Posts Tagged ‘dry skin’

GM Collin’s Newest Addition

Being that GM Collin is so well-known for their innovations in anti-aging skincare, it’s no surprise that they’ve come out with a brand new technology and a brand new product! It’s called GF Advanced Repair Serum and is made for use on mature skin with obvious signs of cellular damage (lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity etc.).

Two Types of Skin Aging
Skin aging can be classified as being biological (genetically determined by our biological clock) or environmental (determined by extrinsic factors such as UV damage). According to GM Collin, the breakthrough in epigenetic and gene science combined with growth factor technology allow a direct ‘time reverse’ action on both genetic and extrinsic factors to help delay the visible signs of aging.

What does all of this mean?
Growth factors are naturally occurring substances (that are depleted as we age) which can stimulate cellular growth, regulate cellular processes, repair damaged cells, rejuvenate aging tissues, and help to maintain optimum functions of the skin – all of which are vital for maintaining a youthful appearance. The GF Advanced Repair Serum contians 4 different growth factors.

Clock Genes
Clock genes are responsible for regulating the cycle in which the cells turn on and off their repair function. This function coordinates with UV exposure to repair at night and protect during the day. Over time these genes become de-synchronized dramatically increasing the skin’s aging process (repair capacity drops by 50% by the age of 50!). GF Advanced Repair Serum uses a peptide called ‘tetrapeptide 26′ to re-synchronize the internal clock of skin cells. This will greatly boost the skin’s natural repair process and defense mechanisms.

Last but not Least
GM Collin has one more trick up its sleeve: a peptide and protein complex. This complex provides an integral treatment to improve the overall collagen quality in our skin. To make a long story short, GF Advanced Repair Serum is formulated to boost the skin’s natural repair and protection processes which will prevent and delay the visible signs of aging.

Results
In GM Collin’s 35 day clinical trial users reported up to a 94% reduction in forehead wrinkles and a 69% reduction in nasolabial fold lines. In 14 days pore size was reduced by up to 35% and skin firmness was increased by up to 61%.

GF Advanced Repair Serum is applied 1-2 times per day on cleansed face, neck, and decolette. A small amount is all you need and this light fluid absorbs into the skin very quickly. Remember that this is not a moisturizer so you will want to apply your moisturizer right after your serum.

We’d love for you to share your thoughts with us about the topic of this blog! Also, as a special offer for just being a follower of our blog enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter and “Like” our Facebook page! You could be the lucky winner of our many contests!

Top 5 Autumn Beauty Makeover Tips

Thanksgiving has already come and gone, the leaves are changing color and falling from the trees, and Halloween is right around the corner. Summer is definitely long gone, but have you updated your beauty routine yet? Each change of season should signal a change to our hair, makeup, and skincare routines. Here are our top 5 autumn beauty tips to get you fall/winter ready:

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
Sunny summer days equal sun damage on our skin. Also, the use of non-mineral sunscreens can cause a greasy build up on the skin. Fall is the perfect time to begin an intense exfoliation series such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels to shed all of the dead summer skin cells and reveal a bright, fresh complexion. Don’t have time to go into the dermatologist’s office or spa? No problem, there are various professional intensive exfoliation systems that you can safely use at home (Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx Powerfoliant is excellent!). Always be sure to ask your esthetician first to ensure that the system is right for your skin type and always follow directions carefully.

2. Boost that Hydration!
One of the biggest skin complaints we get during the fall and winter months is dehydration/dryness. Since serums and masks have the highest concentration of active ingredients use of one or both will give you quick and noticeable results. One of our favorite hydrating masks is the Guinot Moisture-Supplying Radiance Mask which is like a big drink of water for the skin! It may be necessary to switch your moisturizer to a richer, creamier version as well. Another easy way to increase your skin’s moisture level is simply by using a hydrating toner before you apply your moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp from the toner so that the moisturizer penetrates easier. If you wear mineral makeup you may also spritz your hydrating toner right over your makeup throughout the day.

3. Change your Makeup Colors and/or textures
Since our skin tone tends to lighten 1 or 2 shades during this time of year we should be sure to adjust our makeup accordingly. Be sure to match your shade to your neck/decollete area. Remember that cosmetics expire so toss your last year’s shade and get a fresh replacement (this is your skin we’re talking about!). If you used a tinted moisturizer during the summer or a light powder, you may like the feel of a creamy liquid foundation now as they tend to be a bit more nourishing. Switch your summer color pallete for a new fall pallete and be sure to use 100% pure mineral makeup (nothing tops Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup)!

