POSITIVITY

SAIAN

SKINCARE BLOG

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016!

This year has been one of the most challenging, as well as the most physically and mentally exhausting years of my life. 3 months have passed since my beautiful mom died in my arms, and I still relive that moment DAILY. It's hard to fall asleep, sometimes, so I dance until absolute exhaustion, and sleeping becomes an unavoidable necessity.

This year, my aesthetic and health articles were published in 6 magazines, and my product has been featured and mentioned in more than 20 magazine editorials. I have managed to put out 4 new skincare items: http://saian.net/product/clinical-strength-eye-serum/ , http://saian.net/product/vital-k-creme/ , http://saian.net/product/pure-hyaluronic-acid-spray/ , http://saian.net/product/collagen-ampoules/ , and 2 supplements: http://saian.net/product/snc-labs-hyaluronic-acid-complex-ha/ , http://saian.net/product/snc-labs-hsn-hair-skin-nails-complex/ , as well as formulate a brand new cellulite gel ready to debut in 2016: http://saian.net/product/bio-contour-slimming-cellulite-gel/ all pretty much from the hard hospital reception room chairs and benches... 2015 was the year SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care expanded into the EU, and we now have an amazing Academy in Sweden, where skin care professionals get the highest quality training and certification with our natural products.

I'm brave and fearless, but I have to admit it's hard for me to post all this. I usually don't like to share my business on Facebook - I only keep this page for my close friends, my salsa family and classmates. Growing up in Russia, we had been told by our mothers - don't gloat, because no one likes a show off - your friends will hate you for being successful, and resent you for your happiness. This is our collective Soviet philosophy... but it's not MY way of thinking or living. There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing my friends succeed, be healthy, get married, have children, travel, receive gifts and prosperity from the universe. This world is so infinitely abundant - we can ALL have what we desire, and all the good in the universe can be ours, and if we can somehow share it with each other, that is even better! Give love, give time, give touch, give care, give a shoulder to rest a friend's head on, and give 10 minutes to listen to someone's story.
As we go into 2016, I would like to remind you that the calendar is absolutely arbitrary, and tomorrow is just the same as yesterday. No one will hold you accountable for breaking resolutions or for flaking on promises, except your own conscience. No one is ever able to hold you accountable for anything you decide to do, because YOU are the only thinker in your mind, and you can change your thoughts to be POSITIVE. Be YOU, do your own thing, focus on your own health, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Anti-Aging Treatments for the Neck and Decollete

The face, neck and décolleté are exposed to the sun, wind and cold weather, and must be all cared for in the same way as the face during the professional treatment and at home. The delicate neck and décolleté area is often ignored when it comes to application of moisturizers and sunscreen, and is easily susceptible to dehydration and sun damage. The signs of aging in the neck area are a result of our muscles losing elasticity, so along with a proper skincare regime, we have to learn to firm and tone the muscles to hold the skin tightly. As we age, the neck and jowls may start to show horizontal wrinkles and folds and begin to droop because of the daily gravitational pull, and slowing down of collagen production. This, of course causes the face to look much older than it may look otherwise. Also, genetics play a big role in the way our skin looks in that area. While many women take very good care of the skin on their face, the neck and chest often reveal their true age. 

SIGNS OF AGING ON NECK AND DÉCOLLETÉ 
Because the skin on the neck and décolleté is thinner and less elastic than skin in other areas, it’s more susceptible to environmental damage, which is compounded by the fact that this area is much more likely to be neglected and unprotected. The most common types of skin problems that are seen on the neck and chest are hyperpigmentation (brown spots), wrinkles, crinkliness, horizontal “necklace lines”, redness, blotchiness, elastosis, and skin tags. More complicated issues such as cutis rhomboidalis nuchae (leathery deep wrinkling on the back of the neck), and poikiloderma of Civatte (usually affects the front and sides of the neck in mostly fair-skinned clients) both result from long-term sun damage, are benign, and require gentle care. The skin on the neck is definitely different than that on the face, and if not well taken care of, will create unattractive disharmony that many women are self-conscious about. 

