Why I love trade shows…

By Erin Madson, Co-Owner of Amber Products

A lot of people ask “Why do you love to go to trade shows?”  They ask a very relevant question;  Trade shows are long days on your feet, constantly keeping people interested and happy while they wait in lines to pay, answering a lot of questions, a day of constant public relations and marketing amongst your competition, being away from my children and my husband and traveling across the country for only 2 days of selling.  Except for being away for my family, this is exactly why I love trade shows.

Trade shows are long days; whether you are exhibiting or attending.  There is so much information, product, flyers, crowds, demonstration, loud music, parking is a bear, but if you are lucky, the VitaMix people are there so you can sample one of their delicious concoctions for a little boost!  Innovation always amazes and intrigues me.  As I walk the aisles and watch how companies have evolved over the years, how the new ones are presenting their goods and how many new products are on the market, I can’t help but put a little skip into my step and pat myself on the back. 

Amber Products has been doing trade shows since the conception of the company in the early 70’s.  In fact, that is how Amber started out in the beauty industry.  An innovative couple, Martha and Larry Madson, drove from Pittsburgh to New York to deliver Estee Lauder (at their request) the first stand alone depilatory heater and a new formulation of wax to exhibit at the New York Beauty Show, only to find out that Estee Lauder killed the project.  Martha Madson, reading the New Yorker magazine on the drive upstate, read an article about the “wax queen of New York”.  She so keenly suggested that Larry find a pay phone (remember it’s the 70’s) and call the Wax Queen to see if she would be interested in working for them at the trade show.  Sure enough, the Wax Queen heard about the stand alone heater and the new wax and made her way straight to the trade show.  Larry was able to commandeer a table to sit outside the entrance door to the show, set up the heater and the wax , and Ursula, the Wax Queen, was sold!  The only problem was, they didn’t have a name for the company or the product.  They thought for a few moments, and Martha, again so keenly, suggested that the color of the wax is a beautiful shade of amber.  How about Amber Products?   Perfect!  And so it began.  Ursula was a hit at the show, they took several orders for heaters and wax and Ursula worked with Amber Products for years to come.

That is exactly the inspiration I find at trade shows.  When you are amidst your peers, talking to new and old customers and working with the products displayed around you, inspiration and innovation crashes in.  It’s like a new wind in your sails.  There is no desk to sit at all day, there is no phone between you and the customer, you are face to face so that you can help them find their needs AND you can identify your own needs.  Listening to feedback is extremely useful.  Sometimes the feedback is not so good.  But, sometimes, when you speak to a person that is excited about what your are doing with the company and are able to swap ideas and explain concepts and show them in person the product they are interested in…that is what puts a skip into my step.

Mark and I, over the last two years, decided to rebrand, repackage, redesign, add product, and add solutions to the industry that no one else can offer.  Over the last 10 years, since our last rehashing of the company, we have seen major differences in the spa industry.  We want to bring the “spa” back to the Spas.  Adding the special touch or the special product in the treatment room, can keep clients coming back.  Everyone is in a hurry these days, which is why we created the Smart Bar system…fast and organized treatments that still provide the human touch that so many services these days are lacking.

Displaying what our company has accomplished over these last few years and the fact that we are STILL doing trade shows makes me so proud.  It feels so energizing to see people come by the booth and admire the Smart Bars and the Pods, our new skin care line, our new waxes, people who still love our original wax even after 40 years!  I even enjoy hearing people’s opinions that don’t match mine.  Maybe they have a point.  It’s something to consider.  There is always something to consider at a trade show.

It also gives me an opportunity to spend time with our education team.  Since they are located in different areas of the country, we are able to catch up on people’s lives, see how their business is doing and hear their opinions about Amber since most of them have used our products for years and continue to use them on a daily basis.  Connecting with people who use our products on their clients everyday is information that I lock away and always consider when making decisions.

One of my favorite memories of being at a trade show was couple of years ago.  Our oldest daughter accompanied me to the show, which was a great experience for both of us.  While in line at the exhibitor desk, we struck up a conversation with a savvy young woman who had just started her own line of beauty products for the body and was displaying for one of the first times.  Toward the end of our conversation, she learned that I was Co-Owner of Amber Products.  Tears came to her eyes, she gave me a big hug and said, “I can’t believe you own Amber Products!  I LOVE Amber Products!”

And that is why I do trade shows.

How does one determine if waxing is right for them

How does one determine if waxing is right for them? Waxing is one of the most daunting beauty treatments, but it is well worth the uncomfortable pain. Don't worry though, the pain and irritation goes away the more treatments the client gets. Also, the severity of pain varies for each individual. There are also products that can be used to help lesson the pain before and after the hair is removed. The question is, why should one wax instead of shave? Most women and men experience ingrown hairs, bumps or irritation after shaving. Sometimes shaving means days or even weeks with the skin that's sensitive to the touch and has quite visible breakouts. Shaving can cause a rash because chemicals and sweat come in contact with tiny nicks that shaving makes. Ingrown hairs can cause major issues and develop into large cysts and may even need medical attention to get them out.

