Kick-off summer with this fun poolside event in celebration of Hotel Palomar Dallas‘ new wellness offerings, benefiting Attitudes and Attire. Enjoy beauty & wellness themed activities, fun giveaways from Actifirm, Exhale, Central 214 & more!

• Sustainable wine, lite bites by Central 214′s Chef Graham Dodds & refreshing low-cal cocktails by head bartender Amber West, featuring Lillet & Hendrick’s Gin
• Hand demonstrations with Actifirm’s natural skincare products
• Extreme yoga demos from Exhale Mind Body Spa, plus free Core Fusion Class for participants
• Luxe raffle prizes like a wellness package stay at Hotel Palomar, a Villy Customs bike, Kimpton yoga mats, and more
• Summer and resort wear fashions from Uptown Consignment

Please bring a minimum $20 donation or gently used handbag for Attitudes & Attire

Complimentary Valet Parking

The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa is just around the corner – May 5^th and May 6^th at the Arlington Convention Center (Dallas-Fort Worth). Here at Actifirm, we are excited for this upcoming skincare and wellness extravaganza – and we’re thrilled to be a part of this amazing event.

            At The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa, spa and skincare professionals have the opportunity to check out countless product lines including, of course, the all-natural Actifirm line of skincare aids. Actifirm will be offering wonderful promotions at special prices for attendees – and we’ll also be giving live Z-Peel demonstrations to show the wonderful exfoliation and revival abilities of this natural mushroom enzyme exfoliator.

In addition to the opportunity to learn more about spa and skincare lines, skincare professionals will have the chance to participate in National Aesthetic Spa Network (NASN) round tables, Aesthetics International Association (AIA) education classes, and a variety of other educational and breakout sessions.

There’s nothing more rewarding for a skincare professional – or skincare enthusiast – than exploring this passion and expanding on a foundation of expertise. For more information about the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa, visit http://dallas.skincareshows.com/. Come visit us at booth 909. We hope to see you there!

Medical conditions including lupus may increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, requiring those with these disorders to take extra precautions. But many commonly used drugs can also cause skin problems in the sun, such as ibuprofen (Advil), antiobiotics including tetracycline, and even herbal treatments like St. John’s Wort.

Retinoids are a common skincare ingredient that cause photosensitivity (Retin A or tretinoin), so take extra steps to shield the skin when using these – use a sunblock on the skin, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. Even certain sunscreen ingredients may cause photosensitivity in predisposed individuals – UVB absorber benzonphenones are the most common culprit. We recommend sunblocks that use physical, mineral based ingredients for maximum protection and safety –zinc or titanium dioxide are most common – and in lieu of chemical sunscreens.

Many age-fighting skin treatments can cause photosensitivity, including professionally administered chemical peels. For a more gentle approach that is effective with no sun sensitivity, we recommend the Actifirm Z-Peel. Unlike chemical peels that can leave your skin irritated and sensitive to the sun, the Z-Peel requires no down time – so you can be outdoors without worry of added sensitivity to the sun. That’s why so many skincare professionals call the mushroom enzyme-based Z-Peel a lunchtime or vacation peel – you can return to the office without embarrassing skin irritation or even hit the beach without worry of a sunburn (but always wear a broad spectrum sunblock).

Photosensitivity is something to be aware of if you want to preserve your youthful looking skin for the long haul. Always research any medication you are taking or skincare treatments you use to assure you are properly protecting your skin. And consider effective, natural skincare like the Z-Peel for effective enzyme exfoliation without damage to living tissue.

Most people are familiar with chemical peels – professionally administered treatments that might leave skin red, peeling, even scabbed over. Chemical peels often require time off of work and everyday life for recovery. An enzyme peel differs from a chemical peel in that it removes only dead skin cells without harming living tissue. The enzymes cause a reaction in your skin that mimics skin’s natural exfoliation process, lifting off that dull outermost layer and revealing glowing, more youthful skin beneath. And best of all, there’s no downtime or photosensitivity with enzyme peels, which is why they are sometimes called “vacation peels” or “lunchtime peels”.

