Toning - Why Skipping This Step Is Doing You More Harm Than Good

Every time I see a new client at my spa, they fill out a detailed consultation form. On this form I ask them to check off all of the products they are using in their current regimen. And you know what one I see skipped the most often? Toner. But why? If I were to ask my clients why they're skipping the toner I would get a range of answers including "it dries out my skin", "I don't see the point of it" and probably a few who just want to cut time or cut costs. But what are the consequences of skipping this step in your skin care regimen? The truth is most people have no idea what a toner even does! It's a common misconception that toners contain alcohol to "dry out" the skin and help prevent breakouts. True, MANY traditional toners did contain alcohol, and this is what they were recommended for in the 80s and 90s. But today's toners are of a different breed and can actually boost the results of your other skincare products. So what IS the purpose of a toner? It's to remove residue from my cleanser, right? Sorry, wrong again... There should be no residue left from your cleanser if you are rinsing properly, so you don't need a toner for this purpose. A soft wash cloth can do that for you.

Here are the THREE benefits to using a toner:

#1. It balances the pH of your skin. Remember in grade 7 science class when we learned about acids and bases and made those volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar? Well our skin, is naturally slightly acidic, and if you remember from science class, water is neutral, and therefore more alkaline than our skin. Have you ever noticed that after you get out of the shower your skin can feel tight? Well it's not dry... I mean you just got out of the shower, right? It's too alkaline. Throw an alkaline cleanser in the mix and you've got some upset skin if you don't do something about it. So what do most of us do? We slap some moisturizer on there. There that should do it, right? Which leads me to #2....

#2. Your moisturizer cannot work effectively if the skin is not balanced. Not only is your moisturizer meant to add hydration to the skin, but it's also meant to help lock in what moisture is already there, but if it's fighting an unbalanced pH, it can't penetrate effectively into the layers of the skin to do it's job. Plus, the added hydration from the toner means that you will need less moisturizer to spread onto the skin, so your products will go further and last longer, actually saving you money!

#3. Toners contain added vitamins and nutrients for the skin, so it's one more step to nourish your skin. Plus, you can even apply it throughout the day and over makeup to give a boost of hydration, refresh skin, and to set your makeup!

So if you've been skipping the toner, it's time to add it back into your routine! Stop by the spa and find out which toner is best for your skin type!

If Only Toning Our Abs Was This Easy!

Our Skin Fit Facial has arrived at Skin Studio Spa, and it has people asking - what is this fancy new device and how does it work?

This new Facial incorporates our existing LED Therapy and amazing organic products with the incredible benefits of micro-current technology.
Micro-current has been widely used for over 30 years by physicians, occupational therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists - but once it's tissue repairing capabilities were discovered, it was quickly introduced to the aesthetics industry for facial rejuvenation. It has since been proven that micro-current helps accelerate healing, increase circulation, and improve muscle tone, among other benefits.

First, the science-y stuff...
As you may or may not know, as we age, our cell turnover rate slows, and more and more of our skin cells become damaged. All damaged cells are deficient in a coenzyme known as adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is the cell's main energy source and is essential in the healing process. When we apply micro-current to the skin, it helps increase circulation and ATP within the cells and therefore allow nutrients to flow to the damaged cells and build new proteins. It is also believed that as we age, the body's natural electrical current becomes "misdirected", and by applying micro-current we can reprogram the muscles back to their original shape. Because the technology works in harmony with our body's natural functions, the result is dramatically increased elastin fibres, (both in number and length), as well as collagen thickness and number of blood vessels in the skin. Overall, the result is firmer, tighter, more youthful skin.


So how does this treatment compare to other anti-aging treatments on the market?
Well, what if I told you, you could get the results of a face lift without surgery, or even the prick of a needle? For years, doctors have been turning to Botox and fillers to mimic the effect of a brow lift for example, but with micro-current we can create the same great results, without the side effects! We can even slim the jawline, define the cheek bones, and smooth common expression lines between the brows and in the naso-labial fold. Over time, Botox injections can cause the muscle to atrophy, so even though micro-current can mimic the results of Botox, it can also be a beneficial complementary treatment to provide "plumpness" to the muscle and generate controlled muscle activity. Just remember to allow two-weeks post injections prior to going for a micro-current facial.