SPECIALIZED SPA TREATMENTS 
There is a variety of different anti-aging neck and décolleté treatments that can be done in the spa to address these issues above. Most clients will require a series of treatments to see results, so it is advised to suggest a package deal of 3 – 6 treatments. Treatments range from the most basic enzyme exfoliation, to laser rejuvenation, and prices can be set according to your area. 
http://saian.net/product/enzyme-mask/
Exfoliation 
To achieve a lifting effect, estheticians should start the cleansing and exfoliation routine upwards from the décolleté and continue to the face. Enzymes are a wonderful way to safely exfoliate the skin - this has been my favorite method for years! An enzymatic exfoliation is a good natural way to clean out the pores, get rid of excess oils, slough off the dry and dead skin for a healthy cell turnover. Fruit enzymes, such as Bromelain (from pineapple) and Papain (from papaya) eat away at the oils and dry skin, to expose a refreshed, clear complexion. Enzyme masks are generally more gentle and more safe than acids, and don’t thin the skin like Retin-A. A good natural enzyme mask brightens the skin, activates cellular function, increases circulation, fades discoloration and leaves the skin feeling and looking fresh, smooth and healthy. Dry enzyme masks that are activated moments before application are more potent, and have a longer shelf-life than pre-activated gel-like masks. This type of facial exfoliant usually comes in the form of a mask based on marine clay, bentonite, or oats. This is my favorite type of enzyme mask, because it’s more gentle than an enzyme peel, which generally contain 10% to 30% AHA, and is not suited for everyone. An example of such a product would be a pumpkin peel. It is quite strong, so it’s not always recommended for the thin skin on the chest. Just like a chemical peel, please administer an enzyme peel with caution, making sure your client is a good candidate for the product. Some menopausal clients may experience redness and sensitivity on the décolleté, so it's better to hold off on the deep exfoliation. The average time needed for enzymes to do their job is 7-10 minutes, this treatment can be repeated once in 3 weeks, and can be added to any basic facial for as little as $20. 

Mask 
Pure collagen masks are the perfect hydrating and anti-aging treatment for the neck and chest. Décolleté products should not be too harsh, since the skin is thin in that area. It's also preferable to have fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products, to avoid any reaction. For the best results, choose German masks which are made from the highest quality medical-grade freeze-dried insoluble collagen fibers. These masks come dry, are soaked with an activator solution, and then molded to the face for 20 minutes. This specialized facial not only provides a tightening of the skin, but moisturizes, plumps, and reduces wrinkles for up to 3 weeks. Ideally, clients are encouraged to return for a facial once every 3-4 weeks, and the average cost is $150-$180 for an hour – hour and a half facial. 

Photorejuvenation 
An IPL laser (Intense pulsed light) usually gives good results for diminishing redness, fresh hyperpigmentation, and stimulating mild collagen growth. A series of 6 is recommended, and the cost is usually around $500 per treatment.. Like all laser treatments, it’s best to do this in the winter time, and the client will need maintenance treatments when brown spots reappear, usually once or twice a year. 

Fractional lasers are newer and also treat wrinkles and post-acne scars. The non-ablative fractional lasers, like the Fraxel, may cost as much as $5000 for 6 treatments, and have a two day down-time. This laser will take two to six months to give the best results. Ablative fractional lasers, like the Active FX, have a four to eight day down-time day downtime and give a better result for the crinkly areas on the neck. The cost of this procedure is usually $1,000-$2,000 per treatment, and a series of 4 is recommended over a six month time span. I like to stay safe, and don’t work over the thyroid or the breasts with mechanical equipment to avoid stimulation of the lymphatic system. 

HOME CARE 
At home, one should cleanse that whole area with cleanser daily, and exfoliate with an enzyme mask once in three days. This is the only way to achieve an even transition in color and texture from the bust to the face. Moisturizer, as well as sunscreen should always be applied, to prevent sun damage and wrinkles. I am a true believer in peptides, and the best combination that I have found to work well against wrinkles on the face and neck has been Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) with Matrixyl ™3000. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) improves wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume and roughness. Matrixyl ™3000 minimizes crow’s feet and laugh lines, and prevents from further damage and wrinkle formation.Usually, peptides are best absorbable when used in a water-based serum, with the addition of low-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid. 