The exact enzymes used in enzyme peels are varied. Pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple are all used for their exfoliation properties. The Actifirm Z-Peel uses enzymes derived from the Mucor Miehei Japanese mushroom. Available through estheticians at Exhale Spa and other skincare facilities, the Z-Peel is also available in a formula that is safe and effective for home use. In fact, Z-Peel is so gentle, most people can use it on their skin every day.

Z-Peel comes in a light, gel formula that smoothes effortlessly onto the skin. To use, simply apply with fingertips to cleansed, dry skin. Leave the formula on skin for 3-7 minutes or until dry — the beauty of Z-Peel is that it is self neutralizing, so it’s impossible to damage the skin if left for longer.

Following application of this Mucor Miehei mushroom enzyme formula, skin will feel smoother and appear more luminous – an ideal canvas for makeup application. With cumulative use, it can help improve skin tone and texture while helping to increase skin firmness and elasticity. Z-Peel fans love that it can be used at home and as often as daily!

Enzyme peels open a whole new world of possibilities in natural and effective skincare. Try the Actifirm Z-Peel and experience the results!

In a nutshell, a serum offers concentrated nourishment to the skin. A serum will generally have a higher level of active ingredients than other skincare products. Most often, serums are found in a gel form, frequently in an oil-free formula. Serums are designed to be applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizer.

Estheticians will often recommend a serum to clients whose skin seems to be “in a rut” – needing an extra boost to really glow. Take Actifirm Renovation Serum, for example. This light, clear, oil-free gel is rich in hyaluronic acid and squalene – active ingredients known to attract and bind moisture to the skin. It offers a healthy dose of aloe vera, which moisturizes as it calms and soothes. Antioxidants from Japanese green tea extract target skin-damaging free radicals. In addition, gotu kola, Echinacea, and rosemary leaf extracts help promote collagen synthesis and increase skin firmness. In other words, this is a highly concentrated, highly nourishing, naturally derived boost for your skin!

Renovation Serum may be just the thing you need if you feel that some of your other skincare products aren’t working as well as they once did. This botanically derived serum will not only nourish your skin, but prepare it to optimally accept hydration from your moisturizer. Try applying Renovation Serum after cleansing and before moisturizer morning and evening – it just may be the change your skin needs!

Like everything in your skincare regimen, your choice of an SPF makeup for your face will be based on your unique needs. Some people like to apply a sunscreen under their favorite makeup base, while others prefer an all-in-one product – a foundation that includes a broad-spectrum SPF. Whichever route you choose for daily protection of your face, you’ll want to select products that include naturally derived sunscreens and beneficial botanicals. After all, many experts are now concerned that the chemicals in many sunscreens may be more damaging to skin than the sun’s rays!

That said, your safest bet for sunscreen is a mineral-based product, with an active ingredient such as zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens provide a physical block from the sun, making them highly effective. The downside is that mineral sunscreens do not absorb into the skin the way chemical sunscreens do, so mineral sunscreens may leave a white film on the skin. Some blend into the skin better than others, though, so experiment to find the best product or product combination for you.

Since you’re wearing a sunscreen to prevent damage to your skin, it makes sense to give skin the full treatment with a product that contains age-fighting antioxidants. You can look for a sunscreen with antioxidant ingredients like green tea or Vitamin E, or you can go for a layered approach.

Here’s a regimen to try: apply Actifirm Renovation Serum to clean, dry facial skin. This wonderful product includes free-radical fighting Japanese green tea extract, as well as an anti-aging complex of gotu kola, Echinacea, and rosemary leaf extracts. After Actifirm Renovation Serum, apply a light yet effective moisturizer such as Actifirm Actimoist Booster. Following moisturizer, thoroughly cover the face and neck with your favorite, natural sunscreen. Last, put on your foundation of choice. This regimen offers a highly customized approach to beautiful skin now and in the future – thanks to sun protection and anti-aging antioxidants.

