – $200 (Reg. $250)

Get your appointment by using our online request form (promo code: 100) or calling (212) 644-7400.

Become a Shizuka NY Insider today by joining our mailing list!

More spa deals like these >>

Here are a few important points to keep in mind when purchasing and using sunscreen this summer:

• SPF only refers to protection from the sun’s UVB rays. In order to prevent sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, you need broad spectrum UVB and UVA protection.
• SPF is based on testing that uses large amounts of product on the skin. In order to be effectively protected, apply more sunscreen than you may want to, and more often than you normally would.
• There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. All sunscreens lose effectiveness when you sweat or swim. In these cases, reapply frequently.
• There is very little difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. There is no need to purchase a sunscreen with SPF higher than 50. Rather, look for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and reapply frequently.
• In addition to using sunscreen with SPF 30-50 daily, you should protect your body with clothing and light-blocking hats and umbrellas.

When you venture outdoors this summer, take care of your skin to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Recommended Sun Protection Product:

Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+
By DCL Skin Care

DCL Skin Care’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ combines high UVB absorption and powerful UVA blockage for broad spectrum protection in an elegant silky sheer, matte finish that leaves the skin residue free.

The superb photo protective performance of ultra microfine zinc oxide contributes to the high SPF protection while supplemental antioxidants safeguard the skin from environmental free-radical damage.

Size: 1.7 Fl oz / 50 mL
Price: $24.00

Purchase Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ >>

More about this topic at NYTimes.com >>

More from the FDA >>

Father’s Day is June 19, 2011.

Treat Dad to relaxation and rejuvenation with a soothing treatment from Shizuka New York Day Spa and take 15% off all men’s facials and massages June 13-26.

If you make an appointment for yourself with Dad, you can also enjoy 15% off any of our spa facials and massages.

Also, enjoy free shipping on all Shizuka New York Day Spa gift certificates when you order online.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dedicated dads out there!

Learn more and request an appointment >>

More spa deals like this one >>

This video is primarily in Chinese with English subtitles.
[Better Body & Soul]

MensHealth.com investigates the bird poop facial trend in a recent post:

Experts say it actually might work. “Bird droppings have uric acid and are nitrogen based, and if rubbed on the skin can exfoliate and could be beneficial, but only in a superficial manner,” says Hayes Gladstone, M.D., director of dermatologic surgery at Stanford University. More >>

From our experience, we can say that the results speak for themselves. Clients, male and female alike, love the smoother, brighter skin that comes with one of NYC’s most bizarre facial treatments!

Oh and, for the record, we are the NYC spa quoted in the article!

More spa treatments for men >>

[MensHealth.com]

p.s Don’t forget about our amazing half-off Geisha Facial special!

Get our famous Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial at 50% off the regular price April 11-17, 2011.

The Geisha Facial has been featured on television programs internationally as well as People Magazine, PerezHilton.com, and more, for using powdered nightingale droppings to cleanse and brighten the skin.

Normally $180, Shizuka New York Day Spa is offering the Geisha Facial for $90 (50% off!) during a week of spa steals that also include deals on Shiatsu and Swedish massage, and 10% off the treatment of your choice when combined with a spa steal.

Get your appointment for a half-priced bird poop facial today by using our online request form (Promo Code: Spa Steals) or calling (212) 644-7400.

More spa deals like this one >>

Our Signature Anti-Aging Photofacial has been voted Best Facial in New York Magazine. It uses intense pulsed light to reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots & sun damage) and broken capillaries, and to stimulate facial rejuvenation and collagen production in the skin.

Use our convenient online appointment request form to take advantage of this great spa deal today (Online Promo Code: “Spring Forward”)

Shizuka New York’s original Moisturizer ($62 at ShizukaNY.com) is featured in this month’s issue of BeautyNewsNYC.com.

In a piece titled “Searching for Holistic Asian Skincare,” writer Patricia Wersinger delves into the myths and truths about this beauty trend that also includes our Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial.

The verdict?

“The Shizuka moisturizer just sinks in and melts like butter leaving the skin moisturized and fresh. It has a calming re-texturizing effect while green tea, aloe vera and chlorella clarify and brighten it. Along with buying the products for home use, why not treat yourself to one of the best facials in town at the Shizuka Spa.”

Read the rest of the review on BeautyNewsNYC.com >>

Learn more about Shizuka NY products and purchase online >>

This March, we at Shizuka New York Day Spa are pleased to offer one of our most popular spa packages at an even better deal than normal.

The Total Body Spa Package, valued at $285, is available for $250 March 1-31, 2011.

Including a detoxifying Infrared Sauna session, a 50-Minute Swedish Massage, Classic Facial, Classic Manicure & Pedicure, this spa package is the perfect break from your hectic life.

Use our convenient online appointment request form (use the Promo Code “Spring Forward”) and you will soon be on your way to 4 hours of relaxation and rejuvenation!

Did anyone see it? We want to know how he responded!

[via AZCentral.com]

A recent episode of Saturday Night Live included a sketch titled “Spa Talk with Tyla Yonders.” In the skit, Yonders (played by Kristen Wiig) attempts to bring serenity to her guests with bird poop facials, and even turtle poop facials!

It’s been hailed as a beauty wonder product and Victoria Beckham loves it… but would you put bird poo on your face?

From bull’s semen to flesh-eating fish, women have endured some bizarre things in the name of beauty.

But the latest treatment to hit high-end spas features what is perhaps the strangest ingredient to date.

Nightingale excrement, collected from the Japanese island of Kyushu, is being hailed as the hottest beauty wonder product.

…

Known in Japan as uguisu no fun, the facial was conceived in November 2007 by New York facialist Shizuka Bernstein, who was inspired by her mother describing how geisha girls in feudal Japan removed their thick white lead make-up.

Mrs Bernstein, 52 explained: ‘The bird poop facial works because of an enzyme that breaks down the dead skin on the upper layers of the face.

Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/beauty/article-1350741/Its-hailed-beauty-wonder-product-Victoria-Beckham-loves–bird-poo-face.html

“Look at our skin. If it works, it works,” said Gifford. The ladies also described their post-bird-poop-facial skin as “like butter” and “like a baby’s bottom.”

