Posts Tagged ‘phytomer’

BEHIND BEAUTY: ETHICAL QUESTIONS IN BEAUTY & COSMETICS

Last night, in desperate need of an electric pink lipstick, I dashed into the mall to grab one. There were a couple colours to choose from and  when I finally flagged down the lone sales associate, the first (and only) selling feature? “This one has the PETA Bunny on it.” When did our priorities change? No comment about the stunning colour, or glossiness, or lasting time. Instead, the focus was immediately placed on the “ethical” nature of the product.

While I find this to be a reassuring shift, I’m also a little saddened.  It’s 2013, “Cruelty-Free” should be a standard. While I don’t have a flying car in my driveway, shouldn’t I at least have an ethical lipstick? Recently, the EU passed legislation banning the sale of any product tested on animals. Expanding on laws that made it illegal to test products on animals within the EU, they will soon refuse all products tested on animals.

Animal testing is the most well publicized ethical dilemma in the beauty and cosmetics industry. However, there are lots of questions that educated consumers are starting to ask. The “Dirty Dozen”, a group of ingredients pointed out by David Suzuki to be harmful, are on a lot of women’s “avoid” lists. In fact, with the average person using 10 to 20 personal car products a day, it’s important to understand exactly what your using. In fact, most skin care companies have voluntarily removed the parabens from their formulations due to the public distrust. By choosing companies and brands that offer ethical alternatives, we have inspired ethical behavior.

Naturally, looking at the scary list of what all of these  chemical ingredients might do tends to cause consumers to gravitate towards natural or organic products. There are some fantastic brands in these categories that work very hard to ensure they provide results as well as that warm fuzzy feeling. We love Eminence, Jane Iredale, Decleor, GM Collin, Phytomer and several others!

Retailers are constantly monitoring their inventory. Keeping track of which products sell, and which don’t. They use this information to determine which products to stock more of and which brands to stop carrying. As we actively choose ethically responsible brands, stores start stocking more choices. At Spa Boutique, we have responded by providing a natural section as well as ensuring all our products meet our ethical standards.

Does this mean conventional products are bad? No. In fact, most of the active, effective ingredients come from years of laboratory research. For optimal results, clients still gravitate towards premium products with retinol, peptides, and stem cells. However, companies are becoming increasingly aware of how their business practices are perceived by consumers.  Companies like Guinot do their best to ensure “the active ingredients used in our formulations are chosen so as to respect the environment”.

Another big ethical question is cosmetic or elective surgeries and medical treatments, such as Botox. Images from a South Korean beauty pageant recently surfaced online. All of the contestants looked strangely similar. Initially the high rates of elective surgery in Seoul were blamed for giving the women a “cloned” appearance. However, there is now talk that the overall “clone” effect is due more to Photoshop than surgery.

However, The best way to handle these ethical questions is to ask them of yourself:

Do I want a Product Tested on Animals?
Do I prefer a product that is non-natural but free of certain ingredients?
Do I prefer a Product that is Natural/Organic?
Where do I want my products manufactured? In Canada, France, or Overseas?
Are there any symbols, such as the Recycling Circle, PETA Bunny, or Sustainability Leaves on the box?

Once you choose to make ethical skincare and cosmetics a priority, you’ll be surprised to discover how many of your favourite brands already meet your standards!

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

BEHIND BEAUTY: April Showers: Maximize Your Shower Routine!

April Showers Bring May Flowers. Some mornings, stumbling into the shower is less about feeling radiant and glowing, and more about trying to make sure I don’t smell funny before scrambling to catch the bus… Yet, with a good chunk of my morning dedicated to the skin on my face, why am I neglecting the rest of my body. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I vowed to really start focusing on improving and streamlining my shower routine. With a few quick tricks, I was able to optimize my shower time, and even cut it down from 20 minutes to 15! Here are the top 10 ways I managed to Maximize my shower:

1. Wash from Head to Toe.  Start with your hair and work your way to your toes. As you wash, the water carries dirt, excess oil down your body. By moving from top to toe, you keep the water flowing, ensuring your whole body receives optimal cleaning.