This is the formulation behind SAIAN Active Renewal Serum. Ingredients are listed on the label starting with the most prevalent to the least prevalent. It is important to choose a product which is water-based, and has peptides in the beginning of the ingredient list – this way you can be assured of the amount of peptides in the formula. You may also consult the manufacturer, and ask what percentage of a given peptide is used. Usually, 10% of each peptide is sufficient to give great results, if there is a blend of 3 or 4 peptides in a formula. Avoid peptide combinations that are mixed with hydroquinone, parabens, and other toxins that can irritate the skin. 

EXERCISE 
One of the reasons for wrinkles on the neck and bust is gravitational pull, and often sleeping on high pillows and sleeping on the side can cause lines and wrinkles between the breasts and on the neck. Reversing the gravitational pull can be done by wearing a neck bandage or a compression garment for the face. This mechanical mode of lifting the neck, and resisting the gravitational pull works well when the client is doing housework or sleeping. The best way to prevent sagging, and to reduce preexisting damage is to do simple exercises that tone the muscles. Clients typically see results within the first month of consistent exercises. To target the “turkey neck”, the muscle which needs to be focused on is the platysma. The platysma muscle arises from the pectoral and deltoid muscles and rises over the clavicle, proceeding upward in a slanting manner along the sides of the neck. This group of muscles holds the neck and jaw line upward in youth but may separate during the normal aging process, leading to a drooping chin, sagging jawline and loose skin under the chin. 

The easiest exercise to tone this muscle is “kissing the ceiling”. Tilting the head up, extending the lips, as if kissing the ceiling. It’s advised to do 3 rounds of 20 reps each day for a toned neck. I hope my advice was helpful to better understand the variety of treatments for the neck and décolleté. All systems work well for different people, so the key is finding a balance. There is no need to incorporate all the items I list in the article to achieve amazing results, but I am confident that trying some of these treatments, products, machines, and exercises will greatly benefit your clients!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Getting to Know Me

DERMASCOPE Magazine is trying something new with their Contributors department for 2016! In an effort to further educate their readers about the authors, they asked to include a ‘get-to-know-you’ section with some fun questions for their writers. I hope you enjoy reading my replies, and find out some cool things about me you never knew.
Dasha Saian 
L.E., CEO Saian Natural Clinical Skincare 
Twitter handle: @DashaSaian

• Go-to karaoke song?
Definitely has to be “At Last” by Etta James! I used to be a voice major in high school and college, so jazz is definitely the closest musical genre to my heart.

• Favorite exercise move?
Squats are what it’s all about, ladies. I like to work out with weights 5 days a week, and dance 4 days a week for 4 hours. It’s amazing how exercise picks you up, and revives you!

• Favorite restaurant?
It may sound corny, but my favorite place to eat is at home. There’s nothing like a good home-made meal - I’ll take my own cooking over any restaurant any day.

• Number one thing on your bucket list?
I have traveled the world, and done some crazy things, so can’t think of anything more exciting than having a child. That is the one goal to get done before kicking the ol’ bucket!

• Favorite drink?
Coffee, of course! I am in Europe often, and the variety of coffee there is mind-blowing! I always feel like a kid in the candy store at cafes.

• Favorite travel destination?
I love Hong Kong and China. Whenever I visit Asia, I get to practice speaking Mandarin, shop ‘till I drop, and visit beautiful ancient places. Europe is also wonderful - I can’t resist the charm of old cobble stone streets.

• Favorite book?
“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay - this is one book I never get tired of re-reading. She is my mentor and inspiration.

• Favorite social media site?
I love Facebook, because it lets me connect with my friends from all around the world. I am always happy to see photos of children growing up, and catch up on the lives of my far-away connections.

