Posts Tagged ‘Skincare’

Behind Beauty: Hormones And Your Skin, What Happens As You Age

The word “Hormonal” gets tossed around a lot in the beauty industry. But what exactly does it mean? How do hormones effect your skin? What can you do to stave off unwanted effect?

Hormones are chemicals produced in your body that help to regulate a variety of natural functions. The most familiar are estrogen, adrenaline, progesterone and testosterone. These naturally occurring chemicals help with metabolism, regulate fertility cycles, control hunger cravings, and much more.

There are four major times that hormones effect significant changes on a woman’s skin:

Puberty and The Teen Years

One of the first major hormone shifts occurs during puberty. The production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone increases, stimulating growth and triggering reproductive cycles. Unfortunately, this can also cause an over production of sebum, the primary cause of teen acne.

Estrogen has a lot of positive functions for your skin as well. It helps to decrease pore size, build collagen, heal skin, build elastin, and maintain moisture. This helps to keep your skin strong and healthy.

Testosterone, another key hormone, is primarily responsible for teenage acne. Triggering the expansion of pores, hair growth and sebum production,  this hormone allows the teenage face to become prime real estate for acne causing bacteria.

Hormones are also impact mood and rapid changes in hormone levels can cause mood swings.

During The Fertility Cycle

While in your 20s and 30s, women will notice their skin clams down. Gone are oily teen faces. Instead, they may have to deal with the occasional monthly breakout as her hormone levels cycle. Right before ovulation, estrogen and testosterone levels spike. If your hormones are slightly out of balance (more testosterone than estrogen), this can your sebum levels to rise, resulting in breakouts.

Cortisol, caused by stress, is another hormone that can trigger breakouts. Still, for the most part skin is healthy and strong. Make sure to toss on the sunscreen to protect from UVA and UVB Rays!

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is produced in a large quantity  Almost 10-20 times more than usual! The exact reasons why skin is effected by progesterone are unclear. However, it can effect the skin in several ways. Some women find their skin is constantly glowing, while other suffer with breakouts.

Menopause

As women approach menopause, they start to produces less estrogen. This slows collagen and elastin production. The skin cycle beings to slow. Instead of skin cells taking 30 days to replenish, they take 45. This means a more intensive skincare regime is required to keep your skin cells healthy.

When you reach menopause, the production of progesterone stops and the body starts producing a weaker version of estrogen. Skin is unable to produce the same levels of collagen or elastin. The skin thins and loses its suppleness. It can also take on a dull or dry appearance.

The rate of testosterone production stays the same which can cause unwanted hair growth or acne.

 

 

Understanding the role hormones play is key to choosing your skin care. As you age, look for products that will manage these issues. Notice you get that pimple right before your period? Or you skin isn’t looking as bright as it did in your 40s? These visual indicators can help you understand your body’s natural cycles.

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!

 

3 Best Organic or Natural Skin Care Products for Spring

Spring, is a fantastic time to examine your skin care routine. As the weather begins to change, your skins needs change with it. Instead of needing the intense moisture you typically need in winter. Look for products that offer hydration and revitalizing nutrients. Being inside during the grey wintry months can leave skin under nourished and dull. By choosing a nutrient rich moisturizer, you help to restore the natural beauty of your skin.

To celebrate Earth Day, this week I swapped out the majority of my cosmetics for natural ones. I have a tendency to accumulate samples and travel sizes, so I had quite a few available. As the end of the week is approaching, there are definitely a few that will be finding a permanent home in my Spring Skin Care routine!

Eminence Thermal Spring Whip Moisturizer

Spring in Vancouver tends to jump between incredibly cold and windy to bright sunny days with little warning. I still like a Thicker moisturizer, one that is going to help repair wind damage, and keep me feeling dewy soft. The scent is fresh and light, peppermint but not overwhelming.  One thing that makes this cream perfect for spring is that it offers both hydration and healing. It works with Sage, and anti-inflammatory  and Horsetail, full of healing, tissue strengthening, flavinoids, to leave skin smooth, clear and ready for what ever the weather.

Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser

During a recent interview with Cosmo, Emma Stone mentioned her love for Burt’s Bees, especially their cleansers. A relitively new line to Spa Boutique, I’ve been using Burt’s Bees since I was in High School. In fact, the shimmers and tinted balms were the only lip colour my mom would let me buy. (Lipstick was banned pretty much until prom!). Recently, they’ve started carrying a variety of natural skincare products, most of which are at least 90% natural, if not 100%.

The reason why I’m singling out this cleanser, other than Emma’s recommendation, is the natural exfoliation that helps clear away   the winter skin. This allows your fresh spring glow to shine through! Plus, it removes most makeup (except waterproof mascara).

GM Collin Bio Organique Energizing Mask: Masque Energisant

My midweek treat is to do a deeply hydrating masque. I find the weekend gets so packed, that I barely have time to get laundry done let alone fit in a little me time. Instead, I set aside an hour either Wednesday or Thursday while my husband gets dinner ready and sneak off to spa-land.

