Posts Tagged ‘sunscreen’

BEHIND BEAUTY: TOP 5 SKIN ERRORS

This week we polled our estheticians as to the most common skin errors people make. Some skin care mistakes are more obvious then others, such as a leaving a chemical peel on too long, over tanning, or popping pimples. However, a lot of mistakes stem from not knowing how to correctly use a product, or neglecting to follow a few basic rules.

1. Don’t Skip Steps in Your Beauty Routine

Some days, being beautiful can seem like a tot of work. There’s a reason why models and actresses have a team of people to get them down that red carpet. Most of us have a small bathroom, bad lighting and not enough counter space. But skipping that cleanser or your bi-weekly exfoliating treatment can take a toll on your skin. Oils build up and can cause break outs. Additionally, by skipping your exfoliating treatment, you leave dead skin cells on your face and don’t promote the younger ones to the surface. If you’re using a deep penetrating serum, exfoliation is key to seeing results. Serums work to nourish deep beneath the skins surface. By neglecting to exfoliate, you’re not allowing those nourished cells to rise to the surface. For a busy woman, spending five extra minutes on your skin can seem like a lot. Shift your thinking, it’s not an obligation, it’s a treat! This is pamper yourself time. Invest in a finishing product you love, such as amazing moisturizer (for night) or premium mascara for day.  By finishing with a product you love, you’re more likely to make it through the entire routine. It’s the dessert after a meal!

2. Make Sleep is Sacred

Most adults are not getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep is damaging to your body. You need to rest in order to recover and repair yourself. It also give the light-sensitive active ingredients in your moisturizer a chance to do their job. If your stuggling to get enough sleep, or you just can seem to get to bed before midnight, make sure you’re getting a quality sleep. Make your bed into a restful place. A place for sleep, relaxation and sex, not for work or television. What makes going to bed difficult? Identify The Issue. Then, Correct It. Are the sheets not quite right? Invest in quality sheets and satin pillowcases (they help reduce those pillow wrinkles).  The room too cold? Bump the thermostat or try a small space heater.   By Creating a comfortable space, you’ll relax and fall asleep faster resulting in a longer, better sleep.

Also, don’t sleep with your makeup on. It can ruin those new linens! Plus, your skin needs the break. You put on pajamas to climb into bed, and your skin needs the same. Makeup clogs the pores and inhibits the natural skin cycle. This can cause breakouts and long term damage.  Swap off that foundation for an effective nighttime moisturizer. Your skin will thank you.

3. Always Wear Sunscreen

Sun Damage is the biggest cause of pre-mature aging.  The over exposure to sunlight, especially tanning and burning, can cause the skin to develop wrinkles, brown spots, and a rough, leathery texture. Not to mention dramatically increase your risk for skin cancer.

Just because it’s overcast, is not excuse to skip the sun screen! The sun is the most powerful object in our solar system, the radiation still penetrates the clouds. Plus, the reflective surfaces of buildings and clouds can amplify the effects as the rays bounce against your skin.

Pick a sunscreen that is over SPF 15 with UVA and UVB protection for everyday and one at least SPF 30  for prolonged or direct exposure. The SPF is calculated by how long you can experience sun exposure before skin damage occurs. Usually, based on 10 minute intervals. So, an SPF of 15 would allow a person to spend 150 minutes in the sun before burning. This makes it perfect for everyday use.

Check out some great Sun Protection here.

4. Eat Every Colour!

Often, we get into a rut in terms of what we eat. I know I am a huge sucker for a medium pizza on a Friday Night. But, to keep your skin clear and healthy, you need to make sure what you’re putting into your body matches what your putting on it. When preparing a meal, it’s always good to try and include several skin friendly foods, such as spinach, blueberries, carrots, avocados  cold water fish (such as wild salmon), almonds, flax seeds  tomatoes, sweet potatoes, dark chocolate, mangoes  broccoli, citrus, lean meats, or red wine.  A good trick is to ensure that you have a variety of colours on your plate. Does the plate look a little monochrome? Try adding some chopped veggies to the side of a plate. Or, opt for a bowl of berries for dessert!

5.  Stay Hydrated

Drink water. Most research recommends 6-8 glasses a day. Which is more then a little intimidating. The goal of hydrating for skin health is to prevent dehydration and dryness, as they can exasperate fine lines and wrinkles. Start by adding an extra glass first thing in the morning, before you reach for that cup of coffee.  By keeping your skin hydrated from the inside, your moisturizer will be more effective as it can lock in more moisture. Lately, there’s been a lot of conflicting research when it comes to water. However, it does help remove toxins and keeps your body healthy.

These Simple techniques will radically improve the health of your skin, as well as keeping your body happy too!

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!

 

What’s in your travel bag? Essential Travel Products

With all of the vacationing going on right now I wanted to showcase some of our best products for your travel bag!