4. Don’t Forget your Feet!
We don’t see them so much anymore now that the sandals are out and boots are back in, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect them. Give your toe nails a break from polish to re-hydrate and allow the de-hydration spots (white, dry areas) to grow out. Go in for a natural pedicure to slough off all of the dry skin left over from summer. Instead of polish go for a paraffin wax treatment which will help to seal in moisture and soften skin. Don’t stop applying your foot moisturizer either (remember what your feet looked like when you put your sandals on for the first time this spring!).

5. Last, but not least: Hair
Our hair goes through a lot of stress during summer with sun exposure, chlorinated pools, salt water, sand… and the list goes on. First of all – get a trim to tackle dry, split ends. Our hair needs re-hydration as well just like our skin. Switching to a moisture-boosting shampoo and conditioner as well as the introduction of a deep moisture mask once a week will definitely help. When temperatures dip don’t go out with wet hair as it may freeze then break off. Instead gently towel dry, apply a thermal protection product like KQC Thermal Shine Spray, and blow dry on low-medium heat.

We’d love for you to share your thoughts with us about the topic of this blog! Also, as a special offer for just being a follower of our blog enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter and “Like” our Facebook page! You could be the lucky winner of our many contests!

The Secret to Glowing, Dewy Skin? Moisturizing.

Mositurizers. The last step in any complete skin care routine. This is the product that stays on your skin, so it’s very important that the one you use is appropriate.

It’s often the product that most people dislike the results of and will base their decision of whether or not they like a line on. This isn’t always an accurate judgement as people sometimes buy the wrong moisturizer for their skin.

So in the interest of you being a better consumer we’re going to go over what to look for when choosing a moisturizer.

What is a moisturizer?

Designed to add, you guessed it, moisture to the skin. Whether they’re called lotions, hydrators or creams they all have the same purpose.

Day creams offer hydration and protection, usually in the form of anti-oxidants and sunscreen. They seal and protect the skin, holding moisture in and protecting the skin from the environment. Night creams are more nourishing, they’ll have more active ingredients and take advantage of the skins hyperactive, repairative night-time activities.

You will notice that most professional moisturizers don’t contain SPF. This because Health Canada requires years of testing and thousands of dollars before they grant the DIN to allow SPF to be claimed by a product. Companies like to keep upgrading their formulas. They would have to go throught that process every single time they release a new moisturizer. It’s much more efficient to develop a seperate, approved SPF product. Also chemical SPF’s absorb into the skin and breakdown after two hours in the sun. So you would have to reapply your potentially pricey moisturizer every two hours to be protected.

It just makes more sense for them to be seperate.

Which one for your skin?

Everyone should be moisturizing, even oily skin. The difference is going to whether you are adding water or oil into the skin.

Water based ones are emulsions. They absorb quickly and are glorious for oily and acneic skin. They  counteract the dryness associated anti-acne products.  Look for humectants (they attract and trap water in the skin) like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins or sodium PCA. If oily skin dries out too much it over compensates and produces more oil. For those people it may just be best to apply a light moisturizer at night.

Normal skin types can use the basic, no nonsense ones. In the winter you may want to go for a slightly heavier version, or simply introduce a hydrating serum into your routine. What is not a good idea is trying to use an anti-aging cream that is too rich, too soon. It’s often assumed that if you start with those creams early, you’ll be slowing the signs of aging. If it’s too rich, skin will reject the product in the form of irritation, excessive oil and milia (little white bumps) around the eyes. Leave the mature skin products for mature skin, they are meant to repair and won’t work if the skin is still functioning well. Instead focus on anti-oxidants: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Green Tea, Coenzyme Q 10, or grapeseed polyphenols. These are preventative.

Sensitive skin, look for fragrance and color free products. Fragrance free means no perfumes have been added. If the line is botanical it may have a natural scent from the actual ingredients. That’s okay. If you’re sensitive it’s often difficult to find creams that will deal with any other issues than that. Active ingredients can be too much for fragile ingredients. It’s a matter of trial and error in finding the cream that will work with your skin. See if you can identify over time exactly what it is you react to.

Dry skin.  you want heavier creams that contain emollients or oils to soften, smooth and fill in lines and cracks. They deliver the hydrating ingredients and then trap them  under the cream. A good one will comfort and nourish the skin. Even though they’re heavier, it should never feel greasy on the skin. Look for words like ceramides, lipids and peptides as well as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and squalene.