Shizuka Bernstein, owner of Shizuka New York Day Spa visited the ladies on the set of the Today Show to surprise them with bird poop facials. The original segment is also posted below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

If you’re still recovering from the holiday season, take advantage of these awesome spa deals to ring in the new year. Shizuka New York Day Spa is offering 11 spa deals on our most popular facials, massage, body, eyelash and nail treatments through January 31, 2011.

Learn more about our 11 spa deals here >>

Have you ever felt as if you were still wearing your Halloween makeup a week after all the parties and parades had ended?  There is no avoiding cheap costume makeup this time of year, and anyhow it’s probably part of the fun of Halloween.

Here are a few tips from Shizuka to make sure your ghoulish look does not carry over to November 1st.  You also should definitely check out Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Halloween Spa Specials.

Before You Haunt

When shopping for Halloween makeup, make sure to look for “non-comedogenic.”  This means that it is less likely to clog your pores and lead to blackheads and breakouts.

Before applying makeup remember to cleanse your skin thoroughly with your favorite cleanser to remove any dirt, debris, and bacteria that could get trapped under your makeup.

Tips For Removing Your Halloween Makeup

At the end of the night’s festivities, follow these easy steps to give yourself a quick at-home spa facial and remove all that caked-on makeup:

1. When you get home, dampen a clean face towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes until it is warm, but not burning hot.  For extra relaxation, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
2. Cleanse your face with lukewarm water.  Clay cleansers (such as Shizuka NY’s all-natural Clay Cleanser) work well for this.  Use gentle circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin, and do not scrub.  Pay particular attention to areas of your face with the most makeup, and those prone to oiliness and breaktouts.
3. Place the warm towel over your face (pictured at right) and relax for 1-3 minutes, or about the length of your favorite Halloween tune.  Inhale deeply.  The warmth and steam from the hot towel will help to open your pores and loosen any remaining makeup.
4. Gently cleanse your skin a second time and rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel and follow up immediately with your favorite toner, moisturizer and eye cream.
6. Drink a glass of water and sleep well.

Do you have a skin care question for Shizuka? Email it to blog@shizukany.com.

We’ve been telling you about the dangers of tanning for awhile now. In case you need a quick refresher, here it is in a nutshell:

1. Tanning is a MAJOR cancer risk, according to the World Health Organization, along with arsenic and mustard gas, due to the UV rays in sunlight and in tanning beds.
2. Tanning is your skin’s natural reaction to DEFEND itself from the sun’s UV radiation, not encourage you to stay out longer.
3. Tanning seriously ages your skin, weakening connective tissues in your skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation (sun spots).

Here’s more bad news for the tanners out there. If you’ve been in search of that ever-elusive full body tan, you will be searching a long time, according to a new study.

Published in Experimental Dermatology, the study found that some parts of your body (ex. buttocks) are just less prone to holding a tan. There’s tan through swimwear out there in addition to nude sunbathing, tanning beds, and that guy above. However, our bodies seem to be telling us that there are some places that are just not meant to be tan. Staying out for hours in the sun may not get you closer to the full body tan and it only increases your risk of skin cancer.

So stick to spray tanning or, better yet, no tanning. Keep in mind that skin cancer is on the rise, especially among younger women, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS protect your skin with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily.

[LiveScience via FoxNews]
Photo Source: DailyStrength

TheBerry.com posted a collection of 27 epic plastic surgery fails titled I think their plastic surgeon used a butter knife. From mammoth lips to breasts that could keep you afloat on the open seas, it’s clear that some of us will go to extreme lengths for “beauty,” and that the concept of beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Is there a moral to this story? Less is more. People generally prefer natural over circus-freak beauty. Rather than resorting to extreme plastic surgery, try simpler treatments such as Botox and Juvederm administered by a tasteful and skilled doctor (such as Dr. Silich). Plus, if you find Botox and/or Juvederm aren’t for you, the results are not permanent. This may not be the case for many of those poor souls you’ll see after the jump.

See more plastic surgery fails.

[TheBerry via TheFrisky]

The Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial was on ABC News Now  Health on July 8, 2010. Also included in this segment titled “Bizarre Beauty Secrets” was the wacky Fish Pedicure where tiny garra rufa fish literally nibble the dead skin off your feet.

Bizarre Beauty Secrets was hosted by ABC’s Tanya Rivero and also featured Dr. Susan Evans, a Los Angeles dermatologist. Other weird beauty rituals shown were leech therapy and skin care treatments made of volcanic ash, beer, and papaya.

Shizuka Bernstein of Shizuka New York Day Spa was invited on set to view the taping and you can also see her behind the scenes photos on this blog!

If you still haven’t done it, you can enter to win a FREE BIRD POOP FACIAL through today!

The segment will air today at 2pm and 5:30pm (check your local listings for GMA Health), and will also be available online later today at abcnews.go.com. More information will follow when it is available.

Also featured in the program are the fish pedicure from Alexandria, VA, and other unusual skin treatments made from beer, volcanic ash, leeches, and papaya.

We are extending our Free Geisha Facial Contest for GMA Health viewers through July 9, 2010, so keep those entries coming!

Shizuka Bernstein with Tanya Rivero on the GMA set

Shizuka Bernstein with Dr. Susan Evans

Shizuka watches ABC's Tanya Rivero get a Fish Pedicure

If you’ve tried (or thought about trying) the Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial we want to hear about it!

Leave a comment and let us know what your experience was like! Was it weird? Funny? Effective?

If you haven’t tried it yet, would you want to?

Enter here to win a FREE Geisha Facial with owner and master aesthetician Shizuka Bernstein.

Entries will be accepted until June 30, 2010. One entry per person. Does not include airfare or NYC accommodations. Winner will be contacted by email. Prize is non-transferable and has no cash value.

How far will people go in search of beauty, and what the heck does beauty mean anyway? The Frisky posted a series of wild (and often disturbing) examples of bod mod, a.k.a. body modification, practices ranging from the “lip window” to Lord of the Rings-style elf ears, scarring and more.

All of these make the Geisha Facial seem vanilla in comparison.  After all, it’s just bird poop! They also demonstrate to what great lengths women and men will go to in search of beauty. [The Frisky]

Find more details here…

A study this year at Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University used a unique method to show the effects of lifestyle choices on aging. Researchers photographed and interviewed 186 pairs of twins during the 2006 and 2007 Twins Festival in Twinsburg, OH and compared these data to find clues into how our daily choices affect the way we age.

