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Hands that Heal

At COCOACHiC, we can't stress enough the importance of healthy, blemish-free, radiant skin for black women. Extreme skin conditions require diagnosis by a licensed dermatologist. However, for noninvasive, nonprescription, minor and normal skin maintenance, seek an esthetician. Shades of You is a day spa that provides facials, body treatments, and waxing services customized to your individual skin type services. Owner Nicole Freeman, licensed in New York and New Jersey, is a graduate of the prestigious Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics. Her one-woman skin clinic is based in South Orange, New Jersey, but mobile spa services for group events are available. Nicole's knowledge and dedication to skin pampering is unique given that study of and care for ethnic skin is still limited. It is not common enough to find estheticians that truly understand black skin. To our good fortune, Nicole specializes in skincare for women of color as well as all-natural or minimal chemical potency products for the most effective balance in achieving pure, vitalized skin. She currently uses Pevonia and Simple Solutions for skin care and Jaime earl for body care.

"My passion is working with my hands to help people look and feel their best," Nicole shares.

She's Got Back-cials (yes, it's a facial for the back)

Many sistas still aren't aware that other areas of the body such as your back require skincare too. Even more, the back deserves year-round attention not just during the summer halter-wearing season. "Clients with acne breakouts and scars should treat themselves to a back-cial at least every 6 weeks or as regularly as every two weeks," Nicole recommends. She also advises, "It's important to have realistic expectations about healthy, radiant skin as it can take time to achieve and maintain. On average with regular biweekly treatments, improvements should be seen within the first month." Jaime earl Coconut Lemon Salt Polish is an effective exfoliant enjoyed by many clients.

Shades of You 8 Steps for Highly Effective Skincare Treatment

1. Cleanse skin to remove impurities, makeup and surface debris (Origins Liquid Crystal)
2. Allow the esthetician to analyze skin to determine your skin type and which products work best for your skin care needs
3. Cleanse a second time and stimulate skin with circular motions and upward strokes (Origins Mint Wash)
4. Exfoliate dead skin either manually with a scrub containing granules or chemically with products containing acid depending on the condition of the skin
5. Extract acne if necessary
6. Apply mask specific to skin type (Origins Charcoal Mask for oily skin to draw out impurities or Origins Drink Up for dry skin to hydrate skin)
7. Tone to remove any excess product and rebalance the pH level of the skin (Origins United States)
8. Massage and moisturize with an SPF

~Bernie

Check out Nicole's Shades of You website in the Spas category of CHiC Links.
Also, visit our "Win against winter skin" feature on battling 'winter dry skin' in CHiC Critiques.

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