Beware the Dermatologist!

Beware the Dermatologist!

Ciao bella,

Just around Christmastime a very good friend of mine snapped a really flattering close-up photo of me. However if I looked really close at the photo I could vaguely see the little white micro pimples I've had on my skin for a few years now. I take very good care of my skin. So I thought. I have another skin condition that brings me to the dermatologist a couple of times a month. So I asked him what these tiny white puffs were on my complexion. He called them "milia." They may go away on their own or I can use my electric needle by popping them and in a few days they will clear up. I really like my dermatologist and he is the best around. However after nine pops I looked like I ate too many strawberries or something allergic! So just a couple of days or maybe a week and all will be fine. Not!

What have I done to deserve this fate of always having near perfect skin to adult acne! After several weeks of changing my skincare that I love -- Kosmea -- and when in South Africa went to the Kiel's counter and purchased a clay cleanser and a cream to reduce irregular skin tone (had to get rid of redness left by needle). Purchased all kinds of deep pore cleansers and a charcoal mask! Incorporating Kosmea back into my regime surely helped the healing. Dermatologist asked me if I was obsessing about my skin. Yes!

I read up on "milia." These white, tiny pimples come from not enough deep cleansing and correct exfoliation like a facial that would prevent clogging pores. Also only use a non pore-clogging sun block on your mug. I was using the tanning oil on my body as well on my complexion which clogged my pores causing "milia!"

After several months of at home skin treatments and, as Dr. J. quoted "tincture of time," my skin has all cleared up and is looking good considering the BIG birthday around the corner!

Make this a lesson my friends. When you do get a facial make it with a professional that practices knowledge of deep pore cleansing and can treat milia, which is quite common. The Dermatologist is obviously great at taking care of your skin not the math!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America! Wishing all a Happy & Safe Independence Day

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

The University of Cosmetology

The University of Cosmetology

Ciao bella,

It was my husband David who brought it to my attention that when he picks me up from the salon and has to wait he has learned something new. I was kind of surprised when I heard that. So he elaborated. The clients and stylists who discuss everything from politics, views from different perspectives on which schools are best, the era they grew up in and the hairstyles from that era they had to abandon to reading the articles from magazines he would only find in a salon. I remember the dean of a local college told me I was getting a better education than most of his students. Leaving home to live on my own and work in a salon (I styled his wife's hair at her home) was the best kind of education since all I was experiencing was not learned from a book.

Your trip to a beauty salon will prove an educational visit. Your interaction with people starting with a pleasant greeting from the receptionist (mine is awesome!) to the shampoo girl who suds you up in massage delight! She may discuss a bit of history or how she will be on the cutting floor next week since she has put in her apprentice hours. In any case it's all good and not what you hear about everyday. The hundreds of professional different products for your hair. Sometimes you can hear a stylist explain which is the best one for you.

From the latest movie reviews to theatre reviews in New York or the latest vacation spot you will hear it all in a salon. Gossip! Not in my shop!

So get educated, learn something new and enjoy a cut and color in your salon today!

To Straighten or Not To Straighten-that is the dilemma!

To Straighten or Not To Straighten-that is the dilemma!

Ciao bella,

I'm sure all of us have their disaster hair stories to tell. From bad haircuts, the wrong color (Sun In), frizzy perms to bad prom hair-dos are just a few of the traumas we experienced!

Well where my Mom was a hair dresser there was lots to play around with. The time I had the mumps my scalp became very sensitive and my extremely curly hair couldn't be brushed. The hair was so tangled she had to cut it all off. I didn't cry however I was traumatized while dear Mom said it was the only solution and she was sorry as she had no choice. I still didn't understand! At least it was a good cut. She also had one of her workers chemically straighten my hair and I just did not know how to style it. I told Mom I was grateful and went on my merry way!

One redeeming quality of hair it does grow back. In the mean time-Patience is a Virtue! Of course that was not the only OMG my hair is gone! That was from zealous Cosmetology students trying to style a "look". It was a look alright!

My Italian curly hair always kept me busy. The blow dryer and a stiff round brush were great discoveries for me. The "ironing" faze was not permitted by Mom! And of course learning how to pull these locks straight into place were important. The years of trying different products to straighten out all strands were not successful. So why not embrace my curly hair which is a bit long now, not so thick so there is more control? I receive many complements on the curves. Not an easy decision when you look in the mirror and I see the Bride of Frankenstein!

I have made a decision this spring thanks to the wonderful products of IMAGEN -a Salon Formula for Latina Hair Care.

I just made my yearly Keratin hair straightening service when IMAGEN arrived at my door. There are six products in this fabulous line for curly hair that is for fine or course locks. I noticed the TEMPORARY STRAIGHTENER that was a shining formula temporarily removing curl and frizz without harsh chemicals. Repeat usage is accumulated and hair curls soften. I cancelled my appointment and used all of the IMAGEN products with great results! No other product has worked so well. So this summer I will not be so straight but will embrace the shine and soft curl of IMAGEN!

You can find it at Target.

Buona Giornata and God bless the U.S.A.

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.