In the above example, researchers recorded an over-11-year gap in perceived age difference between 61-year-old twin sisters Jeanne (left) and Susan (right). “We don’t have the same taste in men and weather,” says Jeanne who lives in Ohio and has aimed for “as little sun exposure as possible” in contrast with her sun worshiping Floridian counterpart. In addition to her tanning habit, Susan also smoked a pack-and-a-half per day for 16 years during her 20s and 30s.

The evidence of aging is far stronger in twin sister Susan’s hyperpigmentation (sun damage and age spots) and the greater appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes and around the mouth.

In addition to sun exposure and smoking, another major factor in the appearance of age in the twins was weight. In women below 40, lower weight generally translates to a more youthful appearance.  However, in women over 40, more weight contributes to a younger look by filling in fine lines, wrinkles and skin sagging. In the case of the above 46-year-old twins, Laurie (left) weighs 38 pounds less than her sister Lisa (right) which contributes to her more pronounced wrinkles and sagging in the eye area.

Other factors that could contribute to aging include birth control pills (younger), antidepressants (older) and stress (older). [MSNBC.com]

DCL’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ DCL Skin Care’s Super Sheer Sunscreen 50+ combines powerful sun protection in a lightweight and sheer application. DCL’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ is non-whitening, PABA-free and fragrance-free for all skin types. Size: 2.5 oz Price: $24.00

The Huffington Post debuted a new series this week titled “The Big Picture” where you can find blown-up and untouched photos of celebrities in all their glory, or lack thereof. Take a look at the above closeup forehead crops of Lindsay Lohan (age 23) and Elizabeth Hurley (age 44) who were among the first lucky celebs to be featured. Can you guess which photo matches which celeb? Click on the images to find out!  [TheFrisky.com]

Thinking about dressing up as a Geisha this Halloween? Take a look at this very thorough video that depicts a Geisha applying her makeup for some pointers and don’t forget to wash your face before applying makeup!

Don’t forget that spa facials, including the Geisha Facial, are 10% off Sunday, November 1st through Saturday, November 7th when you mention this website.

If you think your skin is starting to resemble that of a jack-o-lantern, you might consider making Jack into a pie and then slathering that on your face.

Believe it or not, pumpkin is a very effective skin care ingredient. Natural enzymes in pumpkin break down dead skin cells and pumpkin is also loaded with beta carotene, a natural anti-oxidant. If your skin is feeling dull, dry or congested this October, try Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, an aromatic facial mask that decongests and polishes the skin. Here’s an easy way to work Pumpkin Enzyme Peel into your routine:

1. Start by taking a warm shower or bath. Cleanse your skin while bathing, using gentle circular motions. The steam from the water will also allow your pores to open.
2. Pat your face dry and apply Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Enzyme Peel to the skin. Allow it to sit on your skin for 3-5 minutes (dry your hair or listen to a tune). You may feel a light tingling sensation which means the peel is activating. However, if any burning or itching occurs, or if the skin becomes red, remove the product immediately.
3. Rinse Pumpkin Enzyme Peel off with lukewarm water.  To help remove the product, you can also use a gentle cleanser.
4. Apply your favorite moisturizer.  If it is in the A.M., make sure to apply sun protection before leaving home.
5. Repeat 1-2 times per week, as needed and tolerated by the skin.

You should also check out a homemade pumpkin facial recipe from Shizuka that was featured on FoxNews.com.

Dawn of the Dead? Zombie B-Movie? Nope, it’s French Vogue!

This gothed-out geisha may be crumbling before our eyes, but she sure is rocking out that blood-red leather jacket, manicure and…football?

Read more about Shizuka’s spooky Halloween spa specials and Halloween skin care tips.

Is Lindsay Lohan starting to look old? We were shocked to see the Project Runway season premiere (above left) a few weeks back with LLo looking a bit dark and puffy under the eyes, tanorexic, and saggy in the skin for a 23 year old.

Perhaps Lindsay should take a cue from Kate Moss who woke up one day in her mid thirties to realize that all the partying, drinking and smoking can definitely catch up.

Excessive drinking can seriously dehydrate your body, including your skin, and smoking can rob it of essential Vitamin C. Excessive partying can also lead to lack of sleep – your body’s time to regenerate.

For more tips on remaining youthful and delaying the signs of aging, see Shizuka’s Secrets to Beautiful Skin.

The Resident recently stopped by Shizuka New York Day Spa to review the Geisha Facial.

Take a look at her review in the video above and leave your own Geisha Facial reviews below. Have you tried Shizuka NY’s Geisha Facial? What was your experience?

Is Jessica Simpson the next celebrity to go geisha? Jessica was recently photographed in Tokyo, Japan filming her new VH-1 series The Price of Beauty in a full geisha get-up including kimono, fan and, of course, the signature white face paint of the geishas.

What else is on Jessica’s beauty menu, you might ask? Apparently a stint in a Ugandan fattening hut “because, in Uganda, fat is beautiful. So the bigger you are, the more beautiful you are.”

The question on our minds is will Jessica also be taking up Geisha “Bird Poop” Facials? She’s going to have to find some way to get all that makeup off! Perhaps we’ll just have to wait and see…

Okay, so baby Botox is technically not Botox for actual babies, although that subject is surprisingly less than fictional.  Julian McMahon’s character on Nip/Tuck recently faced the moral dilemma of whether he should inject dermal fillers into the lips of an infant model.  Okay, so that’s still technically fictional, but check out this site and a clip of a young “Toddlers and Tiaras” type of girl who desperately wants plastic surgery because “I love my mommy.”  Huh?

Baby Botox actually refers to a less-is-more approach to injecting Botox Cosmetic that aims to simply soften fine lines and wrinkles without creating the cliche “frozen face” or perpetually quizzical look.  Baby Botox is becoming more popular especially among younger women in their 20′s and early 30′s (Jessica Simpson was having regular Botox injections and lip fillers as early as 25!).

The New York Daily News printed an interesting and related article this week on anti-aging skin care for teenagers, stating that “a third of women under 25 years old regularly apply anti-aging products meant for the 40-plus crowd.”

Some British dermatologists have spoken out about this trend and it’s potentially negative effects for the youth-obsessed teens: “cosmetic products that boast of maintaining youthful skin contain high concentrations of retinoids and AHAs, which can actually accelerate the aging process for those with vibrant skin.” These retinoids and AHAs (alpha hydroxyacids) can stimulate cellular renewal in those with more mature skin. However, in the young, the dermatologists contend, they can lead to redness, irritation, itchiness and a greater susceptibility to sun damage and hyperpigmentation, especially if the teenagers are not wearing sunscreen.