Waxing cuts back on all of these problems. Many areas of the body can be waxed: The eyebrows, forehead, upper lip, cheeks, chin, back, upper and lower legs, underarms, forearms, feet and bikini area. The hair needs to be about one eighth to one fourth of an inch in length in order to be waxed. If you wax earlier than this it usually requires the client to visit the Esthetician sooner to get the next round of hair that grows. Unless the client has let the hair grow out for months which maybe the better option. It is always easier for the Esthetician to trim the hair rather than it not be long enough. If it is not long enough some clients will be told to return home and let the hair grow for a few more weeks. It is a good idea to make sure the client's skin is clean and exfoliated, so the follicle is open and ready to be waxed. The type of wax used depends on the hair and skin type. Using the Amber Professional line of waxing is helpful because it offers a variety of hard or soft wax along with serums and treatments that can be used before or after waxing. These serums contain ingredients that calm redness and cool down irritated skin. Using Amber's waxing serum Clear Cell-X containing Glycolic and Salicylic Acids can ensure the skin is clean and free from bacteria. This also prevents ingrown hairs from forming. If some clients experience pain a product like Amber's Easy Wax Numbing Cream can be very helpful. It contains 4% Lidocaine along with natural Shea Butter and Grape seed Oil to hydrate and soothe skin. This product can be used 15-20 minutes prior to waxing to numb the skin and cause less pain. If a client's skin is sensitive, hard wax such as Amber's French White Non-Strip Wax with Almond Oil or a the gentle Turquoise Soft Wax infused with Chamomile Essential Oil is a good choice for the Professional to use.

What is the difference between hard and soft wax? Hard wax is a wax that takes a few minutes to dry on the skin and it is removed with no strips. Just the wax itself is removed. This is most commonly used in the bikini area or on coarse short hair. Soft wax requires a piece of muslin or pellon to be placed over top of the wax and then removed very quickly. This is great for clients with fine hair or when a large area of hair needs to be removed. Most commonly the legs. It might be a good idea to seek out a spa that has a good reputation and uses clean sanitation practices. The client can ask before his/her waxing appointment how long the Esthetician has been practicing, how much experience they have with waxing, and if they use the Amber Professional Waxing System. Some clear signs a facility is practicing safe waxing is if the Esthetician wears gloves, the treatment room is clean, there is disposable paper on the table or the Amber Wax Pad, and the waxing unit is clean. Some Spas or Salons use wax bars which keep their wax area clean and orderly. It also allows the Esthetician to pick the most appropriate wax for the clients skin and hair.

Does waxing actually reduce hair growth? Yes, if waxing is performed on a regular basis, usually every three to four weeks, it can leave the hair weakened. As the hair follicle is destroyed the client can space out his/her treatments to every six to eight weeks. Eventually the hair follicle is destroyed and removed from the root, while shaving removes the hair from the surface and grows back faster. Ask anyone who has spent years waxing, they have the proof. There's not even a follicle in sight!

What are the benefits to Vitamin C?

In addition to using vitamins, peptides and antioxidants on the skin a topical application of concentrated Vitamin C can prevent premature aging, lighten skin discoloration, increase collagen production and increase sun protection.

When Vitamin C is applied it has many benefits. One, it works to increase collagen production in the skin and two it's powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage. This will result in improved skin texture, less wrinkles, an overall brightening and glow to the skin.

What should you look for when purchasing Vitamin C?

The first factor to look for is oxidation. When exposed to air during manufacturing process before being packed and sealed oxidation has already taken place and can contribute to free radical damage. Purchasing products with airtight containers can help. As done with the amber product line. Keeping Vitamin C refrigerated can help as well. The next factor would be concentration. If the Vitamin C your product line carries has a high percentage the effect is much greater. Ambers Triple C Serum has ten percent Ascorbic Acid which is excellent for improving skin texture fast. Orange Peel, Lavender, Jasmine, Sandalwood and Rose Oil are also included in this Serum which are great for stabilizing the drying effects.

Vitamin C otherwise known as L-Ascorbic Acid improves the appearance of skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and protects and lessons the effects of sunburn. It also prevents cell damage due to ultra violet radiation. Once Vitamin C penetrates the skin it stays there for up to 72 hours. This means it has a long lasting benefit. Skin discoloration and scarring can be improved in several weeks. Ambers Unique C Serum contains Ascorbic Acid, Green Tea, Vitamin B, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extract. These key ingredients play a major role in smoothing out fine lines and promoting new healthy skin cells.

