We miss you already!

In order to help quell the spread of Covid-19 and be in compliance with the state-wide California “Safe at Home” mandate, Bliss has closed effective 3/20/20 until further notice. We look forward to one day very soon being able to help provide your self-care needs.

Our mission is to make sure we all take good care of ourselves in mind, body and spirit. Now more than ever, staying connected and supporting each other in ways big and small is so very important. We will keep providing ideas and information in these areas and we’d love to hear from you, too, so please keep in touch!

Until we meet again, we hope you stay safe, healthy and don’t get too good at doing your own nails ... we’ll need you when we come back!

With love,
Kelly Sullivan & the Bliss team

The many reasons for a manicure

Your hands speak for you in so many ways. They often make a first impression on your behalf. Hands are also very hard working. Take a close look – are you taking good care of them? Are your nails strong and healthy looking? Or do you see ridges, dents, or discolored areas? Most problematic nail conditions can be avoided with proper nail care. 

Fingernails are composed of layers of a protein called keratin. They grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are generally smooth, without grooves or divots and are uniform in color and consistency, free of spots or discoloration. Your fingernails can develop harmless vertical ridges, which become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.

Some nail conditions are not normal, though. You should consult your doctor if you notice changes in nail color, discoloration or a dark streak under the nail, changes in shape, curling, thinning or thickening of the nails, separation of the nail from surrounding skin, bleeding, swelling or pain around nails or a failure of nails to grow. 

Here are some easy things to remember regarding nail health: 

Keep fingernails clean and dry. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water contributes to split fingernails. Wear rubber gloves with cotton lining when washing dishes, cleaning or using chemicals.

Practice good nail hygiene. Make sure your manicure scissors or clippers are clean and sharp. 

Use moisturizer. Whenever you apply hand lotion, rub it into your fingernails and cuticles, too. A professional manicure will include this as well as a hand massage, which improves blood circulation. 

Protect. Applying a nail hardener can help strengthen nails.

Check into biotin. Research suggests that the nutritional supplement might help strengthen weak or brittle nails.

Don’t bite your nails or pick at cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut along your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause infection. Prevent nails from chipping and cracking by opting for regular cutting/filing instead.

Don’t pull hangnails. Hangnails are dry torn skin around the cuticle. It’s very easy for them to become infected if picked or bitten as you could rip live tissue along with the hangnail. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails. Better yet, let a certified manicurist do it.

Don’t use harsh nail care products. Limit your use of nail polish remover and when using, opt for an acetone-free formula.

Don’t ignore problems. A nail problem that doesn't seem to go away or is associated with other signs and symptoms means you should consult your doctor.

A professional manicure has many benefits. Yes, manicures and pedicures can help you maintain healthy-looking nails, keep your hands and feet softer, younger looking and well-groomed – but you always want to keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board. Do not have your cuticles trimmed drastically – they act to seal the skin to the nail plate, so removal can lead to nail infection. Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of infection.

Remember to care for your hands and nails – taking some basic steps can keep your fingernails healthy and strong. Bliss on Broadway offers many types of nail care services, as well as other full service treatments for your skin, body and mind.  Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

You might think that getting a pedicure is frivolous. Think again.

You already know that having your nails done professionally looks fantastic. And it’s a treat. What you might not know is that there are some legitimate health benefits as well! It’s a win-win!

Relieve Stress and Increase Blood Flow
Walking, standing, high impact exercise, sports and high heel shoes can all put a lot of pressure on not just your feet, but your toes too. Your professional pedicure begins with a foot soak followed by moisturizer and cuticle treatments massaged into the skin. The massage action is not only incredibly relaxing, but it also helps to improve blood circulation to your extremities. This can reduce pain and help your body distribute heat during cold months.

Prevent Infections
Corns, calluses and ingrown toenails can lead to infection. Callus removal treatment during your pedicure will prevent cracks and dryness on your feet. This is important because cracks provide an unwanted opportunity for bacteria to penetrate and cause foot pain.

Also, fungi can grow when your feet are exposed to excess moisture. It often takes weeks for the infection to become noticeable but a professional manicurist can identify a fungal infection even in its early stages, when it is most easily treated. Getting regular pedicures is a great way to monitor and maintain the health of your feet.