So how young is too young?  Unless the teenager has an acne problem, we recommend keeping skin care simple.  It is a great time to learn proper skin care basics and to create routines that will hopefully last a lifetime, including daily cleansing, hydration and, most importantly, sun protection.  Botox will always eventually wear off.  However, sun damage is not an easy problem to fix.

Uma Thurman is looking fabulously flawless on the cover of W Magazine.  Inside you can get the scoop about her two children, NYC townhouse in the Village, and her upcoming movie “Motherhood.”  So is Uma’s stunning cover look the result of meticulous skin care or Photoshopping?  You be the judge.

As for Uma’s beauty tips, she has stated her need for a good night’s sleep as well as her regular exfoliation.  Those both sound like great ideas to us!

The weather is changing…is your skin care routine?  It is important to slightly modify your beauty regimen each season as you change your wardrobe.

Moving into the Fall season, the weather begins to get cooler and less humid in many places, including NYC.  Here are a few tips to adapt your routine to maximize your skin care results:

Tip #1: Putting on an extra layer of clothes? Remember to put on some moisturizer as well.

As your surroundings get colder, you will naturally want to wear more layers of clothing. Don’t forget that your skin also needs extra protection from becoming dried out.   If your skin is feeling itchy and dry, try a slightly richer moisturizer during the day.  Here are a few of our recommendations for fall moisturizers by skin type.

Tip #2: Make sure that your cleanser is still working for you.

Keep in mind that if you have been using stronger cleansers with Salicylic acid and AHA’s for congested summer skin, this may not continue to benefit you through fall and winter months.  After cleansing, your skin should feel clean, but not overly tight and dry.  If this is happening, you may want to transition to a gentler cleanser during colder weather:

You can find more information about Shizuka NY Spa Products and Naturopathica products, including ordering information in our Online Store, or simply order below using our secure shopping cart. If you have further questions about fall skin care tips, please feel free to email blog@shizukany.com.

Order the Products Listed in this Blog Post

Shizuka NY Theramoist Oil-Free Clarifying Moisturizer (Oily/Acne)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Moisturizer (Normal/Combination)

Naturopathica Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisuture (Normal/Dry)

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream (Dry/Mature)

Shizuka NY Multi HA Medicated Cleansing Foam (Oily/Acne)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Clay Cleanser (Oily/Combination)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Foaming Cleanser (Normal/Dry)

Naturopathica Chamomile Cleansing Cream (Dry/Mature)

View your shopping cart and check out here

Are you ready for Fall NYC Spa Week?  You had better get ready because bookings begin today!

Last Spa Week, Geisha Facials saw a huge response from hundreds of New Yorkers looking to be slathered with bird poop!

Back by popular demand, Shizuka New York Day Spa is once again offering this legendary bird poop facial for $50 during New York Spa Week (October 12-18).

Normally $180, the 45-Minute Spa Week Geisha Facial includes cleansing with Shizuka’s all-natural skin care products, exfoliation with the original nightingale droppings bird poop facial mask, pain-free pore extraction and hydration.  The story of bird poop facials has been seen around the world, recently in People Magazine, and even on Oprah.

The Fall Spa Week Event includes over 750 spas nationwide and in Canada who are all offering $50 discounted spa treatments including facials, massages, body treatments, and laser hair removal. In addition to the 45-Minute Spa Week Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial, Shizuka New York Day Spa will also be offering a 45-Minute Swedish Massage at the $50 price.

Appointments begin today and a full list of participating NYC spas and discounted spa treatments is available at SpaWeek.com.

In case you haven’t seen it already, take a look at this hilarious bird poop facial video:

Take 10% off these three great facial peels at our New York City day spa through October 11, 2009!

Lunchtime Chemical Peel ($150 $135)
“Crystal Peel” Microdermabrasion Treatment ($250 $225)
T-Zone Facial ($140 $126)

Learn more about these facial deals by taking a look at our spa newsletter.

Sign up to receive our free newsletter

Scandalous vixen Kim Kardashian of Keeping up with the Kardashians and Dancing with the Stars fame is now a contributing beauty editor at OK! Magazine.  Kim will divulge some of her personal celebrity beauty secrets and makeup tips for looking gorgeous.

She will make her editorial debut covering New York Fashion Week on September 10, and we’re all  very curious to see what she has to say!

Source: Examiner.com

Did you know…?

Shizuka’s Foaming Cleanser was featured in OK! Magazine shortly after Shizuka’s line of skin care products was introduced.

“My facialist used this during a treatment and I’ve been addicted ever since!” said an OK! staffer.

Read more about the Shizuka New York Skincare System and purchase through our online store.

If you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation, you might want to think about showering first!  Two Honolulu city council members are proposing a ban on “odors that unreasonably disturb others or interfere with their use of the transit system.”  Stinky offenders could be fined up to $500!

Underarm Botox, anyone?

Source: Honolulu Advertiser

Look for the Bird Poop Facial in People Magazine on newsstands today!

The one-page spread in People highlights three $50 Spa Week treatments from New York, Los Angeles and Dallas that are favorite celebrity spa treatments.  One of these celebrity beauty secrets is Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Geisha Facial, usually $180, which is a favorite of fashionista and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham!

Other discounted spa week treatments featured are “The Musk Try” manicure and pedicure in L.A., a favorite of celebrity Anne Hathaway, and a Warm Oil Massage and Scalp Treatment in Dallas that Hills star Lauren Conrad loves.

Spa Week in New York will be October 12-18 and numerous NYC spas will be offering discounted spa treatments for $50.

Bookings for the 45-Minute Spa Week Geisha Facial begin on Friday, September 11, 2009. Shizuka New York Day Spa is also offering a 45-Minute Swedish Massage for New York Spa Week.

P.S. There is a special contest through People and SpaWeek.com for 50 Spa Week gift cards valued at $50 each!

So far, the new skin cancer treatment has only been tested on lab mice, but researchers speculate that the new drug could be effectively delivered to humans intravenously, or as an additive in sunscreen products.

Source: Penn State Live

Federal officials in Washington State indicted three beauty salon proprieters this week for administering phony Botox and for trying to bribe an officer to overlook an unauthorized laser device.