Vitamin C is a great addition to a retinol product like Ambers Retinol Recovery night cream or pure retinol. In conjunction this allows the skin to be exfoliated and immediately treated with powerful vitamins. If you've ever noticed someone having a dewy complexion it is probably from using a combination of retinol and Vitamin C. If skin is too sensitive for pure Vitamin C try Ambers Beauty Oil which contains Vitamin B, C and E. Need a quick pick me up? Try Ambers Vitamin C mask.

Overlooked ACNE causing factors...

Let me begin by saying that ACNE is definitely a four letter word (I think you know what I mean! :)). Let me also say that there are two important acne causing factors to rule out above anything that follows here. These two things are Diet and Hormones. Hormone imbalances and allergies to food such as dairy or gluten could be causing your acne and other internal issues. If these two factors are "in check", then there could be many other reasons that you are experiencing ACNE. That is where this entry begins.

Again, ACNE is a four letter word. Many of us struggle with it and most of us try our best to hide it. If you've been experiencing ACNE, there may be some contributing factors that you have never thought about. Have you ever thought about what you would do without your cellphone? Now think about how many things your cellphone touches everyday, and how many times a day you touch your face with it. Something as simple as wiping down your cellphone with an antibacterial wipe or chlorox wipe everyday could be the difference between smooth skin or red, pimply cheeks, and none of us want the latter!

Another culprit could be as simple as changing the way you shampoo and/or condition your hair. We use shampoo and conditioner to clean and nourish our hair, not realizing that these two things can wreak havoc on our skin. Take a few minutes to look at the ingredients in your hair products. Try to steer clear of artificial colors, fragrances, and silicone. Silicone is nice for smoothing hair, but not for keeping skin acne-free. You may also be using a conditioner that is just too heavy and oily for you. All of us should make sure that our hair is rinsed out well after shampooing and conditioning, but the most important rule is to always wash your face after you have finished your hair cleansing/conditioning regimen.

Some other overlooked ACNE causing factors involve things we do everyday. They are applying makeup, getting dressed, working out, doing laundry, and/or going to work. Many of us apply our makeup with dirty makeup brushes. These brushes can become riddled with bacteria and infect our skin. We all need to make sure that we wash our brushes frequently with a mild cleanser and let them air dry. In addition to cleaning our brushes, we also need to throw away and old makeup, especially foundation, blush, and concealer. As far as getting dressed relates to ACNE, some people are very sensitive to synthetic fabrics. You may need to try and wear more breathable fabrics such as cotton or clothing made from bamboo.

Some of us exercise and work out to relieve stress, lose weight, or simply to achieve a sense of well-being. I don't think any of us want to spend the time working out and then dealing with the breakouts that may follow. These breakouts can be on our faces, backs, and hairlines. Sweat causes oil and can block our pores. We need to make sure that we are cleansing our skin before and after exercising. A great product to start with is the Amber Corrective Cleanser with alpha and beta hydroxy acid. An exfoliating facial using the Amber Enzyme followed by the Purifying Masque infused with neroli, marine mud, and zinc may be a great therapeutic treat for you. As far as back ACNE goes, the Amber Pineapple scrub can really help to clear it up. A great tip for using any of these products is to rinse well with cold water in order to reduce inflammation.

The last two topics involve other aspects of our everyday life. We all work, whether it is in our home, or out in the field on most days. Doing laundry can be a burden, but how we do our laundry can also be causing our skin to breakout. Try switching to a fragrance free detergent and stop using a fabric softener. See how your skin reacts. It could be a simple and cheap solution. Now, some of you may have a profession in the medical or healthcare field and you may have to wear lab coats, and perhaps medical masks or gloves. Some of these masks and gloves containing fiberglass or latex which can be extremely irritating to the skin. Lab coats an also rub on the neck area causing an allergic reaction that can resemble ACNE. A great solution would be to try one of the Amber Acne Cleansers followed by the Rapid Repair Toner which has a combination of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid.

Now, I'm not calling anybody out (LOL), but we can probably all learn something from what was stated above. As proactive and "clean" as we try to be with/to our skin, we all get busy and can use a little "reminding." Good luck, and have a very happy and ACNE-free year. Don't we all deserve that?

Skin Around Our Eyes

Let's start by looking at some of the characteristics of the eye area....