Skin Care
Next to your hands, feet are one of the most exposed parts of the body. Especially here in flip-flop territory. That means that they accumulate dirt, as well as constantly create new skin cells and slough off the old. Walking on them all day can create callouses and other uneven skin conditions. A professional pedicure includes a thorough cleaning followed by lotions designed to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Any dirt will be removed, as will dead skin cells, keeping your feet smooth and reducing chance of infection. A professional pedicure will also exfoliate your skin, as well as remove any callouses on the bottom of your feet. This not only makes your feet more attractive, it also helps you distribute your weight more evenly across your feet, which can reduce leg and back pain especially after standing for long periods.

Mental Health
A professional pedicure is a great way to relax and feel pampered. It can relieve stress, and the benefits of having gorgeous toes can last for many weeks. Your feet will look and feel great, your stress will go down, and your circulation will increase. You can’t ask for a better return on your time or money!

Bliss on Broadway offers many types of nail care services, as well as other full service treatments for your skin, body and mind.  Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

What exactly is Microneedling and what does it do?

Microneedling – also known as collagen induction therapy – creates hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of skin. While it may not sound appealing, this minimally invasive treatment can be very effective. Microneedling dates back to 1995, but has gained significant traction in recent years thanks to new and improved technology. It targets everything from acne scars to hair loss because the skin pricks trigger collagen production. This leads to diminished look of wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and pore appearance and it can even be used to encourage hair growth.

So how does it work?

Before the procedure, a numbing gel is applied. Then, using a small roller covered in fine needles, a series of small, controlled pin-pricks are created in the skin. This triggers the skin’s natural wound-healing processes, resulting in cell turnover and increased production of collagen and elastin. Some temporary itchiness and slight redness may immediately follow treatment.

After microneedling, your skin will look plump, pink and luminous for a couple of weeks. Your skin will absorb topical products better. But even better are the longer lasting improvements.

Collagen is arguably the best way to improve the look of skin, and this goes beyond reducing wrinkles. Stimulating collagen growth can also reverse sun damage and discoloration, including hyperpigmentation. Microneedling can also reduce the appearance of pores – because it stimulates collagen in and around your pores, they plump and appear shrunken, if not closed.

Microneedling is even more effective when paired with topical treatments, like anti-aging cream or serum, and lasers. Because the process creates an opportunity for topical preparations to penetrate better through the needle punctures, when you combine microneedling with topicals, you have a shot at some real collagen building. Marrying microneedling with radio-frequency energy that heats up the dermal layer, produces even more significant results for a smoother, more filtered look. Usually 3-6 procedures are recommended, spaced one month apart, depending upon condition of the skin.

So, here’s a quick recap:

• Microneedling is a dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin.
• The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin.
• Microneedling is mainly used on the face and may treat various scars, wrinkles, and large pores.
•Microneedling is minimally invasive, requiring no downtime.
•It’s considered safe for most people who are in overall good health.
•The procedure isn’t safe for people who use certain acne medications or are pregnant.
•Total preparation and procedure time is about two hours.
•Three to six procedures will produce the best results.

Take good care of your body and soul and book some me time. Bliss on Broadway offers full service treatments for your skin, body and mind. Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

Easy Ways to Update your Skin Care Routine

Even here in Southern California, summer shows signs of fading away as we start to feel a hint of cooler weather. Most people have their own reason to be excited at the change of season. For many, Halloween is a favorite holiday. Others look forward to chillier evenings and making soups! As the weather changes, the way our skin reacts to the new temperature does too. Summer is more humid which helps our skin retain moisture and protect its natural barrier. But as the weather cools, the air gets drier both outside and inside. When skin loses moisture, its barrier is less effective, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. Changing your skincare routine to adjust for the environmental conditions is essential to maintaining healthy skin.

Transition your skin from hot and humid to cool and dry with these dermatologist-backed tips.

Swap your gel or foaming cleanser for cream cleanser 
With drier weather you have to circle the wagons in terms of skin’s moisture. Cream cleansers are gentler on skin than gel or foaming cleansers and they have moisture built right in!

Switch to a thicker moisturizer
Because of environmental changes, switching to a thicker night time moisturizer is important, in order to compensate. Look for a hydrating product that is non-irritating and non-clogging.

Give your lips and eyes a little extra TLC
If lip moisturizer and eye cream weren’t already part of your skincare routine, they should be during the cooler months.