In the first instance, Xin “Faith” He of Natural Beauty in Bellvue, WA told clients she was injecting Botox and the hyaluronic acid dermal filler Restylane when in fact she was injecting counterfeit substances. Her actions led to at least two reported negative reactions since 2004 that required a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s care.  One victim (pictured above), who wished to remain anonymous, remarked, “My face looked like Frankenstein’s.”

In the second case, the two owners of Crystal Nails in Burien are charged with offering an official an $800 bribe to overlook a dangerous and unapproved radiation-emitting laser treatment they had imported.

In the quest for beauty, always be cautious.  Botox is a safe and effective treatment that should only be administered by a licensed doctor, and preferably one who specializes in the face (such as Dr. Silich at Shizuka New York Medical Spa).  Beware of cheap Botox knockoffs.  Botox is an FDA approved substance manufactured in the US by Allergan.  In addition, laser facial treatments should only be performed by highly trained skin care technicians.  Don’t be afraid to ask your aesthetician questions about the treatment and equipment they are using.

If you have questions about Botox Cosmetic or laser facial rejuvenation, please feel free to schedule a free consultation with Shizuka, or email your question to blog@shizukany.com.

Source: Seattle Times
Photo Source: KOMO News

Short for Light Emitting Diodes, LED facials are becoming increasingly popular these days in the skincare and spa industries because they provide excellent facial rejuvenation and anti-aging results in a gentle and convenient process appropriate for all skin types. So what exactly does LED treatment do?

Light emitting diodes are all around us in alarm clocks, traffic lights and Times Square billboards alike.  However, the LEDs in skincare treatments such as Shizuka New York Day Spa’s GentleWaves Facial ($150, 30 min) are specially coded to emit light that encourages the skin to rejuvenate itself.  Similar to photosynthesis in plants, photomodulation helps to stimulate cellular renewal and stimulate collagen formation without pain or injury to the skin.

An FDA-approved procedure, GentleWaves facial treatment gradually diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and can also reduce inflammation and irritation after procedures such as photo facials, facial peels and microdermabrasion.  The perfect add-on to any Shizuka New York Day Spa facial, GentleWaves treatment is $80 with any of our facials.  GentleWaves is also popular as a non-invasive alternative to injectables such as Botox, Juvederm and Restylane.

For more information about GentleWaves treatment at Shizuka Day Spa in NYC, please call 212.644.7400 or email contact@shizukany.com.

Uh-oh!  It looks like years of excessive sun, drinking, and smoking can catch up to even the most beautiful among us!

British supermodel Kate Moss learned this the hard way when she saw pictures of a recent St. Tropez vacation posted online.  35-year-old Kate was shocked to see that her skin had seriously aged.

According to a Daily Mail source:

“Kate didn’t like seeing pictures of the state of her skin while she was on holiday. She knows it’s down to her lifestyle, so she is deciding to try a particular health plan to help regain a fresh look.”

As a result of seeing her deep forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and blemishes, Kate has decided to turn over a new leaf and lead a healthier lifestyle by cutting down on the drinking and smoking, revising her diet, and upping her water intake.

These are all great steps and we applaud Kate.  As we’ve stated in previous posts, excessive sun exposure, drinking and smoking can be serious skin-agers.  It’s so important to remember that our lifestyles directly affect the way we look on the outside.  Exposure to the sun’s UV rays leads to wrinkles, sun damage, and potentially skin cancer (also take a look at this post on tanorexia). Too much drinking can dehydrate the body and affect the quality of our regenerative sleep. Smoking robs the body and skin of essential Vitamin C and can also lead to hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.

For anyone feeling like Kate, we recommend microdermabrasion or chemical peeling procedures to even out the skin texture and Botox Cosmetic at our New York City Medical Spa to smooth forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet in addition to leading a healthier lifestyle.

Source: Daily Mail

Apparently director Quentin Tarantino made a big exception to his rule of no actors sleeping on the set for Brad Pitt while they were filming Inglourious Basterds.  The notoriously unwielding Tarantino supposedly allowed Pitt his beauty sleep because “Brad has a big family [six children and partner Angelina Jolie] and sleeping at work is the only chance he gets.”  Brad’s cat naps raise the question: “Does beauty sleep really work?” because something is obviously working or the multiple “Sexiest Man Alive” awardee.

There are many claims out there that sleep increases cell turnover in the skin, repairs its barrier and even stimulates collagen formation.  Others contend that this process could be ongoing and not limited to deep sleep, and while there is some contention over whether or not sleep can truly stave off wrinkles, no one denies that sleep is vital to the health of the body.  Sleep is the body’s time to renew itself and rejuvenate.  Lack of sleep can lead to many problems in waking hours such as physical exhaustion, irritability, memory loss, and impairment of the immune system. From a cosmetic standpoint, we are all familiar with that puffy appearance, especially under the eyes, that can result from a late night out.

Perhaps “beauty sleep” is a slight misnomer. In addition to sleeping for our beauty, let’s all make sure to make time to sleep for our health and beauty!

#1 – Anne Hathaway

As our number one pick for celebs with flawless skin, Anne Hathaway has truly amazing skin. In this high definition age, she always displays a clear, even and healthy complexion that is unrivaled in the industry.

Anne obviously follows the rules of beautiful skin and most definitely limits her sun exposure and stays away from tanning beds as evidenced by her perfect porcelain skin that would rival that of a geisha.  However, she did have a funny spray-on tan incident in her recent picture Bride Wars (see left).

We look forward to seeing more of Anne and her flawless skin in the future and are waiting in great anticipation for her next role as the ‘White Queen’ in Tim Burton’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland (opening March 5, 2010), also starring Johhny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

If you have any favorite celebs that you think we’ve left out, please feel free to leave a comment or email blog@shizukany.com.

L: Anne Hathaway as the ‘White Queen’ in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010)
R: Click to view the movie trailer

#2 – Halle Berry

Halle Berry is known for her impressive acting skills (which won her an Academy Award in 2001 for Monster’s Ball) coupled with her stunning natural beauty.  We have always appreciated her smooth, soft skin and virtually pore-less complexion both as comic book icon and Bond girl.

Stay tuned for our #1 pick in tomorrows blog post!