Think of micro-current as your personal trainer for your face. It strengthens and tones facial muscles, among many other benefits, and has even been dubbed the "pilates for your face"! Makeup artists love to keep NuFace in their kit to help create a more almond shaped eye, and a more dramatic arch in the brow. In as little as five minutes they can tighten, and create a gentle lift, and even help you look more awake! Oh, and don't worry, the current works below the sensation threshold, so you will only feel a slight tingling sensation, if anything at all - in fact, many clients fall asleep during their facial!

Ready to give it a try? Click here to book our SKIN FIT FACIAL or WOW BROW now!

            

An Open Letter...

This is an open letter to all the women who are too embarrassed to go to the spa.

Listen... I got into this industry so I could empower women and make them feel beautiful! So to all the women who have ever gotten on my table and apologized - stop it. To all the women who have never gotten on my table because they couldn't bear the thought of a stranger seeing their deepest insecurities - stop it. I will speak for MOST Estheticians when I say we did not get into this industry to judge you for not being perfect - we got into this industry because we wanted to make you feel perfect just the way you are! Our job is to enhance what you've already got so that you can see how beautiful you really are.

I get it... you are vulnerable when you're on my table. You come in here with no makeup on, and then I have the nerve to shine a bright light over your face, and look at it through a magnifying lamp. But I remind you - I am not judging your face/skin/chin hair/whatever, I am assessing your skin, and listening to your concerns so I can create a game plan for you. I will then customize an amazing facial for you and educate you on how to target those concerns at home, and take care of you, and your largest organ - your skin.

Sometimes you come here, because you've got hair. So don't apologize for being hairy. A please don't apologize to me that I have to look at your vagina to make a living. I choose this career, and I'm not sorry one bit! Don't apologize for asking if I can wax your tummy while I'm at it, or the extra hair on your buttocks. If it bothers you, I remove it, you feel more confident - whether it's for your own comfort, or so you can feel more comfortable in the bedroom is none of my business, and really doesn't matter, as long as YOU are happy.  You see, we're people pleasers, us Estheticians. All we want is to see a big giant smile on your face when you leave our spa.

You're not the first person to have hair on your lip, chin, cheeks, forehead, nipples, tummy, back, buttocks.... you name it - I've seen it before. It doesn't bother me. It's my job - it's what I am here for! So just ask! And if you're not sure what a Brazilian wax is, or if you want one, just ask me - I will answer any and all your questions until YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.

Please, don't be shy. If you always wanted to try XYZ, but you're not sure what it's all about, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, ask questions, and just try it! I promise you won't regret it. You may even want to make it a monthly endeavor!

The BEST Products For Your Skin!

Yesterday I had a client ask me a very good question...
"Every place that I go for a facial, the Esthetician tells me that her product is the best. How do I know what's actually best for me and my skin?"

First of all - let me assure you, we are not just telling you our product is the best in order to lour you in with false promises to make a quick buck. We genuinely believe that OUR PRODUCT IS THE BEST. So how do you know which product is actually the best?? Well, what's "best" is going to be different for everyone, and will be dependent on your beliefs/ lifestyle/ preferences/ what's important to you, and so much more!

So, where do you begin when searching for a product for your skin? Let me tell you where I began...

First of all, as a skincare professional, I have tried and worked with several professional grade lines, and like all human beings, what works for me is what I'm going to recommend to my friends, my family, and of course, my clients. I was first introduced to Eminence Organic Skincare approximately 8 years ago, and fell in love with the line! Not only was my skin clear, healthy and glowing but the philosophies behind the brand really caught my attention (more on that later!). Although I only worked with the line for a short time, I came back to certain products again and again, and I knew that if I ever got to choose a product line to work with, this would be it! Fast forward to 2014, I was ready to open my doors as Skin Studio Spa and the first person I called was Darlene at Eminence. I was looking for a location for my spa, and because Eminence doesn't like to over saturate the market I couldn't be too close to another Eminence spa. So I told her the address of the location I had my heart set on to see if they would allow it, and boldly told her - "Eminence is my ONLY choice for skincare so if I have to choose between Eminence and my location, I'll move." Thank my lucky stars they approved me so I got my favourite product line to AND a great location!

I remember opening those jars and feeling nostalgic - "I remember this smell!", "I used to love this masque!". Something about the scentual (yes I made that word up) experience you get with an Eminence facial just keeps you coming back for more!

When considering what's important to you in a skincare line, there are so many factors to consider! Here are a few reasons Eminence is, and always will be my go to line - and why I truly believe it should be yours too!