Exfoliate differently and less often
With less humidity, you’ll want to be more thoughtful with exfoliation and any kind of retinoid product. Some recommend switching to a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical one. Chemical exfoliants use alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or enzymes to gently dissolve the top layer of dead skin and wash it away.

Continue using sunscreen!
While UV radiation is greater during the summertime, it’s still present the rest of the year, too. Stick with at least a 30 SPF daily.

Add Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to even out skin pigmentation and boost collagen production giving you a brighter complexion. It also gives you some sun protection!

Stay hydrated
A truth year-round: one of the most important things you can do for your skin, no matter the season, is to stay hydrated! When your body is getting enough water, everything just works better. Your skin will thank you.

Use a humidifier!
Utilizing a humidifier during the fall and winter months (better yet, year round!) to boost hydration in your skin’s environment. It’s also great to run it in your bedroom every night while you sleep.

Bliss on Broadway offers customized facials as well as other full service treatments for your skin, body and mind.  Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

Fall Back Into a Good Routine

Some of the fun of summer is indulging and being a little impulsive – staying at the beach past sunset, ordering the extra scoop on your ice cream cone, binge watching the latest series for way too long. But now it’s time to get back into busy mode for fall. Whether it’s reaching new goals in school, at work or the gym, take a simple approach with these easy tips.

Get Back On The Horse
Don’t let a chill summer mode turn into a more permanent habit. Set a routine to ease back into a regular schedule. If you’ve been skipping your workouts, try signing up with a trainer or joining a fitness class so you’re accountable. Bring a friend!

Jump On It
Take advantage of any extra time in your schedule by tackling projects like cleaning out your closets, learning a new outdoor hobby, or joining a local class. There’s nothing more invigorating than crossing things off your to-do list!

Plan For Nutrition
A busier fall schedule often comes with some unexpected situations and late nights. Be prepared when hunger strikes by having healthy snacks at hand in your desk drawer, gym bag and car. Nuts, beef jerky, trail mix, and dried fruits are all nutritious shelf-stable options.

Don’t Skip Sleep
Staying up late can throw off your sleep schedule. Start going to bed at the same time each night and aim for seven to eight hours of sleep so you can get your body’s clock back into a healthy routine.

Freshen Your Fitness Gear
Have your sneakers lost their bounce? Does your bike need a little tune up? Updating your gear a couple times each year keeps you safe and injury free. And nothing inspires a good workout like some new gear!

Reassess Your Skin Care Routine
As we ease out of warmer, more humid weather, your skin will need more moisture and probably a little TLC, too. You may have been using a lighter moisturizer in the summer months since your skin is hydrated or even oily from all that humidity. But fall and winter months are bound to bring drier skin, so start preparing now by using a heavier, thicker moisturizer.

Look Out for Number One
No matter how careful you were over the summer, you probably sustained some skin damage from the sun. Repair discoloration and scarring by choosing a moisturizer that can correct as well as hydrate.

Do yourself a favor and consult an expert! Our Bliss on Broadway aestheticians and massage therapists offer full service treatments for your skin, body and mind. Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

Hydration: A Key to Healthy Living

Of all of the nutrients you consume every day, water is arguably the most important. Without water, the body cannot absorb, or properly utilize, other nutrients.

An estimated 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Often, hydration levels are low towards the end of the day – and while playing catch-up helps a little, the problem is that the body can only absorb about one 8oz glass of water per hour – everything else is lost.

In addition to not taking in enough water, we lose water constantly. Breathing, sweating, and waste elimination are three normal ways your body loses water. And when you’re sick, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration.

A 2% drop in hydration can literally cause shrinkage of the brain – with affects like decreased concentration and focus, sluggish thinking and mental fog as well as headaches.

Physically, the affects of dehydration can be quite severe. As with the brain, just a 2% drop in water levels can lead to sudden and unpleasant affects like decreased reaction times and balance, fatigue, poor endurance, a dramatic loss of strength, muscle, poor recovery from exercise, dry, tight and flaky skin, joint pain, thickening of the blood and poor immune function. The digestive system is severely impacted by dehydration, too. There is also a very strong correlation between weight gain and dehydration.

Most people know they should drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. If your urine is usually colorless or light yellow, you are well hydrated. If your urine is a dark yellow or amber color, you may be dehydrated.