2. Choose your shampoo based on your hair needs- not the colour of the bottle. Oily hair needs a regulating shampoo, curly a sustaining & nourishing, coloured extra hydration and support.

3. Most hair only needs to be washed every other day, but the rest of us can’t always wait so long! Try a Principessa Doccia Me Satin Shower Cap shower cap to keep your tresses dry on non-wash days. Want to go a little longer? Add a touch of Joico Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo to refresh your locks.

4. Choose a shower gel or body wash that complements your skin type. This way, you can skip an intense scrub if you’re on the run. When using a body or shower gel, always use a pouf or loufa like this Principessa Shower Pouf. These happy balls of soft netting gently exfoliate as you scrub and help your gel lather into foamy joy. Our Favourite Shower essentials: Eminence Soy Blueberry Body Wash, Burt’s Bees Body Wash, Lacoste Love of Pink Shower Gel and Thalgo Thalgomen Wake-up Shower Gel. Soaps, Shower Gels, and Body Washes are a great way to help balance the pH of your skin. Make sure you choose one that complements your skin type and needs.

5. If you find yourself running out of time and skipping your exfoliation routine, try swapping out your body wash for one that has an exfoliating element. We love Yonka Phyto Gel Exfoliant: Exfoliating Foaming Shower Gel and Aqua Laure Shower Gel with Exfoliating Pearls. Prefer bar soap to gel? The same rule applies. Opt for an exfoliating soap, such as Aqua Laure Shower Brittany Algae Soap (125 g) or Phytomer Seaweed Soap.   

6. Time yourself. Between the warmth of the water and luscious scents, it’s easy to get lost in thought. Try setting a timer or creating a “Shower Playlist”.  Plan a 15 or 20 minute playlist with songs of predictable lengths. That way, when Nancy Sinatra Starts wailing how her ”boots are made for Walking” you know you only have 2 and a half minutes till you have to hop out.

7. Learn to Love Lukewarm Showers. As much fun as the hot, hot water can be- it’s highly damaging to the skin. You can dry out your skin, cause irritation, and accelerate the signs of aging.

8. Struggle to keep your feet smooth? Gently run a pumice stone over your your heels while showering.

9. Always save your shave until the end of your shower. By this point, the warmth from the water will have opened the follicle  allowing for a closer shave with less irritation. Run out of Shaving cream? Try using a dab of conditioner.

10. Moisturize as soon as you finish your shower. Excess oil has been removed, your pores are open and receptive. Immediately after a shower is the absolute best time to apply moisturizers and other creams is immediately after you shower. Choose a body lotion that will work with your skin.   Our top Body Lotions? Eminence Coconut Firming Body Lotion, Cellex-C Body Smoothing Lotion, Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion and Sothys Thalassothys Hydra-Nourishing Body Lotion

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Green Living in the Blue – Phytomer Marine Cosmetics

When it comes to skincare, there seems to be two kinds of products, “Natural” or “Scientific”. Now, I love my naturals, I really do- but there’s always a part of me wondering, where’s the research? Enter Phytomer. Using ingredients derived from seawater, ocean plants, and algae, this scientific company is surprisingly vegan.

One of the leaders in Marine Cosmetic Research, they have a state of the art laboratory in France along with a team of over 20 researchers. Ever since the early 70s, this company has worked to promote skin care through the ocean. Sea water contains a surprising number of trace elements and minerals that the body needs but doesn’t produce. Phytomer has developed around their flagship ingredient, “Oligomer”. A specially developed sodium reduced seawater concentrate, it contains a number of active ingredients to mineralize, strengthen the epidermis, relieve stress, improve product penetrations, and relax. Found in most of their products, it is the hottest thing to come out of the ocean since Ryan Gosling went swimming.