• Makeup product you couldn’t live without? (For example, foundation, eyeliner, lipstick)
I can easily live without makeup, but toothpaste and moisturizer - that’s a different story!

• Favorite sport?
I’m not big on sports, but I sometimes watch basketball.

• Biggest phobia?
Shrimp! I’m allergic, so I frantically check ingredients before taking a bite of foreign foods.

• Perfect pizza?
Doesn’t really matter what’s on it, as long as it’s eaten with friends over some good laughs!

• Favorite genre of music?
Salsa music is my addiction - I have a vast collection of mambo I’m very proud of.

• Favorite thing to spend money on?
Absolutely, with no questions about it, undoubtedly - travel!

• Favorite television show?
Oh gosh, it may be strange to tell you this, but I don’t watch TV at all. No idea what is going on, or what shows are on. I have no time or interest in pop culture, celebrities or fashion. Just living my own life one day at a time.

• What do you do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time dancing and taking dance lessons, traveling, and spending time with my closest friends. I believe that time is the resource that you can never get back, so make the best of it every minute!

• What does your name mean?
When people ask me what the meaning of my last name is, and why they have never heard it before, I explain that it’s unique, and everyone with this last name is related. My last name (Saian) means Zion - a very spiritual word. My mother told me that she heard that our ancestors were the first to arrive on mountain Ararat out of Noah’s arc. Zion or Sai-on was later changed to Sai-an like all armenian last names. The meaning of the word is “kingdom of heaven” and “Jerusalem”.

• Favorite decade?
Every decade is amazing, but I remember the 1990s being super cool!

• Celebrity crush? 
Will Smith! Isn't he everyone's? Just perfect in every way.

• If you could choose any artist to see live, who would it be?
Maia Plesetskaya, the famous ballet dancer. Watching the videos of her performances is electrifying!

• Biggest guilty pleasure?
It’s silly to say, but nuts are my downfall! I can easily eat 2 lbs of walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds! I’m like a mad squirrel when it comes to nuts.

• Which “_______ for Dummies” book do you need to read?
Quickbooks for Dummies, please! I am sure the program is capable of a million functions, but in all the years that I have used it, I only know how to make receipts and enter customer data. Good thing my accountant is on top of things for me.

• Favorite childhood game?
Building tree houses was great - I was quite a tomboy in my days.

• Dogs or cats?
Both! I have a cat and a dog - they are both orange, fluffy, and loving.

• Cookies or cupcakes?
Fruit, please! I’ll take delicious natural goodness over baked goods any day.

• Would you rather explore the ocean or space?
The ocean is a bit scary for me, and so is space. I’d rather explore in books from the comfort of my own home.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Giving and Generosity

To give without feeling depleted is to give without expectations to receive anything in return. Often, we are generous with others, but when we are under-appreciated, our world crumbles. A true giving spirit is calm and collected. A generous person doesn't have room in his or her heart for grudges, because he or she understands that a good deed never goes unanswered.

Not everyone will treat you with respect you deserve, and that is okay. You don't need anyone's approval to keep doing good deeds, and you certainly don't have to stop respecting the persons who don't reciprocate. Learn your lesson and move on, and that good deed will return to you from a different source. Like in business, one thing goes on sale, and you "lose a little", but then you "make up" for it on the regular-price items. It's the balance of life. Start becoming aware of all the blessings around you, so you don't end up going through life constantly feeling like you are giving with no return. No one can take your power away, so why hand that power to others?
Do good, give, spend time, educate, care for others, give positive advice, love and cherish. If this is your intention, it will always be rewarded.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

My Simple Advice to Keep you Going

I'm often asked what keeps me so positive, and always motivated in life, especially given the experiences I have been through in the past few years. Daily, I encounter people eager to learn self-discipline, good work-ethic and professionalism from my workshops and published articles. If I have learned anything from life, is that all of us experience it in different ways, and there is no one proven system that works for everyone. Our experiences shape our outlook on life, and guide our way through it. You can go through life complaining, or let gratitude guide you. I choose the latter, and it hasn't failed me yet.