Dry skin can plague us any time of year. And as we put the cold, dry climate of winter behind us, it’s the perfect time to give dry skin the brush-off – literally. Dry brushing is an ancient skincare technique with origins in Japan and Greece, and we just can’t get enough of dry brushing here at Actifirm. It’s an invigorating daily practice that’s the perfect compliment to your Actifirm skincare regimen. And with benefits including dry skin exfoliation, cellulite reduction, increased circulation, and detoxification through stimulation of the lymphatic system, it’s a routine worth adding to your day!

So how does one go about dry brushing the skin? It’s a simple process that takes only a few minutes. First, start with a good-quality, natural bristle brush.  As the name implies, skin and brush should be dry. Dry brushing is best performed immediately before showering.

Once you’ve completed dry brushing, immediately shower, and follow up with your favorite moisturizer. We love Actifirm Thigh Firm – if you struggle with cellulite issues, this botanical-based formula offers wonderful firming properties.Starting at the feet and working toward the thighs, use quick, short strokes on skin, always working toward the heart. On the torso, pay special attention the lymph line – this is the groin area where your swimsuit hem might hit – as this is key to helping the body eliminate toxins. To aid digestion, perform large, counterclockwise circles on the abdomen. Next, start at the hands and work up to the shoulders. On the underarm, perform gentle downward strokes to help stimulate the lymph drainage system. Perform gentle strokes over the collarbone toward the center. Last, focus on the back area, including cellulite-prone areas of the buttocks and upper thighs.

Our friends at Exhale Spa love dry brushing as much as we do – check out this clip from Exhale esthetician Laura Benge showing the dry brushing technique. As it happens, Actifirm was at this same session at Shake Your Chakra 2012 in Atlantic City, demonstrating our naturally exfoliating Z-Peel. And we’ll be back in Atlantic City again this June for this amazing skincare event.

We’re addicted to dry brushing here at Actifirm – give it a try, and you’ll want to make it a part of your daily skincare regimen, too!

Cold, wind, and dry air – winter can take its toll on skin, leaving it parched, flaky, and dull. The good news is that a few simple steps will have your skin springtime-ready in no time. Today, we’ll talk about getting swimsuit-ready legs and fresh-as-spring facial skin.

Smooth Legs

In the spring, fashion turns to shorter hemlines — revealing dry, scaly legs that have been neglected under layers of clothing. The key to reviving tired winter skin? Thorough exfoliation and hydration. Actifirm Nice Body Exfoliator is a miracle worker – it pairs mushroom enzyme and physical exfoliation benefits to slough off dull skin, leaving behind skin that feel smoother, firmer and hydrated. Try following it up with Actifirm Thigh Firm for a super dose of moisture with age-defying and firming natural botanicals.

Radiant Facial Skin

A winter season of bitter chill and overheated indoor air can leave your face dull and lackluster. Bringing back a youthful glow to your skin can be as simple as dedicating a few minutes daily to exfoliation and hydration. You can not only help erase winter’s effects on the skin, but prepare your complexion for the rigors of summer. For natural enzyme exfoliation with maximum benefits, try Actifirm 15% Z-Peel. Mucor Miehei Mushroom extract brings powerful enzyme exfoliation to the skin, lifting away dull, dry skin cells while revealing glowing skin beneath. The Z-Peel also addresses uneven skin tone and texture as it increases firmness, reduces fine lines, and hydrates. Best of all, Z-Peel is gentle enough for daily use. Follow up your daily Z-Peel with a moisturizer that’s right for you, and you’ll be putting your best face forward in no time!