#3 – Angelina Jolie

As a mother of six, humanitarian, United Nations goodwill ambassador, and award-winning actress Angelina Jolie surely has her plate full.  However, she still manages to look effortlessly radiant whether she is on the red carpet, searching for lost treasure, or for a lost son as in her recent Academy Award nominated performance in Changeling.

#4: Jennifer Aniston

It’s hard to believe that the first Friends episode premiered nearly 15 years ago because it looks like Jen has not aged a day since her times at Central Perk (we all certainly want to know what her beauty secrets are!).  Always sporting a natural or neutral look, Jen’s skin is flawless whether on the red carpet or on the street (above) as she was seen this past week in New York City.

Apparently Jen’s next movie Pumas is about 30-something women who go after younger men. With her youthful complexion Jen should have no problem pulling that one off!

#5 – Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep’s skin has always been flawless and at age 60 she proves that beauty is truly timeless. A red carpet regular, her natural beauty has been under the international spotlight for decades.

Meryl Streep’s soft and refined skin always photographs well whether she is a bohemian hotel-owner, a nun in full habit, a devilishly cold fashionista, or a culinary icon as in her upcoming movie Julie and Julia.

Set in a La Jolla, CA medical spa called Changes Plastic Surgery, ATB shows that rich housewives of New York City and Orange County aren’t the only ones entitled to nip, tuck and inject Botox. They’re also not the only ones with drama.

As the New York Daily News describes it, “this workplace has more nasty conflicts than “The Office,” “30 Rock” and “Ugly Betty” put together.”

We are especially fond of the redhead, back and center in this promotional photo, who happens to be the owner of Changes.  She is quoted on Addicted to Beauty‘s official website:

How do you count procedures? Do you count botox as procedure, restylane, laser resurfacing or just going under the knife? I’ve had tons of Botox and the other non-surgical procedures. I go in every six months or more if needed for these non-surgical procedures. For the surgical procedures, I’ve had more than 5 and less than 10.

Addicted to Beauty airs Tuesdays at 10pm on Oxygen.

Do Pore Strips Really Work?

Pore strips have become increasingly popular in the United States over the past decade, and have been popular in Japan even longer.  The thought of pulling out all your blackheads in a single swipe with a pore strip is definitely appealing, and it can be rather interesting or disgusting, depending on your point of view, to see those blackheads lined up after you use a pore strip.

Pore strips can sometimes be useful as part of an at-home skincare regimen.  However, when overused and misused, they also have the potential to do more harm than good.  Many brands of pore strips are currently available in supermarkets, drug stores, and wherever skin care products are sold.  In general, pore strips use an adhesive to grab onto blackheads.  When the pore strip is removed, it pulls the blackheads out of the pores, similar to the way waxing pulls out unwanted hair.

Potential Problems with Pore Strips

Because of the adhesive nature of pore strips, they tend to leave the skin very sensitive.  If overused, this can lead to irritation.  Those with sensitive skin and acne should not use pore strips because they may aggravate the skin conditions already present.

When a pore strip pulls out blackheads it leaves the pores wide open and easy to fill with more dirt, oil and bacteria.  If nothing is done to sterilize and close the pores this can lead to irritation, acne breakouts, and gaping pores.

How to Use Pore Strips

If you choose to use pore strips, please use them sparingly—once every two weeks at most.  Make sure that you cleanse your skin beforehand with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type.  After you apply and remove the pore strip, be sure to follow with a good toner (try Shizuka NY’s Skin Freshener) that will act as an astringent and also help to close your pores.  Don’t forget to finish with a light oil-free moisturizer (dry, dead skin cells will create new blackheads).

Keep in mind that a facial treatment is always the best solution.  A professional aesthetician is best equipped to remove blackheads in a safe and sanitary way with the least chance for irritation or infection.

Recommended Skin Care Products for Blackheads and Pores

Shizuka NY Skincare Multi HA Daily Pads (60 Pads, $27.00)
Shizuka NY Skincare MinaPore Touchstick ($32.00)

Watermelons are 92 percent water in addition to being rich in rehydration salts calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, and also Vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene which can help protect the body from UV radiation.

Cucumbers can produce twice the amount of hydration as plain water due to their 96 percent water makeup and mineral balance.

Body hydration is essential to maintaining healthy and youthful skin.  Moisturizing products can only go so far if you are not hydrating from the inside-out as well as outside-in.  Next time you think about putting cucumber slices on your eyes, you may want to consider eating them instead.

More information at the Daily Mail Online.

According to Sen. Baucus a new 10% tax on cosmetic procedures was proposed. Although far from definite, this tax would be applied to cosmetic procedures, defined by law as “any procedure which is directed at improving the patient’s appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease.” This could include procedures such as facelifts, breast implants, hair restoration and, of course, Botox Cosmetic injections to smooth wrinkles.

Although many states have tried to enact similar taxes on cosmetic procedures such as Botox, results have been inconsistent. New Jersey, which currently has a 6% cosmetic procedure tax, has brought in only 25% of the anticipated revenue since the tax was enacted in 2004 according to Malcolm Roth of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Needless to say, the proposed Botox tax or “Bo-Tax” has ignited the passions of many on both sides of the issue.

With provocative names such as “Sexy Hot Tan,” “Forbidden Fruit” and “Sun Stroke,” 100% of the proceeds of Ferrell’s signature sunscreens benefit Cancer For College, an organization that provides college scholarships to cancer survivors.  According to CFC’s website, over 10,000 bottles have already been sold.

In true Ferrell form, the descriptions of the SPF 30 sunscreens are equally as hilarious as the very exposing pictures of him on each bottle:

• Sexy Hot Tan
  Are you Sexy?  Are You Hot? Then who wouldn’t want a sexy, hot tan? This sunscreen is made with our very own streaking strength formula plus one.
• Sun Stroke
  What golfer wouldn’t want to sport a rich dark tan and add 57 yards to their tee shots?  This sunscreen provides improved accuracy, added distance and the ultimate bronzing power…we think.
• Forbidden Fruit
  Honestly, the less we say about this one the better for fear of being cast into a pit of fire.

More information about Will Ferrell Sunscreens and Cancer For College at CancerForCollege.org.

Experts in the cancer branch of the World Health Organization have now moved tanning beds and other forms of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk group along with arsenic, mustard gas, smoking cigarettes and chimney sweeping, among others.