Another key ingredient in Phytomer products is green algae derivatives. One of the fascinating things about algae is that its life-cycle mimics that of human skin. The researchers at Phytomer have figured out how to use the active ingredients from algae, called Chlorella, to promote collagen synthesis and restructure damaged tissue.

Great for the mom to be, most of Phytomer are considered safe for pregnancy (though, as always, make sure you double check with your doctor and esthetician before choosing a product). As they are marine extracts, you won’t find the harsh chemicals, all of their products are certified organic. However, you should stay away from the stronger treatments, opt for a lighter masque and gentle exfoliant.

Along with their at home treatments, they have a full line of spa treatments as well. This professional level line is typically only sold in salons. We are delighted to extend our Anniversary sale on this line until the end of March. Receive 17% off with coupon code: PHYT17

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

BEHIND BEAUTY: Anti-Oxidants, Free Radicals & Ingredients To Look For When Purchasing An Anti-Aging Cream

While Scientists are still struggling to fully explain aging, there are some very prominent theories out there that explain quite a bit of the process. One of the most prominent is the “Free Radical Theory of Aging”.

This theory focuses on free radicals, highly active chemicals that accumulate within the cells as the by-product of many natural chemical reactions. We acquire them through the natural breaking down of food or through the environment, such as breathing cigarette smoke. Once produced, free radicals cause chain reactions within the cell that often cause damage or cell death. While these reactions regulate a number of necessary processes, too many will sap energy from the cells, causing this damage. This often creates the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of firmness. In fact, a variety of research has linked free radicals to Heart Disease, Cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

To counter some of the damaging effects, you need another compound called an “Anti-oxidant”. These molecules help prevent some of the negative actions of free radicals by minimizing their effect. The antioxidant reacts with the free radical, so that only one reaction takes place instead of a cascade. This means the cells use less energy and there is less damage to the cell. There are several anti-oxidant rich foods available. As well as anti-oxidants in most anti-aging creams.  While the theory is constantly being challenged by science as to whether or not it extends lifespan. It has been shown that consuming an increased number of anti-oxidants does slow the signs of aging and leaves skin looking younger. For more information, check out our eating for your skin article here.

While “Anti-Oxidant” has become the buzz word in recent years, there’s a new kid on the block- Retinol-A.  Derived from Vitamin A, this ingredient boosts rate of collagen production, making skin firmer and increase the amount of collagen produced. Usually requiring a prescription, low concentration Retinol- A derivatives are becoming readily available   One of the most effective ingredients at stimulating collagen and visibly reducing the signs of aging, it also treats discoloration  During the 1970s, a similar product, Retinolic Acid was commonly used. However, clients often found the powerful acid too strong and struggled with damage and irritation  Now, this less potent molecule is giving women the fantastic results they crave.

Another key ingredient to look for is Vitamin C or ascorbic acid polypeptide. It’s pure  ”Skin food” and  keeps cells active. This nutrient fights wrinkles and crow’s feet.  Often used to treat deprivation illnesses, such as scurvy  and protect against sun damage, it’s a powerful antioxidant. It strengthens the cell barrier response, reduces inflammation  promotes collagen production, and can sometimes lessen hyper pigmentation. If you notice your skin is feeling dull, try feeding it some Vitamin C.

Finally, there are the Peptides. Short protein-like molecules that work to promote collagen production, increasing skin firmness. There are many kinds of peptides:

- Milk Peptides: Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide: Promotes absorption into the skin
- Acetyl Hexapeptide: Helps to relax facial muscles
- Octapeptides: Work to relax the small muscles under the skin and to reduce tension.

The best anti-aging products will contain a mixture of peptides to give your skin a full range of results.

In your 20s and 30s, the best thing you can do to prevent aging? Wear sunscreen and have an antioxidant rich diet. As your skin changes in your late 30s, early 40s, it’s important to start incorporating anti-aging products into your routine. When purchasing an anti-aging product, make sure to look for one that is a complete system, containing both a serum and a moisturizer. Serums are highly concentrated skin food that penetrate deeper into the skin to fight wrinkles from the inside out.