There’s no doubt about it – traveling can be tough on your skin. We’ve been talking about skin and beauty tips for SXSW 2013, such as sticking to your skincare regimen as closely as possible while on the road. But even with the most diligent efforts, when you return home your skin may show the effects of your travels. Dry airplane cabin air can leave skin dry and flaky, while too much sun, cold, or wind can take its toll. Even time strolling around a polluted city can have an impact, leaving skin in need of repair. When you get home, get back to your normal routine immediately, and be sure to give skin a bit of extra TLC.

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

This may be a step you didn’t make time for on vacation – so slough off dry, dull skin cells to reveal that natural beauty beneath. Actifirm skin exfoliating products with

For facial exfoliation, the legendary Actifirm 15% Z-Peel can’t be beat. Simply apply to the face and leave for a few minutes. Skin will feel smoother, softer, and hydrated, thanks to Mucor Miehei mushroom enzymes that mimic the epidermis’ natural exfoliation function combined with other natural botanicals.natural Mucor Miehei mushroom enzymes lift dead skin cells while leaving living tissue unharmed, perfect for skin that needs more delicate treatment after vacation. Try Actifirm Nice Body Exfoliator all over to eliminate dry, flaky skin, as well as hydrate and improve tone and texture. It combines Mucor Miehei mushroom enzymes with a physical exfoliant for beautiful results.

Treat Your Skin

 Maybe your skin is extremely dry after your travels. Or maybe you’re experiencing a breakout. Whatever symptoms your skin is showing, there’s help. If hydration is your goal, try ActiLift Firming Mask. In addition to powerful hydration, your skin will feel firmer and fine lines will be diminished as skin’s natural balance is restored. If you’re experiencing post-vacation spots, consider Z-Facial. This wonderful treatment serves multiple purposes. With Mucor Miehei mushroom enzymes as well as a physical exfoliator, it lifts dry, dull cells and reveals new skin. Natural Bentonite clay removes pore-clogging impurities, so it’s the perfect antidote to your skin’s post-vacation stress.

Whether at home or on the road, be aware of what your skin is telling you. You’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of healthy, beautiful skin!

Go with the Glow

We’d never advocate a real tan, but self tanner is an entirely different thing! When you have a beautiful, natural-looking glow, it makes other cosmetics less necessary – simplifying your makeup routine. For a weekend trip, apply self tanner the day before you leave, and you won’t have to reapply while away. We’re partial to Actifirm Firming Self Tanner – the “tan” is activated with natural carbohydrates derived from beets and sugarcane, while proprietary botanicals help firm as well as hydrate.

Minimize Mascara

If you’re going to be traipsing about in the heat and humidity for long hours at SXSW, skipping mascara just might be a beauty “do”. If you’re worried about pale lashes, think about mascara’s tendency to create black circles under the eyes by mid afternoon. If you can’t do without mascara, make sure it’s a waterproof formula and apply to top lashes only.

Lip Service

A bit of color and shine on the lips can go a long way in boosting beauty on vacay. Bring along your favorite lipstick or lip stain, and don’t forget the Actifirm Lip Primer and Pretty Pout. Our Lip Primer is a natural way to extend the wear of your lip color. And Pretty Pout is a perfect botanical conditioner, plumper, and anti-aging treatment – use it for overnight deep conditioning, for added shine over your favorite lip color, or all alone for a natural gloss.

Natural Nails

Consider trimming nails a bit shorter than usual prior to travel to minimize breakage. A good buffing can add loads of natural shine without the maintenance of a nail polish. If you must use nail polish, opt for a neutral color that won’t show the chips as much as bolder shades.

Simplify Your Palette

Sure, it’s fun to have loads of makeup choices at home. But when traveling, simplicity is key. Many cosmetics companies make small palettes that are perfect for travel. They may include a few shades of eye shadow, a blush, and even a solid lip color or two. See if your favorite makeup company makes a small kit like this – it’ll make makeup application a snap and free your time to focus on the destination!

During  SXSW2013, retail customers can save 15% off their entire purchase with coupon code SXSW15