   Several muscles that contract with facial expressions surround the eye area. As we age, the thick collagen network that gives skin it's structural support, begins to lose its integrity. This means that the skin around the eyes becomes less resilient and begins losing elasticity. This is compounded by the fact that this area of the face is ten times thinner than other areas. Now, these simple facts are, in themselves, reason to explain why we get puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles around the eye area. While some of these results are also hereditary in nature, there are a number of external factors that can contribute to the degradation of the eye area. Sun exposure is one of the top reasons this degradation happens, due to a resulting break down in collagen levels and increase in melanin production (which darkens the skin). In addition to sun exposure, allergies, and unhealthy diet, smoke and/or smoking, and stress can lead to free radical damage, which results in thinning of the skin and even more loss of collagen. Physiologically, these factors can cause a buildup of pressure in the small capillaries of the skin, which can result in blood retention, and loss of blood flow. Cosmetically, this means that the area in and around the eyes can look dark and puffy.

     So, is there any way that we can save the skin around our eyes, and combat this aging onslaught? Thankfully, the answer is, "Yes!" A facial that emphasizes massage can be an excellent first step in treating the delicate eye area by draining the facial lymph tissues, resulting in a decrease in puffiness and dark circles. An anti-aging eye regimen that is gentle, yet strong enough to help combat all of these issues, is an important second step. It is fortunate that there are a number of natural skincare nutrients and products that can reduce dark circles and puffiness and help preserve collagen integrity in this delicate area. Amber’s Ultra Silk Eye Cream is a perfect way to treat and combat the aging process in the eye area. This is because it contains Shea Butter, Almond and Olive Oils all have been shown to be extremely effective eye treatments. We can make treatment even more effective by adding monthly Amber Paraffin Mask Facials. Grape seed extract, cucumber extract, and algae extract create a "triple threat" in this treatment. The grape seed extract is a potent antioxidant that can help reduce the signs of sun damage while decreasing puffiness and promoting wound healing. Additionally, the cucumber extract seems to have anti-inflammatory benefits as well as the benefit of calming and soothing the eye area. Algae extract is rich in iodine and believed to stimulate the metabolic processes, resulting in skin tightening and increased collagen production. So, take care of your peepers by following these simple suggestions, and when in doubt, enjoy a nice glass of wine (grape seed extract) and eat your veggies!

Seasons Change and So Does your Skin….

Why does our skin change as the seasons change?

We are currently winding down our summer which naturally brought us sunny days and sun exposure.  Our vitamin D hormone levels are still up and we have been eating more and storing less (yay!). We have been sleeping fewer hours, but in those hours our bodies have been working very efficiently. Fall is right around the corner and winter will be here before we know it.

With winter comes the loss of UVB light (the light that gives us Vitamin D) which means that our bodies will start to use up the Vitamin D that we have made over the summer. When this happens, our bodies basically start to hibernate. As our Vitamin D levels start to fall, so does our thyroid function. This can lead to many different illnesses such as autoimmune disease, dementia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. All of these changes in the body are determined to wreak havoc on your skin, but there are ways to combat this. We must get enough sleep, exercise, eat well, and take care of our skin on a daily basis. As fall arrives, it is important to rearrange our schedules and create a plan of attack. We need to take time out for ourselves and take care of our bodies. This is a perfect time to schedule a facial or get a relaxing massage. A Vitamin D supplement can be necessary to ensure proper levels, which can really benefit our skin. For example, acne can be minimized, elasticity can be boosted, collagen can be stimulated, and the appearance of hyperpigmentation can be lessened. If we increase the number of antioxidants internally as well as externally, we can help fight free radical damage.

Using ingredients with Peptides, Hyaluronic, and alpha Lipoic Acid will replace that lost moisture that starts to diminish during the cooler months. This is the time to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas. By avoiding caffeine and using Amber's Retinol cream at night and Unique-C serum in the morning we can help erase the damage the summer's sun has done. We also have to remember that as the seasons are changing, allergens in the air are increasing. When the body is going through an allergic reaction it is always best to stick to ingredients that are calming and soothing to the skin. The body is in a state of rejection and causing more inflammation will cause wrinkles, acne and rashes. By using products with essential oils of Rosehip, Chamomile and Calendula, irritated skin can be calmed. Rosacea is a skin condition that can worsen in extreme weather conditions and is very widespread. As fall and winter months approach, remember to gently exfoliate and add Amber's Rosa Calm Serum to your routine which will help increase hydration levels. Dry brushing and using coconut oil after a warm shower is very beneficial in the cooler months.

Another thing to remember is that Fall and Winter bring with them the Holiday season. Work deadlines before the New Year, holiday shopping and family gatherings can create a lot of stress. Schedule monthly facials, manicure/pedicures/ massages at the end of summer until the beginning of the New Year and don’t deviate from your schedule. Try to take a mini vacation to a Spa between the months of October and November for some peace and tranquility. Stay on track and listen to changes that your body is experiencing. From the east coast to the west coast, seasons are changing due to the tilt in the earth’s axis. Reflecting on the seasons past and the approaching months is a good way to honor the changes in ourselves as well as our Mother Earth.