Here are some of our Staff’s Favourite Anti-Aging Serums:

Guinot Serum Longue Vie Youth Renewing Serum (30 ml)

Vivescence Structural 3D Toning Boosting Concentrate

Phytomer Youth Performance Wrinkle Radiance Serum

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

Best Exfoliants for your Skin Type Part II

Exfoliation: A Refresher Course

Last week, we took a look at the best body scrubs for your skin type. Today, we’re examining Facial Exfoliants.

What is a Facial Exfoliant?

A facial exfoliant or scrub is a gently coarse or acid wash or masque used to remove dry or dead skin cells and brighten the skin. Many masques also contain exfoliating agents.

Mechanical: Like body scrubs, the coarse part of the exfoliant is made from either salt or sugar, although there are a variety of other materials that can be used. Unlike body scrubs, the granules in a facial scrub should feel like rice flour, soft and grainy, instead of a beach. Since you’ll be applying this scrub directly to your soft facial skin, you want to ensure it’s not going to cut or tear. Avoid using body scrubs on your face as the strong formulations can hurt delicate facial skin.

Chemical: This is the second kind of facial exfoliant. Usually consisting of Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acid (AHA or BHA) these exfoliants  aim to dissolve dead skin cells instead of scrubbing them away. The added benefits of these exfoliants is they also dissolve oil and sebum, great on oily skin. Depending on their concentration, chemical exfoliant can be used by all skin types.

What is the BEST Method for applying a Facial Exfoliant?

First, Read the instructions. Many facial exfoliants contain active acids or other ingredients in addition to a physical exfoliant. Some need to be left on for a few minutes and others are washed off right away. Some are activated only when combined with water. The key is to thoroughly read the instructions that accompany the product before using it. How often depends on your skin type. The average is 1-2 a week. However, if you have oily skin, aim for 3 times a week. If you notice your skin developing red patches, decrease the number of times you exfoliate a week.

BEST Facial Exfoliant For Sensitive Skin:

Exfoliating is probably my favourite part of my beauty routine. I’m partial to Laboratoire Dr Renaud Satinage Gentle Scrub and Vivescence Perfect Glow Express Exfoliant The jojoba removes dead cells and stimulates the skin. I love the tingly feeling you get from active and physical exfoliants. Lauren, one of our Estheticians, also picks Vivescence Perfect Glow Express as her personal favourite.

BEST Facial Exfoliant For Oily Skin:

Our team picks Phytomer Gommage Marin: Purifying Gommage Exfoliant. If you’re looking for an acid exfoliant instead of a mechanical, make sure to pick one such as Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel that has BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) as it dissolves oil.

BEST Facial Exfoliant For Normal Skin:

With normal skin, you have the most options (Lucky!). Our most popular exfoliant is Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant with Lactic Acid A mild, organic exfoliant, it’s gentle enough for daily use, while still offering effective cleansing. Looking for something a little stonger? Opt for B.Kamins Glycolic – 10 (50ml) 

 

BEST Exfoliating Masque:

For the ultimate treat in exfoliation, opt for an exfoliating masque. Two of our favourite Masques are the Eminence Rosehip & Maize Exfoliating Masque (2 oz)  and Beauty Through Balance by Ancient Secrets: Acai Facial Exfoliating Mask (60 ml/2 oz.). A masque treatment is one of the quickest ways to see results and refresh your skin!

BEST Cleansing / Exfoliating Tool:

If you’re serious about skincare, the conversation always turns to the Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System. It’s one of the most innovative tools for cleansing and exfoliating. Primarily a cleansing tool, you can also use a gentle exfoliant (avoid manual scrubs especially ones with large grains) to achieve deep exfoliation. As the Clarisonic Mia amplifies the effect of the exfoliant, it’s best not to over exfoliate, and you’ll want to limit the number of times you use the combination to twice a week or less depending on your skin type.

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!