Skincare: Let’s face it, when we travel we usually don’t spend the same amount of time on our skincare as we do when we are at home in a routine.  If we bring all of our full-sized products we probably won’t use them and they will just take up extra valuable suitcase space.  I like to keep it simple with the appropriate products – most importantly hydration and sun protection.  I also like to bring an after sun repair product like a hydrating gel mask or some type of healing, hydrating cream for when you’ve been over-exposed.

Excellent Travel Skincare Options:

 

                    

The GM Collin Travel Kits (assorted skin types) come with 3 travel-sized products

The Jurlique Natural Beauty Care Introductory Sets (assorted skin types) come with 4 travel-sized products

   

Jurlique Arnica Cream heals and restores skin that’s been damaged by the elements. It hydrates, cools, and calms the skin.

The Eminence Organics VitaSkin Calm Skin Arnica Masque heals, calms, and soothes the skin.  Keep it in the refrigerator for the ultimate cooling, soothing treatment.

   

GM Collin Sun High Protection Cream SPF30 is a great broad spectrum mineral sunscreen for the body.

Jurlique Sun Lotion SPF30+ is a beautiful, light, broad spectrum sunscreen with antioxidant protection.

Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals SPF30 provide you with a pure mineral dry sunscreen that doesn’t get absorbed into the skin. It’s great for travel because it comes with a built-in brush!

 

Onesta Nourishing Bath Gel is natural and deeply hydrating with green tea, shea butter, and ginseng.  It comes in a perfect for travel 2oz bottle!

Onesta Lavender Hand & Body Lotion will calm, sooth, and hydrate skin with natural extracts of avocado, carrot, linden tree, and lavender essential oil.

Hair Care: Hair care can definitely be heavy so it’s all about travel-sizes! Your hair is most likely going to be a bit more dry and damaged from sun, ocean, and pool exposure so choose hydrating, repairing hair products.

Our favorite travel hair care products:

    

Macadamia (sulphate-free) Shampoo, Conditioner, and healing oil treatment in travel sizes.  Infused with macadamia nut and argan oil, these products are terrific for hydrating and protecting your hair.

Lakme Teknia Sun Care Daily Protection Spray protects and treats your hair from UV exposure, sea salt, and chlorine.

Nail Care: You’ve probably had your manicure and pedicure in preparation for your travel so the only thing you really need to worry about is maintaining and protecting.  I recommend bringing along a top coat and re-applying it every couple of days to really keep your color sealed in.  I’m not going to recommend that you bring your foot cream because I already know it’s one of those things that just won’t get used!

Great top coat:

The Seche Vite Top Coat also comes in a mini size.

I guess the only thing left is a case to put everything into!

Mica Beauty Cases

Bon Voyage!

 

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below.  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!

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t neglect the largest organ of all! Tips for anti-aging and healthy skin for the body

 

Yes, the skin is the largest organ of the body.  It protects us from outside aggressors and is subject to repeated attack and exposure to the elements.  Most of us are pretty good about caring for the skin on our face (even if it’s just applying a protective moisturizer or sunscreen), but truthfully most of us just don’t pay the same amount of attention to the skin on the rest of our body.  Why? Here are a few possibilities:

•The skin on the face shows signs of fatigue, stress, hormonal imbalance, improper diet, illness, age, etc., but the skin on the body doesn’t show these signs as readily or at least until much later on

•It can be hard to find time

•We just don’t think about it

•It’s cheaper and easier just to forget about it

So what happens is suddenly one day we start to notice that the skin on our body isn’t quite as firm as it used to be, it begins to sag, perhaps we notice lines and wrinkles, we begin to see those dreaded age spots, and we realize that the scar we got that one time when we fell down on a tree branch when hiking – it’s pretty ugly!  We think ‘Oh no! Why didn’t I take care of my body?’.

It doesn’t matter what age you are, if you’re not caring for the skin on your body, it’s time to start! Here’s how:

1. SUN PROTECTION

This is number one and in all caps for a reason.  UV exposure is the number one cause of skin damage, disease, and aging, period.  Use of an SPF every single day of the year on exposed skin is absolutely essential.  UV exposure (daylight exposure) activates an enzyme in our skin that breaks down our collagen and elastin fibers as well as promotes melanin synthesis leading to color irregularities.  What does almost every single one of my clients say about sun protection? Here is the most common conversation we have about it:

Me: Do you use SPF daily?

Client: Yes.

Me: What kind?

Client: I have SPF in my moisturizer/foundation/sunscreen lotion.

Me: Do you re-apply every 2 hours since it gets absorbed/worn off? Is your makeup a pure mineral powder with Zinc & Titanium Dioxide?

Client: No.

Me: Then you are really only protected for the first couple of hours of each day.