There are a few words that I like to use to encourage power, growth and progress. Use these words often, to expand your worldly experience, and amplify the magnitude of your existence. Make a conscious effort to use these words daily, and you will FEEL expansion in your lungs whenever you say them out loud.





1. Gratitude
Feeling grateful for what you have at the current moment encourages more good to come in to your world. We often become desensitized, and forget that we have so much to be thankful for. It's very easy to fall into the trap set by up the media - daily, we are encouraged to buy, buy, buy unnecessary items we absolutely "need". We are told to hate our "overweight" and "hairy" bodies, change our "big" noses, increase the size of our "flat" chests, when all we really need to do is be grateful for our health, eyesight, hearing, movement, clear thinking, and all the glorious things our bodies are doing for us 24/7!

You may not be feeling your 100% best, but realizing that you have good experiences, an education, health, a roof over your head, food, clean water, family/friends, electricity, a cozy bed, and whatever else you see around you brings a sense of being GROUNDED, and that is something many of us feel we lack, at times.

2. Honor
I love this word and use it often. When you look at your worldly duties from a perspective of privilege and honor, life will become grand, and your self-esteem will reflect it. Don't look at teaching someone as a chore, be honored that someone has trusted you enough to rely on your knowledge. Don't be upset by people cutting you off in traffic or in supermarket lines - take it as your noble doing to let them go through. Being a business owner, or a manager, is a great honor, and carries the responsibility to treat others with respect and understanding. Meeting someone is an "honor", and I like to let them know that by using this exact word.

When my mother got sick, people didn't understand how I completely abandoned my own life to become her sole caregiver, but it was really my HONOR. I'm honored to bring good to people, because it is a noble purpose.

3. Purpose
This is a very important concept, and once you truly "get it", life becomes fulfilling and easy. Your life doesn't have to be a struggle to make ends meet, when you feel a strong urge to engage in a certain type of work or business, give it a go! You will always be able to make a living doing what you feel you were born to do, because your drive will fuel your progress. Something you do exceptionally well doesn't have to stay a hobby- you are always able to create a life around your passion. A person with a sense of purpose has goals, values, and is never bored - there is always something to do! Some people discover their purpose early in life, and some may come to it later, but age is never a factor here, as long as you are perpetually grateful, the years will pass without regrets.
My mother's purpose was her work in skincare, and her beloved business. She started a skincare brand with a laughable $3,000, and was able to turn it into a thriving international corporation. In 2013, mom was diagnosed with Grade 4 glioblastoma (malignant brain tumor) the size of a grapefruit. She bounced back relatively well after the first surgery, although it left her with limited movement and no feeling on the right side of the body. She was a fighter, life was FOR her. All she wanted to do was work out to get her sensation back in her right side, to get back into the office with me and the staff. I invited a physical therapist home daily, and purchased all the necessary equipment for her to use in her spare time - all day she was using Therabands, the recumbent bike, and the treadmill. That woman had a plan, she was needed at work, where she belonged.

A year and a half passed, and she became weak again. She started jumbling up words, and the MRI confirmed our fears - our cancer came back. She had another surgery, and again started to exercise. She wanted to prove everyone wrong and go to work. When the third tumor appeared six months later, it was no longer operable... I knew she would never be able to go back to reading, even walking... the doctors gave us 3 months. She lasted less than 3 weeks from that point, but when even when hospice came in to help me care for her in the last days, I never ONCE have her the idea that she was close to death. Of course, at this point she couldn't talk, eat or move,but she could hear - I know it. I sat next to her 24/7, and told her that she will be ok, and she will finally go to the office, and get work done. I told her we were getting new facial machine prototype samples, and that I was working on new serums. She was holding on to life, even without food or water for the last 5 days, because she had purpose.

If a dying person would hold on to life by a thread, because she has a sense of purpose, why can't you? It's not too late to grab on to life and try your best to live it to the fullest.

I promise, it will all make sense to you once you give it a go. I love you.