• They were organic, before it was "cool". And not just "we-use-organic-lavander-oil-so-we-can-call-ourselves-organic" organic. Eminence is actually true to the definition, organic-because-it's-the-heart-and-soul-of-the-company organic. I never have to worry about a product being toxic or carcinogenic, and all of their products are safe for pregnant/ nursing mamas and children alike.
• They're eco-friendly! They have their own solar and wind powered farms in Hungary where growing practices are closely monitored, not only for the production of quality ingredients, but also for the better interest of the land so soil is always nutrient rich and never deprived. Plants are hand picked and products are hand made. The warehouse looks like your grandmothers cold cellar with mason jars of luscious strawberries, blueberries, pears, and so much more! There are several efforts that the brand takes to ensure they are minimizing their carbon footprint - check their site for more details on that!
  www.eminenceorganics.com/ca/green-company
• Active ingredients! Usually when you look at the ingredient deck for any skincare product, the first ingredient is water, followed by a bunch of fillers, and then the active ingredients. Not with Emience. No, my friends, Eminence doesn't believe in selling you a fancy jar of water. You get nothing but skin beneficial ingredients, and if you choose, you can run your fingers under the tap and add a little water yourself! 
• They're Canadian! I bet you didn't know that Eminence is right here in the Great White North, calling beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia their home. So you can feel good about supporting your fellow Canadian and our economy :).
• They give back! For every product you purchase Eminence plants a tree! Plus they have many other programs they take part in, including their children's charity "Eminence Kids" where they help provide healthy, organic food to sick children around the world. 
• There's something for everyone. Did you know that Eminence has 33 (thirty-three!) moisturizers? And you thought there were only 3 skin types (oily, combination or dry)! Ha! There are an array of smells, textures and sensations with every product in the line, so rest assured if you don't fall in love with one Emienence product after trying it, there will be another one that will fit all your wants and needs!
• They support me. This may not be as important to you as a consumer, but consider the following... If a skincare company supports small businesses (and your favourite Esthetician!), this means we can keep providing the excellent care and service that you love. Eminence provides me with the knowledge to effectively recommend treatments and homecare products for you, provides free samples and GWPs (gifts with purchase), plus they have a handy Spa Locator on their website that helps Eminence lovers find a retailer in their area quickly and easily!
• Tens of thousands of people can't be wrong! With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 14,000 Instagram followers and almost 6,000 Twitter followers - Eminence certainly has a lot of raving fans, including me :).

So after hearing all of the reasons why I love Eminence and you love it too - if you want to find the products that are best for your skin, come in for one our signature Organic Hungarian Facials and let me create a customized homecare regimen for you. 

Still not sure what's right for you? I recommend you find an Esthetician that you trust, and listen to her advice. She knows skin, and she has likely tried enough products out there to know what works and what doesn't. Make sure her philosophies and the brand she represents match up with what you believe in, and don't be afraid to ask the tough questions. You'll know if she's being authentic or if she's just recommending the priciest products to up her commission cheque. 

The ABC's of LED.

What is LED Therapy?

 LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. LED Therapy is an effective skin care treatment using different lights to help with reducing wrinkles, sunspots, acne, and to relieve minor pain.

How can LED light help my skin? 

 First off, what is a "Diode"? It is the simplest form of a semiconductor that allows the flow of energy in one direction. The diode allows energy from a power source to be transformed into light energy - this light energy is absorbed by the skin.

 In the same way that plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into tissue, light at the right wavelength and dose can trigger a natural cellular reaction in our skin. The part of a molecule that absorbs the different lights is called a chromophore. When light is absorbed by these molecules, it is taken into the mitochondria of the cell to create a biological effect in the tissue. A certain amount of light must be absorbed by the tissue being treated in order to activate a cell response. (Whew! That was a lot of science!)

 LED light energy is most effectively absorbed when it is emitted at or very near the surface of the skin. The further away the light source is from the skin, the less likely it will be able to absorb and reap the benefits. Research shows that cells are also much more likely to absorb light energy when that energy is delivered at a lower energy over a longer period of time, and delivered in pulses vs a constant stream of light.

 SO, what does this all mean?  What are the different lights doing to help my skin?

The Celluma panel (the LED device used at Skin Studio Spa) utilizes a combination of blue, red and infrared light simultaneously. The treatment consists of a cleanse, treatment serum and 30 minutes relaxing under the panel. 1 of 3 settings will be chosen, based on your concerns, and the device is set to "pulse" for maximum absorption - which is more like twinkling Christmas lights than a strobe light.

RED LED is the anti-aging aspect of the treatment. It allows cells to replicate more efficiently and aids in healing. It penetrates deep into the layers of the skin, increasing cellular energy, improving circulation, tone , texture, color and overall health and vitality of the skin .