Tanning beds have long been considered “probable carcinogens” likely to lead to skin cancer by the WHO, but this news, published in the medical journal Lancet Oncology, concludes through the analysis of about 20 different cancer studies that skin cancer risk increases by 75% in people who start using tanning beds before the age of 30.

“People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds,” remarked Vincent Cogliano, one of the researchers. “We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don’t think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan.”

Studies show that the use of tanning beds has increased in the under-30 generation, including teens. This is easy to believe due to high visibility of bronzed celebrities gracing our movie theaters and television screens (see our previous post on Tanorexia and UV protection).

Cogliano went on to elaborate that ultraviolet radiation is not healthy in any form, whether it be from a tanning bed or even the sun.  This research only further emphasizes the need for us all to limit sun exposure and to always protect our skin by wearing sunscreen or sunblock daily with an SPF of at least 30. In addition to the cosmetic problems such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles that prolonged sun exposure can cause, it has now been confirmed what a serious health risk tanning can be.

As an alternative to tanning, the American Cancer Society recommends cosmetic bronzers and self-tanners as an alternative to tanning beds.  Let’s all remember to protect our skin this summer!

More information about this story at USAToday.com.

The special also included celebrity beauty secrets such as the “Acupuncture Facelift,” cupping (a favorite of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow), snake massage, leech therapy, ayurvedic treatments, and of course the bird poop facial, a favorite of Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and Victoria’s Secret Angel Karolina Kurkova.

During the show, Shizuka Bernstein, owner of Shizuka New York Day Spa discusses the benefits of having Geisha Facials and why they are so great at getting celebrities red carpet ready.

If you’ve seen The Real Housewives or Extreme Makeover you are probably well aware of the many uses for Botox Cosmetic.  Women and men have been using Botox injections to smooth fine lines and wrinkles for years.  However, have you heard about these more unusual, yet effective uses for Botox Cosmetic such as jaw reduction and underarm sweat reduction performed by Dr. Silich at our NYC Medical Spa?

Underarm Botox

That’s right…Botox Cosmetic in the armpits!  It’s not like many people are concerned about underarm wrinkles, so what’s the deal?  Underarm Botox is actually an FDA approved treatment for hyperhidrosis, a.k.a. excessive underarm sweat.

Injecting Botox in the armpits has long been a celebrity beauty secret for keeping dry under the bright red carpet lights.  Underarm sweat reduction with Botox is a quick and convenient procedure, and the results generally last 4-6 months.

Dr. Silich and Shizuka have also collaborated to create The Underarm Overhaul, a Botox treatment unique to our NYC medical spa that combines underarm Botox with an underarm “facial” and complimentary underarm waxing.

Botox Jaw Reduction

Botox Jaw Reduction involves injecting Botox Cosmetic into the masseter muscle (chewing muscle).  This can gradually improve the appearance of the lower face for those who wish to achieve a slimmer and less square shape to the jaw line.  Jaw Reduction with Botox is especially popular in the Asian community, but is effective for anyone with an enlarged masseter muscle (often a result of teeth grinding).

Pricing for Underarm Botox & Botox Jaw Reduction

For Botox pricing, please request a Botox price estimate online or call (212) 644-7400.

Consultations and Treatments for Underarm Botox and Jaw Reduction

You can request a consultation online with Dr. Silich or call (212) 644-7400 to schedule a consultation in our NYC medical spa. Dr. Silich’s consultation fee is applied toward any same-day Botox treatments.

What is Tanorexia?

Tanorexia is basically an addiction to sun tanning. Tanorexia is a condition in which a person participates in excessive outdoor sun tanning or use of other skin tanning methods (such as tanning beds) to achieve a darker skin complexion because they perceive themselves as unacceptably pale.

Could that “healthy glow” actually be unhealthy?

Absolutely. Keep in mind that a suntan is your body’s natural way of defending itself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.  UV exposure causes the skin to produce more melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its natural color).  While you may enjoy the look of a tan, the UVA and UVB rays also work in ways you may not appreciate as much:

• UV light weakens connective tissues that give your skin firmness and elasticity, resulting in wrinkles and thinner, more translucent skin.
• Hyperpigmentation—usually seen as small dark spots or freckles—occurs when an excess of melanin is produced in these small patches of skin.
• In extreme cases, overexposure to the UV light can lead to skin cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures 2009, over 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, and New York State ranks fourth in the nation for the most estimated new cases in 2009 following California, Florida and Texas.*

America’s Next Top Tanorexic is…

It is not surprising that California ranks #1 for melanoma risk with the great number of tanning salons and the abundance of very tanorexic celebs such as the ones pictured above, including Victoria Beckham.  However, BeautyNewsNYC also reported last year that there are a growing number of celebrities who are staying away from tanning beds and “fake bakes” and sporting more Geisha-like porcelain complexions (think Anne Hathaway, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman and Dita von Teese).

Tanorexia Makes You Look Old

As further proof of the need to protect your skin from sun damage, scientists have found through computer imaging that hyperpigmentation directly influences how old we appear to others.  Using digital images of 169  women, aged 17-70, the color distribution on each woman’s face was imposed on a generic 3-D form devoid of fine lines, wrinkles, and other traditionally age-defining characteristics. Faces with more even color distributions were perceived to be healthier and younger in appearance.

Protect Your Skin This Summer!

Summer is the time for New Yorkers to flock outdoors en masse to sunny destinations such as Central Park, Coney Island, the Hamptons and Jersey Shore to soak up those intoxicating rays and work on their tans.  As great as it feels to be outdoors during the summer, be careful (i.e. not a “tanorexic”) and protect your skin every time you are outside with these summer skincare tips:

• Minimize sun exposure, especially between 10am – 4pm when the sun is at its brightest.
  Always protect your skin by applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you step outside.
• If your schedule requires you to be in the sun for extended periods of time, wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants.
• Remember that you can burn as easily on an overcast day as a sunny one.
• Be cautious of reflective environmental surfaces such as sand, water, concrete, and snow as these can multiply the power of the sun’s light.
• Stay away from tanning salons, tanorexic conventions, and UV tanning beds, and beware of false advertising claims that indoor tanning with UVA light is safer than sunlight.
• Teach children the dangers of tanorexia and the benefits of proper sun protection from a young age. The effects of sun damage accumulate over their lifetimes, and it is never too early to create good habits.
• Although darker skin is less likely to burn, it is still important for those with darker complexions to protect their skin with sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories (DCL) has just introduced a new sun protection product, Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+. This silky-smooth sunscreen carries a rating of PA+++ based on its score of 16 in the Persistent Pigment Darkening Test adopted by the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (the minimum score for PA+++ is 8).  What this translates to is superior sun protection in a sheer formula that leaves a non-whitening matte finish with no sticky residue.