Also, be aware of what you are drinking: coffee, tea, beer, soda, juice and energy drinks can be part of your daily water intake, but be careful of too much caffeine, sugar, or alcohol. Certain foods are high in water, so seek those out if you have the urge to snack: oranges, grapes, celery, cucumber, watermelon and tomatoes make great nutritious snacks.

Tips for staying hydrated

Make it delicious! Add a squeeze of lemon or lime to still or sparkling water, for a healthy and refreshing drink that helps cleanse your body while keeping you hydrated. You can also fill a pitcher with fresh fruit, and infuse flavors into your water.

Start early! Drink a full glass of water with lemon first thing in the morning to jump-start your metabolism and start the day off fresh, invigorated and you’ll feel less need to have coffee to get started!

Keep it easy! If it’s too much bother to go make yourself a drink, you may not do it – so keep a bottle or glass of water at your workspace, right in sight, so you are reminded to drink often.

Hydrate from the outside too! Apply a hydrating moisturizer within 2 minutes of leaving the bath or shower. The skin is still porous and is vulnerable to products applied following the bath or shower, allowing better absorption. Prior to your moisturizer, apply a product containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its weight in water, thus attracting water to the skin and holding it there.

Be kind to your body and soul and book some me time. Bliss on Broadway offers full service treatments for your skin, body and mind. Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

Sugaring versus waxing … it all depends which way you go.

Here’s what you need to know about sugaring and waxing — two hair removal methods that might be worth trying this summer! The main difference between sugaring and waxing is the direction in which the paste is applied.

Sugaring is great for sensitive skin because it’s hypoallergenic. It’s made of three natural ingredients: sugar, water, and lemon juice. Waxing, on the other hand, includes resins depending on the type of wax (soft vs. hard) as well as the brand. Unlike sugaring ingredients, which adhere only to the hair, wax ingredients can also adhere to skin cells, which can sometimes irritate the skin.

Waxing typically involves applying the wax to hair in the direction of hair growth using an applicator stick. A cloth strip is then applied firmly on top of the wax, which is then pulled quickly against the direction of growth for removal. Because of this, some breakage may happen.

Sugaring works the opposite way. An esthetician spreads a lukewarm ball of sugar paste onto the hair against the direction of hair growth and flicks it out in the direction of hair growth to remove the hair. The ball of sugar paste is used repeatedly on the whole treatment area and thrown out after the session.

Some argue that sugaring is less painful because it pulls the hair in the direction of hair growth rather than against. Which method is best depends on the body area, hair thickness, and length. For fine hair, sugaring is recommended, and for thicker hair, waxing is often better. If any part of your body is particularly heat-sensitive, stick with sugaring, which is done at room temperature. Sugaring has an added step of molding where the ball of sugar paste is spread onto the hair. This creates a tugging effect that can be painful, sometimes even more than yanking the actual hair out. Despite this, your skin will usually feel less irritated after sugaring than waxing.

The pricing of waxing and sugaring is comparable. Both methods pull hair out from the root, so you can expect hair to grow back in two to eight weeks depending on what you get done.

Make sure you’re summer ready! Be kind to your body and soul and book some me time. Bliss on Broadway offers full service treatments for your skin, body and mind. Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

Celebrating mothers everywhere. Especially the one in the mirror.

We all have a mother to thank. She may or may not be the woman who gave birth to you. If you give it even a little thought, one or probably a few women come to mind. Those who have mothered you in one way or another throughout your life.

Wrapped up in the word mother is an involuntary tendency to sacrifice her needs for those of others. It really isn’t purely sacrifice, though, as it brings crazy rewards. Many more than were given up.

Mothers will do anything for their children and for those around them. The sacrifice is sometimes overwhelming – but at the same time it’s simply innate. Sleep. Time. Privacy. Expectations. Dreams. Pride. Standards. Friendships. Romance. Sanity. All are things you may have taken for granted. Now they are a distant memory. At least for a while.

Women are natural caretakers. Most often, that means putting others before yourself. As mothers, women come to know a worry that isn’t always sad. It’s just a new part of you. Sometimes it is paralyzing. Sometimes it’s empowering. It’s surprising in good and occasionally in bad ways. Once in a while, it feels like it will never end.