BLUE LED  helps with acne, decreases inflammation and stimulates lymphocytes. Blue light kills bacteria and yeast and can help treat actopic dermatitis. 

INFRARED LED is used to warm the skin, making it more permeable to skin care products, relax tight muscles prior to massage, and increase circulation. 

 LED Therapy can be booked as a standalone service or as an upgrade to any skin care treatment. If you have concerns about acne we recommend appointments twice a week, once a week for anti-aging benefits, and as often as possible for aches and pains!

Give us a call, (519) 766-0003
Send us an email, info@skinstudiospa.com
Or click HERE to book your LED treatment online 

  

Eat Your Way To Healthy Skin

Think of your favorite meal. What is it? Typically our favorite meals are the meals that are not so good for us such as pasta, steak or lobster soaked in butter. Now although it is well known that creamy fettuccine is not a very healthy meal choice in terms of calories, do we ever think about the other side affects it may cause? I'm talking about what food like this may be doing to our skin.


Many of us have had breakouts in our lifetime. Sometimes they are due to hormones, or stress. But what about the unexplained breakouts? Have you ever connected those to what you are eating? There are certain foods that are just as bad for our skin as they are for our waistline.

Top Acne Agitators 

1. Sugar 

When you ingest sugar or high-glycemic foods that rapidly convert to sugar - whether it's in the form of an apple or a piece of cake - your body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which raises your insulin levels. Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread and soda, cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to a burst of inflammation throughout the body. Not only is sugar linked to acne, but it also can cause premature aging, so back away from the dessert table!

Alternative: Stevia (a natural sugar alternative)

2. Dairy

Dairy contains its own hormones and growth factors that are absorbed into the bloodstream. These hormones have androgenic effects that can cause acne in women. Dairy products are also pro-inflammatory, which means they can worsen acne issues and also accelerate aging.

Alternative: Sesame seed butter, almond milk or goats milk

3. White Flour/White Rice

The digestive system sees refined carbs as foreign invaders and pulls out all the

stops to protect itself from it. This causes a number of internal problems, one being inflammation. White or "bleached" flour and rice cause a chemical reaction in the body that can drive your system to a state of imbalance. This causes an extra heavy load on your organs of elimination, hormonal imbalance and toxic buildup - resulting in acne.

Alternative: Brown rice, whole grain, rye, sour dough

4. Hydrogenated Oils 

Hydrogenated fats, even in a small amount, will induce a chemical reaction that can cause free radicals in the body destroying the Essential Fatty Acids essential for healthy skin.

Alternative: Pure extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil. 

5. Red Meat

Some experts believe red meat is linked to problematic skin because it can increase levels of the male sex hormone testosterone in the body. People who are more sensitive to testosterone are more likely to suffer breakouts.This is because higher levels of the hormones lead to more skin cells growing, and more sebum oil being produced. This can in turn, block pores and causes acne. 

Alternative: Chicken or Fish. 

*If you're going to eat red meat, have a lean steak with veggies to help negate the inflammatory effects, instead of having a burger with fries!

Along with the foods that aren't so good for your skin, there are some "Super Foods" that can help to fight acne, minimize wrinkles, and enhance your skins natural beauty...

Broccoli is high in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. The vitamin C in broccoli aids in collagen production and keeps your skin healthy and supple, while vitamin E protects your skin cell membranes and guards against UV damage.

Onions have enormous anti-aging benefits. The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E fight against the damage caused by harmful UV rays as well as prevent free radical damage which is responsible for causing premature aging of our skin. Onions also help in purifying your blood and supply your body with flavonoids which assist Vitamin C in its important functions. The consumption of onions can keep your skin healthy and glowing. The anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of onion can work wonders on your skin. It is a powerful antiseptic which protects your skin from acne-causing bacteria and other skin infections.

Watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants like lycopene, Vitamin A and C. These help reduce free radicals in the body, thus preventing signs of aging. 

... These are just a few examples of how some super foods can help with your skin concerns from the inside out. Some other foods you can try to help enhance your skin are garlic, carrots, apples, spinach, grapes, almonds, sunflower and sesame seeds!

Supplementation:

There are many vitamins and minerals that our skin requires to maintain a healthy balance, and although we may try our best to get all that is necessary through whole food sources, supplementation can have a great impact on our skin as well. 

Our skin needs a balance of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium and selenium.