GM Collin, makes a fantastic soothing, hydrating masque that really focuses on restoring a healthy glow to tired and dull skin.  Winter always leaves me feeling drained and this masque helps brighten my skin. This week, I really enjoyed switching my regular masque (Laboratoire Dr Renaud Hydrascience Multi-hydrating Mask – Masque Multi-hydratant Hydrascience) for this one. It left even my skin glowing! I’m not sure if I’m ready to completely switch over, but it’s a fantastic treat when you really need that boost of nutrition.

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!

GUEST BLOG: The Benefits of Re-Hydration

Today’s Guest Blog was Written by Sherina Jamal CEO of Ancient Secrets Inc and developer of the Beauty Through Balance

After coming through colder temperatures skin on the face and body can become imbalanced, dry and dehydrated! As we prepare for warmer weather this is a great time to think about ways to naturally restore hydration and skin’s overall tone & texture.

So let’s talk re-hydration….

A product that claims to re-hydrate should offer ingredients that are small enough to penetrate and bring moisture into the skin to correct and re-balance the lipid barrier and moisture levels. Other supportive ingredients such as butters, natural plant oils, extracts and essential oils can offer nourishment, increased moisture and improved skin texture

One of the most superior ingredients that can offer this is Hyaluronic acid.  This ingredient can hold 100x its weight in water and has the ability to draw moisture into the skin.  It not only offers re-balancing of moisture levels but also can address signs of age.  Products from the Beauty Through Balance Spa line, such as the Glacial Revitalizing Mist and Hydra Skin Renewal Gel Mask both contain hyaluronic acid as well as Vitamin C, green tea, and seaweed. Both products  can be used on face & body by all skin types to re-hydrate, re-balance, soothe and repair!

The Glacial Revitalizing Mist is not only a gentle skin re-balance/mild toner but can also be applied before and after make-up application and will leave skin hydrated with a natural glow! Check out our new Gift With Purchase Promotion to see how you can receive a FREE travel size Glacial Revitalizing Mist.

Don’t forget that drinking enough water and eating mineral rich foods such as green leafy organic vegetables and seaweed can play a key role in keeping the skin re-hydrated and re-balanced!

 

*Written by Sherina Jamal CEO of Ancient Secrets Inc and developer of the Beauty Through Balance spa line locally made in BC Canada. Sherina is an established educator in the areas of natural skin care and ingredients and her articles have been published in top spa, health and beauty magazines. 

 

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: SUMMER’S COMING: A FEW TIPS TO CONQUER CELLULITE

With summer around the corner, it’s important to start getting your beach bod ready. If you’re like 90% of women, this probably means tackling your cellulite. But what is cellulite? Why do we get it? How can it be prevented? Every day, millions of women struggle with these very questions. Today, we’re offering answers.

What is Cellulite?

This lumpy, bumpy skin that tends to resemble the surface of an orange is caused when fat cells press against the vertical connective tissue. Often, this results in the dimpled texture. Cosmo Magazine even compares the effect to you skin pushing through fishnet stockings.

It’s not just an excess of fat that causes cellulite. In “The Cellulite Solution”, Dr. Murad argues that, “cellulite is caused by skin that has deteriorated to the point that buoyant fat cells are able to push into the dermis, the middle layer of skin, and show through the surface.” (pg. 8) Murad believes that to truly treat cellulite, the entire body must be brought into focus.

Most commonly occurring on the thighs and buttocks, there are many theories as to why people get Cellulite. Science has managed to narrow it down to genetics, hormones, lifestyle, diet, and clothing.

How Do I Prevent Cellulite?

There is no magic formula to living cellulite free. However, there are a lot of way you can reduce your chances of developing an uneven skin texture.

First, minimize your intake of saturated fats, junk food, diet pop, sugar and salt. Overly processed foods contain bad fats that accumulate on the body, increasing your chances of developing cellulite. Salt encourages your body to retain fluids instead of passing them naturally. This can increase the appearance of cellulite.  By decreasing the amount of bad fats in your diet, your body will be healthier. Additionally, opt for skin nourishing foods, such as berries, avocado, almonds, and cold water fish.

Most importantly, drink lots of water, about 8 8oz glasses a day. This helps to clear toxins from your body. Hiding between layers of fat cells, toxins can make cellulite look more pronounced. Cut out smoking and decrease your alcohol intake as both these habits add toxins to your body and can aggravate cellulite. Also, limit caffeine. A chemical that actively constricts blood vessels, caffeine can make  your cellulite worse.

How Do I Fight Cellulite?

Exercise 
Combine moderate aerobic exercise with strength training. Aerobic exercise helps to eliminate the fat cells causing cellulite. However, as our bodies require fat cells to function, it’s difficult to completely eliminate cellulite through aerobic exercise alone.  By increasing muscle tone through strength training, skin texture even out. The new muscle cells help to fill in the gaps.

Body Brushing 
Choose a brush with soft, natural bristles and a long handle. Thoroughly brush your entire body. The brushing helps to exfoliate the skin and increase blood flow. This helps cellulite by bringing nutrients and oxygen to the outer layer of the skin. By keeping skin healthy and strong, cellulite decreases. Use on a daily basis, moving from the toes up and finishing with your hands. Avoid brushing your face, as the bristles can harm delicate facial skin.