This quick drying and fragrance free sunscreen also contains supplemental antioxidants to safeguard the skin from environmental free radicals.

Shizuka highly recommends Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($24.00) this summer.  It is available for purchase, along with other sunscreens and sunblocks online, in the spa, or by phone at 212.644.7400.

Here are some great anti-aging ingredients that you should look out for when shopping for skincare products:

Vitamin C

In addition to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C is essential in the creation of collagen in the skin.  One of Shizuka New York Day Spa’s most popular skincare products is C-Mollient Gel ($63 at ShizukaNY.com) which contains Vitamin C and green tea extracts in smooth and light gel.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid has become very popular in skin care products lately for it’s ability to deeply hydrate the skin and promote collagen formation.  Two great hyaluronic acid skincare products we offer are the Hydrapeptide Gel ($66) and DCL’s Hydrating Serum ($40.70).

Did you know?…
A form of hyaluronic acid is also what is injected beneath the surface of skin in dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is one of nature’s best skin brighteners.  It is actually a byproduct of the sake brewing process and is incredibly effective at treating hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun spots, and freckles) and creating a more even complexion.  In the KojiLac Cream ($63), kojic acid is combined with lactic acid (see below).

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body and one of the main ingredients in Shizuka NY’s new T-Zone Facial.  Lactic acid is an excellent natural exfoliant that can remove environmental debris and excess oil from the skin’s surface.  Lactic acid is one of the peeling ingredients in Shizuka NY’s Multi Hydroxyacid Daily Pads (for acne treatment) and Weekly Pads (for anti-aging).

Acne is a serious problem for many people.   Pimples and blackheads can be embarrassing even if you are not a celebrity on a magazine cover.  The Geisha Facial is an excellent facial treatment for all skin types, including acneic.  Also highly recommended for acne treatment are the Acne Facial with Intense Pulsed Light and the new T-Zone Facial.

Apparently Posh has been battling acne since her teenage years and has recently turned to Geisha Facials to treat acne:

Victoria has been regularly indulging in £100 Geisha Facials, using a paste made from nightingale droppings.

A friend told Closer magazine recently: ‘When Victoria was in Japan recently she was admiring the local women’s clear skin and discovered it was down to these facials.

‘She was intrigued and when she got back to the US she found that some New York beauty salons now offer the treatment.

‘She tried it and loved how great her skin looked.’

Hopefully Posh will get back on the Poo!

Related Stories:

Dear Shizuka,

Other than protecting my skin from the sun’s UV rays, do you have any other secrets for beautiful skin?

Skin Care Fan

Dear Skin Care Fan,

Thank you for posting our first question!  It’s true that sun protection is so important to keep your skin looking beautiful, especially during the summer.  Here is some other advice to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant:

• Hydrate Your Body, Hydrate Your Skin
  Never forget that so much of your body (including your skin) is water.  Drinking enough water is so important to maintaining a healthy body and also  keeping your skin healthy.  Use moderation when eating and drinking things that can dehydrate you such as salty foods, alcohol and coffee, and always choose water above processed soft drinks and juice products.
• Eat Well, Look Great
  Having a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals makes you feel and look better and this also applies to your skin.  Raw vegetables and fruits carry so many of the necessary nutrients our bodies and skin need to perform at their best.
• Put Out Those Butts
  Smoking has many health risks, and among these it also causes the skin to age more rapidly.  Smoking can affect the levels of Vitamin C, collagen and blood flow in your skin that can result in increased fine lines and wrinkles.
• Remember that Skincare Should be Seasonal
  If you are using the same skincare routine all yearlong, you are not getting the most benefit from your efforts.  As the seasons change and temperature and humidity vary you also need to make small changes to your routine.  For example, a moisturizer that made your skin feel amazing all winter long might now leave you feeling a little oily or congested in the NYC summer, and you might want to search for a lighter one.   A good rule of thumb is to change your skincare routine when you change your wardrobe.  For more tips on this subject, please take a look at our post on seasonal skincare for the summer.
• Have a Facial Treatment
  Having a facial treatment with a licensed skin care professional is a great way to keep your skin clear and balanced.  At Shizuka New York Day Spa, our facial treatments such as the Classic Facial (50 minutes, $110) include many important steps such as a thorough examination and cleansing of the skin, exfoliation, pore cleansing, facial massage to stimulate circulation, and hydration.  Some of these steps are best left to a professional, and I recommend you come in and try a facial treatment here such as the Classic Facial or our new T-Zone Facial.

In case you can’t make it to the spa soon, here’s some quick advice on giving yourself an at-home DIY facial that I gave to Marie Claire magazine:

“For a rejuvenating facial, start by cleansing twice.  The first time removes surface debris; the second time deep-cleans skin.  Open your pores by placing a steaming hand towel on your face for a minute.  Next, exfoliate with an enzyme mask; rinse off with cold water to close pores.  Finally, smooth on a light moisturizer using upward strokes.”

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this post in which I will discuss my favorite anti-aging ingredients you should look for in skincare products, and keep the questions coming by posting a comment on this blog or emailing blog@shizukany.com.

Sincerely,
Shizuka Bernstein

What is a t-zone?
T Zone is the nickname for a group of areas on the face that are most prone to acne breakouts and excess shine in people with oily and combination skin types.

If you look at your face in the mirror, draw an imaginary T that covers the forehead, nose and chin.  Many people have an excess of oil, whiteheads (pimples) and blackheads that are concentrated in these areas.

During the summer heat and humidity, these problems can often become more troublesome.

Shizuka New York Day Spa’s new T-Zone Facial acne treatment is the perfect summer remedy that combines cleansing using Shizuka’s all-natural products with a Lactic acid exfoliation and painless pore extractions focused on the t-zone area.

Lactic acid is highly effective at gently removing dead skin and debris while Shizuka’s pore extraction technique maximizes results while minimizing the squeezing, pinching and redness often associated with facial treatments.

The result is skin that is softer, smoother and clearer.

T-Zone Facial (60 minutes, $140 $120 through Labor Day, 09/07/2009)