As the saying goes: The days are long but the years are short.

And all of a sudden your littles are grown. One day they will surprise you as they’re driving you home and launch into a political discussion about the Middle East or some other lofty topic. Wow. But they still need you there – even at 50-something it is inexplicably grounding to touch base with Mom.

The month of May gives us an official reminder to say thank you to those mothers everywhere. The mother you started with, those you found and the one you may have become. Show appreciation for Mothers and their selfless example. We should show our gratitude every day, not just on Mother’s Day. Even in the smallest ways. Because, you know, that’s what she would do.

Thank yourself. Be kind to your body and soul and book some me time. Bliss on Broadway offers full service treatments for your skin, body and mind. Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/

•  •  •

from Babble:

Mothers will, for the rest of our lives, wear our heart on our sleeves.
We will bend without breaking.
We will scream and cry because we need a break from our babies
and then miss them as soon as we are gone.
We will realize that all of the worry and sacrifice and time was worth it.
We will come to understand that all of the things we’ve done for them
doesn’t compare to what they have done for us.

8 Ways to Swing Into Spring With Fresh Skin

We all think of spring as a time of renewal – just look at the amazing butterflies around right now! Our skin needs to emerge from its cocoon of intensive winter moisturizer and lip balm. After months of alternating between heated, dry indoor air and harsh cold weather outside, our skin is ready for a shift in seasonal skin care. Wake it up from its winter hibernation with these great steps to radiant springtime skin!

1. Hydrate
Drinking more water is part of every eating program, workout and skin care routine. That’s simply because it does wonders for the body! Skin cells like those of any other organ require water to function properly. Water also helps your skin maintain its elasticity, which means its fighting the signs of aging.

2. Eat Fresh Fruits and Veggies
One great way to get more water into your day is by snacking on fresh fruit and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are a delicious snack and are packed with the water your system needs – plus vitamins and nutrients. Some great choices include lettuce, broccoli, grapefruit, carrots, apples, and watermelon. Citrus fruits have been found to be especially good for skin health.

3. Exfoliate
A first step on the path to glowing skin starts with sloughing away that layer of winter. Skin cells constantly regenerate but our heavy winter clothing makes it harder for dead skin to effectively exfoliate. Give yourself a full-body exfoliation using a strong but gentle scrub. Scrub all over, especially those spots that are prone to rough patches – knees, elbows, feet, hands and back. Most body scrubs are too rough to use on your face, so turn to a face-specific product to exfoliate your more delicate skin. Always follow with moisturizer to nourish!

4. Lighter Moisturizer
While you probably were using a thicker, heavier moisturizer from in the winter but those products can be too heavy as the weather warms. Switch to a lighter moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and hydrated without weighing it down.

5. Wear Sunscreen – Even on Cloudy Days
Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. Harmful UV rays are present even on overcast days. Defend your skin! Wear sunscreen, to protect your skin from sun damage. Stick with a lightweight product that won’t clog pores. Try using a moisturizer or makeup that contains UVA/UVB protection.            
            
6. Exercise
Exercise increases blood flow, which helps maintain healthy skin cells. Happy skin cells lead to happy skin! Don’t be limited to the gym … 30 minutes of yoga in the yard or a brisk walk in the warmer nighttime air with your kids or dog are great options.

7. Spring cleaning includes your makeup brushes!
As you clean cupboards and closets, don’t forget your cosmetic products. Makeup brushes and sponges build up dirt and bacteria. Sanitize your tweezers, clippers and make sure all of your makeup brushes are clean. Need a timesaving tip? Take your brushes in the shower and use body wash to clean them and give them new life. Gently wash your brushes with a natural cleanser, then lay them flat to dry for 24 hours. Be sure to clean your loofah, and check the medicine cabinet for expired products while you’re at it.

8. Inspect the labels in your home
The cleaning products used around your home become airborne parts of your environment – and get absorbed into your skin. Our skin is being exposed to any harsh, toxic chemical ingredients they might contain. Be sure to read labels and seek out natural alternatives such as organic products and simple homemade solutions, like vinegar and baking soda.

It’s time to help your skin shed its winter coat and uncover a fresh springtime glow! Bliss on Broadway offers full service treatments for your skin, body and mind. Call us at 562-439-4333. http://www.blissonbroadway.com/