Massage
Like body brushing, Massage is a great way to stimulate circulation and drain away any excess fluids. It also loosens and softens the cells beneath the skin to help even out the surface texture.

Supplements
Adding a supplement or multi-vitamin to your routine will help to improve overall health as well as skin texture. Some brands produce supplements designed specifically to fight cellulite.

Topical Creams & Treatments
Cellulite products help treat some of the surface issues, but should be combined with deeper treatments, such as massage, bod brushing, and dietary adjustments. Some of the best creams contain caffeine. While on the inside this ingredient can aggravate cellulite, used as a topical treatment, it firms skin and helps improve texture.

Laser Treatment
A little on the extreme and expensive side, there are a variety of laser treatments available and results very greatly from person to person.

There are so many products on the market to treat, fight, and prevent cellulite. We polled our staff and here are their top recommendations:

Golden Moor Scorpion Brush A brush that uses 137 massaging fingers to stimulate the skin to reduce the look of cellulite.
Aromatherapy Associates Body Brush The brushing action immediately stimulates circulation and boosts cell renewal which effectively improves skin tone and texture by removing toxins.
Murad Skin Care The Cellulite Solution A fantastic book that outlines simple changes that can drastically reduce and repair cellulite.
Cellex-C Body Smoothing Lotion Minimizes the appearance of cellulite while helping to tone and firm sagging skin, giving the skin a smoother, sleeker appearance in 5 to 8 weeks
Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Body Scrub A coffee based scrub that cleans and tones to invigorate and revive dull looking skin.
Thalgo Celluceane Supplement – Anti Cellulite, Heavy Leg These are the ingredients that sea has to offer to work on your legs making them look beautiful and shapely, so regain light and energized legs and diminish any unflattering curves.

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: FRECKLES, BEAUTIFUL OR BLEMISH

The three small freckles along my jaw have always been a feature I considered kinda cute.  With a few more along my arms, my freckles are  an adorable little quirk rather than a feature. As a child, I was always jealous of my friends with their gorgeous freckles across their cheeks. There is something so happy about these little spots!  However, not everyone feels the same way. In fact, a recent genetic study on freckles in China stated they are “Cosmetically disfiguring”. That seems a little harsh, doesn’t it? When I started speaking with my friends with more prominent freckles, I heard both sides. Some love their spots, other long to make them disappear.

What Are Freckles?

Freckles are flat spots of discolouration on the skin. These cellular clusters contain melanin, causing the skin to darken. Cells that produce the skin darkening agent melanin are called melanocytes. Instead of being spread evenly through out the skin, they are clumped together. When exposed to sunlight, people with evenly spread melanocytes tan, while those with clusters, freckle.

What Causes Freckles?

A large component to freckles are genetics. There is a gene, called the MC1R which is responsible for converting colour protiens from pheomelanin (the red pigment) into eumelanin (the brown pigment). When this gene is ‘broken’ the pigment stays red, often causing red hair and freckles. Often, but not always. There’s still a lot about Freckles that scientists don’t understand.

Additionally, non-red-haired people often have freckles. Everyone has two coppies of their genes, one recieved from their mother and one from their father. Sometimes one of the MC1R genes is ‘broken’ and the other functions normally. This can cause a red-haired person with no freckles, or a non-red-haired person with freckles.

Plus! A recent study in China found that another gene, on chromosome 4q32–q34, may also be responsible for freckles.

Are Freckles Beauty or Blemish?

As with most questions, it comes down to personal preference. As a slightly freckled person, I’ve always longed for a few more. Celebrities like Emma Watson, Emma Stone, Conan O’Brien, and Lucy Liu all rock their freckles on screen and off. However, not everyone feels the same. As kids, we are often teased for being different and freckles, definitely make you stand out! Many young girls (and boys) develop insecurities from this teasing and carry those into adulthood. Models and actresses are noted for what makes them special and often the very feature that they were picked on for becomes their biggest asset.

Still find yourself fixated on your freckles? Don’t let them get you down! Try to shift you thinking from “My Freckles are Ugly” to “My Freckles aren’t my best feature, but I love my [Eyes, Legs, Hair]” Find a feature you love and emphasize it. While it may not take your mind off your freckles completely, at least you’ll know your hair looks fantastic!

How do I Get Rid of Freckles?

Freckles, like any other feature, can be enhanced or concealed depending on the occasion. Looking for a a bolder statement? Opt for a tinted sunscreen and light powder instead of a full foundation. Want to soften you freckles? Try liquid or cream foundation and spot treat with concealer. Finish with a pressed powder.

Sun exposure cause freckles to develop. Your cells react to the stress of sun exposure by producing melanin. Opt for a strong sunscreen and clothing that offers maximum coverage, such as a large hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.

Can a cheetah change its spots or a Tiger its stripes? Because freckles are caused by protein production at a cellular level, they can never be completely eliminated. However, some treatments will lessen their appearance:

Eminence Stone Crop Body Lotion

Jurlique Purely Bright Spot Treatment

VivierSkin Hyperpigmentation System

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!