Client: I didn’t think about that!

Tip: Apply broad spectrum sunscreen every day of the year to exposed skin on face and body (think neck, decolletage, arms, hands) and re-apply every 2 hours.  Apply pure mineral sunscreen powder to exposed skin daily (re-apply as necessary after washing, swimming, sweating etc.).  Stay in the shade as much as possible and if you must tan, do it sunless (self tan products).

My favorite sun protection products for the body are:

                                      

 

Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF Dry Sunscreen   Eminence Organics Tropical Vanilla Body SPF32

2. Antioxidant Protection & Hydration

Free radical damage is another factor that leads to skin aging and disease.  We are all exposed to free radicals everyday (some people more than others, depending on environment and lifestyle).  Antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can cause cellular damage.  As we all know, certain foods we eat contain antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, etc.) which build up our immunity and protect our bodies from disease.  Since the skin is the last organ to receive it’s share of antioxidants from food, it’s extremely beneficial to apply antioxidants to the skin topically as well.

Dryness and dehydration of the skin aren’t pretty and they also lead to quicker skin aging. Also, skin is more susceptible to outside attack when it is lacking the moisture (lipid) barrier.  Keeping the skin moisturized is key in maintaining skin health and protection.

Tip: Choose a moisturizer that contains ingredients with high antioxidant properties.  Use a soap/detergent/sulphate-free body wash to avoid stripping the skin of it’s natural hydration.

My favorite antioxidant moisturizer and body cleanser is:

                        

Spa Binge Organics Natural Vanilla       Zona Moroccan Rose Bagnogel

Cocoa Body Shea Rich Cream                     Gentle Body Wash

3. Exfoliation

Exfoliation removes dead, dull cells from the surface of our skin which immediately softens and brightens the skin.  It also speeds up our skin’s natural cell turnover rate which slows down greatly as we age.  A slow cell turnover rate makes your skin look dull and tired with uneven texture and tone.  You may find that wounds don’t heal as fast and scars don’t fade as quickly as before (if ever).  Keeping your skin exfoliated will also allow your products to penetrate easier and therefore work better at treating and protecting your skin.

My favorite body exfoliation products are:

                 

 

Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub     Aromatherapy Associates Dry Body Brush

Remember that whatever we apply to our skin gets absorbed into our body so try to avoid products with artificial fragrance, color, and chemicals.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below.  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!

 

 

After sun skin care in 3 steps

I’ve just returned from spring break in Cancun, Mexico and even though I used sun protection, my skin needs some serious TLC!  I feel for those people who were laying out covered in oil every day (yes, there were many).  I can just imagine the long-term damage they have now done to their skin.  I want to share with you 3 steps in caring for your skin after it’s been over-exposed to the sun.

Your skin is probably flaky, dry, tight, and maybe even peeling.  Your first thought may be that you want to exfoliate to remove that dead skin, but it’s not a good idea in the beginning as your skin has probably burned and will need to recover before you can give it a good scrub.

Step 1: Hydrate and Soothe

Your first priority is healing the burn and re-hydrating the skin.  When your skin is dehydrated or dry it is lacking the lipid shield which prevents outside aggressors from entering your skin and causing damage – even infection.  Use healing, calming, and hydrating products in the beginning until your skin recovers from the redness and sensitivity.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Once your skin has healed from burn damage, you can begin to exfoliate to remove the built up layer of dead skin cells.  Your skin may feel thicker, look dull and tired, and show signs of pigmentation (freckles).  I like to use 2 different types of exfoliators interchangeably for my face: physical and enzymatic.  A physical exfoliator is your typical ‘scrub’ type exfoliator that uses abrasion to polish the surface of the skin.  An enzyme exfoliator can be a plant enzyme-based or hydroxy acid-based ‘peel’ type exfoliator.  For the body you can choose a scrub, an exfoliating glove, or a loofa.  Be sure to apply a moisturizer afterward as it will now be able to penetrate the skin more readily.

Step 3: Even Out Skin Tone

If you notice dark spots or irregular freckles on your skin you’ve probably experienced some pigmentation damage called hyperpigmentation (light spots are called hypopigmentation).  This is a result of UV exposure and unfortunately can be very stubborn to treat.  For mild pigmentation you may begin a skincare regime that involves a gentle (probably plant-based) skin brightener.  Vitamin C in some forms is also said to be a great skin brightener (among other things).  For more noticeable and hard to treat pigmentation you may want to use a skincare regime using stronger skin brightening ingredients such as arbutin or hydroquinone.  For best results you will also incorporate an appropriate exfoliation routine.  When using any skin brightening products it is very much recommended to avoid sun exposure and use broad spectrum SPF religeously.  Always check with your dermatologist or esthetician before beginning any intensive skincare regime.

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!