Mature Skin. At this point you’re wanting to repair and prevent further lines. Look for a combination of anti-oxidants and humectants. On top of that, moisturizers that contain AHA’s, glycolic or Retin A will exfoliate, brighten, smooth and increase absorption of the active ingredients.

Finding the right moisturizer can be daunting at first, so having a good grasp on your skin type and knowing what it is you want to accomplish will help. Skin care consultations can be great, but suggestions can be suspect. FInd a consultant or esthetician that will work with you.

Spa Boutique Client Talks About Her Skin Care Solutions

This is our first client post! Karen is a great contributor to us, she’s very active on our Facebook page and is always helping improve our site. We’re very excited that she participated and shared her skin care success. If you have skin like hers, hopefully this will help you out!

“Greetings makeup enthusiasts! I am excited to share my personal skin care regime, discoveries and difficulties with you. I love how makeup is a global community.  I am a married mother of two gorgeous daughters. Since their births and my on-going medical issues, I have been battling skin changes (eczema, break-outs, dryness, redness and sensitivity).  I found all the mentioned products through Spa Boutique’s Skin Care Analysis.

To wash my face, I use B. Kamins Bio-Maples Vegetable Skin Cleanser. I love how this product removes dead skin cells, toxins, impurities and my night cleanser effortlessly.  The cleanser rinses off nicely.  I use B.Kamins Matte Moisturizer SPF 15 to moisturize my face. A little goes a long way, but if I need more in the drier areas (cheeks, temples, outer edges of face) than I have play. This moisturizer is so non-greasy! Occasionally I apply B.Kamins Antipruritic Cream.  The antipruritic cream does tingle sometimes after application, but will decrease during product effectiveness.  Before bed, I reuse the vegetable cleanser, pat-dry my face and then apply B.Kamins Bio-Maple Night Cream. I really adore this product. There is no irritating scent. It applies and absorbs quickly. It helps calm my face and I notice the anti-aging agents work.

I prefer to use Jane Iredale products to enhance my natural beauty. Her line is categorized as the skin care makeup.  One way to feel expression is through creativity and Jane Iredale helps make that happen!

My face makes a better canvas when I let my morning moisturizer “settle” upon application.  I use her Handi BrushFlocked Sponge to apply Pure Pressed Minerals Pressed Powder Base With SPF 20 (Ivory). This product is a very excellent makeup multi-tasker.  I will try her Warm Silk color next because I want more coverage. I choose Circle Delete Under Eye Concealer Base (1) before and sometimes after the foundation.  First product I find that soothes while covering imperfections.  I use Pure Pressed Blush (Dubonnet) for my cheeks-a wonderful blending product.  My eye makeup includes: 24-Karat Gold Dust Powders (Gold) (I’ll add the Champagne and Bronze colors soon), PurePressed Eyeshadow Trios (Triple Cognac), PurePressed Eye Shadow (Dawn) & ( Bone), and Mary Kay eyeliner in Steely. I’m still hunting for an alternative to the eyeliner. Please note that you can create eyeliners with most powders.  I extend my collection with Antioxidant Hydration Spray. I spray my face differently-sometimes alone without makeup or moisturizer; sometimes before and after final makeup application. Lastly, I spoil my nails with OPI Nail Envy! and

I have noticed a big difference in my skin since using (May-present) B. Kamins and Jane Iredale. My skin is less itchy, irritated and red. I do have my off-days but they usually correct themselves through religious use of the above-mentioned products.

I close by offering hope to all “lost and frustrated” enthusiasts. Keep in touch with Spa Boutique’s Team.  They can happily, honestly and professionally pamper your skin care and makeup needs.”

-Karen

Thank you so much Karen, you’re one of the reasons why Spa Boutique keeps on growing!

If you would like to contribute to our blog,  let me know in the comment section and I can contact you with how to go about it.

Forgotten Areas – Tips on Exfoliating Your Knees and Elbows.

Knees and elbows can possibly be forgotten areas. A few months ago I asked my mom “if you had a chance to turn back the clock, what would you have paid more attention to with regards to your skincare regimen”. And surprising enough she answered, “I wish I took care of my elbows and knees better”. She spent all her efforts on trying to keep her youth in her face and chest area – she did a pretty good job of it too. But looking back, she really wished that she prevented her elbows and knees from the elephant-like, dry and patchy skin she has now.

Dry, dark patches on elbows and knees can be caused by heavy use, leaning on elbows, kneeling all the time, and neglect. You can prevent dry and dark patches by exfoliating and moisturizing your knees and elbows 2 times a week. By doing so you smooth away roughness and dramatically improve skin texture.

Note: You may already be exfoliating your body on a regular basis and know you have to pay more attention to your knees and elbows. (I definitely fall into this category!)

Why Exfoliate?
Exfoliation is an essential step in skin care. When you exfoliate, you’re sloughing off dead skin and exposing the fresher, brighter, younger cells beneath, as well as helping in its natural renewal process. It accelerates the skin renewal process.

Why Moisturize?
Moisturizer helps to form a fine, protective layer that enables the skin to retain the moisture it requires. There can be many damaging side effects of lack of moisture or a dehydrated skin such as; premature wrinkles, fine lines, increased sensitivity, also many skin conditions develop overtime as a result of chronically dehydrated skin.

Basic Tips on Knee and Elbow Care Technique:

• Exfoliate your knees and elbows at least 2 time week, with a loofah and/or scrub. Use a washcloth for mild exfoliation.
• Exfoliate while skin is wet with gentle circular motions.
  Choose exfoliating cleansers that contain ingredients such as apricot micro-particles, cane sugar, ground almonds, pumice, glycolic acid and sea salt.
• Make your own exfoliating cleanser, if you don’t have one on hand (see the home remedies below)
• If your skin is very sensitive, use as little friction as possible and stick to the least abrasive products.
• The milder and more gentle your exfoliating product, the more frequently you can use it.
• Be careful not to over exfoliate, you can run the risk of bursting delicate blood vessels under the skin.
• Never exfoliate your skin if it is sunburned or has open wounds. If you have chronic dry cracked skin on elbows and knees, please see you doctor.
• Apply moisturizing lotion after you exfoliate. Look for moisturizers that have alpha hydroxy – they will continue the exfoliating process because the acids further exfoliate and remove dead skin cells.
• Choose moisturizers that contain ingredients such as alpha hydroxy, sweet almond oil, urea, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
• The best time to moisturize is right after a bathing while the skin is damp, usually within 3 minutes of bathing.

Recommended Product for Elbow and Knee Care:
A great product to use specifically for your elbows and knees is B.Kamins Elbow, Knee and Foot Treatment Kit. It’s a two step treatment system, that, when used in tandem, smoothes away roughness and dramatically improves skin texture on elbows, knees and feet. Its key active ingredients are Pumice (removes dead skin), Apricot Shells (buffs your skin), and it’s Bio-Maple Compound (natural alpha hydroxyl acid), which is well known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties (helps hydrate, brighten and renew the knees and elbows).

If you don’t have a body exfoliator or products at home, you can most likely whip up a homemade product in your kitchen today.

Homemade Remedies for Your Knees and Elbows:

• Brown Sugar Scrub (for normal skin):
  3 tablespoon brown sugar
  1-1/2 tablespoon olive oil

  Mix ingredients in a bowl. Massage the scrub into elbows and knees. Wash off and moisturize.



• Lemon Salt Scrub (for normal skin):
  1 fresh lemon
  3 tablespoon sea salt
  ½ teaspoon olive oil

  Squeeze the juice out of four quarter wedges of a lemon and add sea salt. Scrub into your elbows and knees gently, trying to slough away the dead skin. Then massage each of lemon wedges onto elbows or knees (one each for elbow and knee). Wash off and moisturize.

• Lemon Soft Scrub (for sensitive skin):
  1 fresh lemon
  1 teaspoon baking soda

  Mix fresh lemon juice and baking soda to make a thick paste, apply to dry elbows. Gently rub in to exfoliate the knees and elbows for 5 minutes. Wash off and apply a moisturizer.

Beauty Alert: It is not recommended to use any body exfoliator on your face, as it is ussually too abrasive.

If you have any experiences with treating dry knees and elbows or would like to share anything with us, please post a comment or question below or contact our Esthetician online!
And remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter and “Like” our Facebook page! You could be the lucky winner of our June 2011 Contest! We are giving out five $50 Gift Coupon Codes!

As a Bonus for reading this blog – Use the coupon code BLOG5 for $5 off towards your purchase for something special for yourself!(Minimum $40 purchase) Thanks for Following the Spa Girls!