Try Ascenta Skin - a dietary supplement that helps improve skin elasticity, firmness & hydration, and helps reduce roughness, redness & inflammation. Ascenta Skin contains 6 essential nutrients; EPA, DHA, GLA, Lutein, Vitamin D and Zeaxanthin. These ingredients work together to increase your natural UV protection, provide powerful natural anti-inflammatories and essential nutrients your skin needs to lock in moisture. With continued use it will also help support heart, brain and eye health as well as hair and nail health, and has even been shown to improve mood and mental focus!

Stop by the spa and pick up your bottle today!

A Non-Chemical "Chemical Peel"?

 When you hear the word peel, what do you think of? 

 For those of us who aren't completely sure of what they are, we tend to get frightened  when we hear the word "peel" or "chemical" and think that our face is going to be burned off! Well fear no more, for that is not the case!

There are two types of exfoliation: Mechanical and Chemical.
 Mechanical exfoliation is physically scrubbing dead skin cells from the skins surface. Ingredients like jojoba beads, crushed nuts or plant material are added into products to achieve the results we want.

  While mechanical exfoliants are great for normal, combination and dry skin, it is not ideal for all skin types. Skin with active breakouts or infection can run the risk of the rougher material opening the infection, and then as you are scrubbing, you can spread the bacteria.

 Chemical peels refer to a "chemical reaction" in the skin, and are beneficial to most skin types . They produce results through the use of enzymes and fruit acids. Enzymes gently break down the lipids that act like glue/cement that holds the dead skin cells together, and thus help naturally exfoliate. Acids exfoliate by dissolving the dead skin cells on the outer most layer of your skin. Using this approach we can also increase hydration in the skin, simulate collagen production and infuse the skin with powerful anti-oxidants. These peels restore skins youthful appearance by reducing wrinkles, help with uneven skin tone, smoothing texture and also reduce sun damage.

 Although there are some chemical peels that have a very high acidic percentage and you will see your skin literally peel and flake off - Skin Studio Spa uses peels that are a lower percentage and therefore safe for almost all skin types. Our products are working on the top layer of skin, making them ideal for those who want the benefits of a peel without the downtime and negative side effects of deeper peels. 

 Our Arctic Berry Peel uses natural fruit acids like citric, malic and lactic acid to deeply exfoliate, refine and even skin tone, and assists with hyperpigmentation. It has very strong anti-oxidant and age-defying benefits and also reduces inflammation and redness.

 The Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel is highly active, refining and collagen boosting! Using ingredients such as yam and pumpkin pulp puree, pineapple and papaya, this peel deeply exfoliates, infuses the skin with active vitamins and bioflavonoids, hydrates and plumps, and reduces hyperpigmentation.

Want to try a Rejuvenating AHA Peel that uses natural ingredients to leave your skin positively glowing? 

The Benefits Of Dry Brushing

Think about your daily skin care routine. What does it include? What do you focus on? While most people focus on concerns like facial acne, dry skin, or wrinkles (which are all valid concerns) the rest of the skin on our bodies sometimes goes forgotten, aside from regular washing and moisturizing. So what can we do to help improve the skin on the rest of our body?
Dry brushing is an extremely beneficial practice everyone can do on a daily basis, or even just a few times a week. "Why dry brushing," you ask?

A )It Helps With Cellulite Reduction

One thing I'm sure we could all live without is cellulite. Whether it be on your arms, tummy, or most commonly the back of your legs, it's one thing most people have and just can't seem to get rid of. Dry brushing the skin may reduce the look of cellulite by helping to soften hard fat deposits below the skin and distribute them more evenly.  

B) It Increases Circulation and Lymph Drainage

Lymph is a slow moving fluid that's purpose is to remove metabolic waste from our internal system and return it to our blood stream for elimination. Through simple functions like breathing and blood circulation the lymph is assisted in it's ability to drain waste, but if our lymphatic system is not working properly it can lead to toxic build up and inflammation in the body. Dry brushing stimulates the dense network vessels right beneath the skin, which increases the function of the lymphatic system and blood circulation, making it a powerful detoxification aid. 

C) It is Exfoliating 

Some of us tend to forget that we don't only need to exfoliate our faces, but also to exfoliate our whole body! By dry brushing you are removing dead dry skin, clearing up clogged pores and improving skins overall appearance. This is a great treatment for those suffering from body acne or keratosis pilaris - a common condition where the follicles (typically on the backs of the arms) become clogged and irritated.

These are just a few of the many benefits of dry brushing which also include aiding in digestion, stress relief, improving muscle tone, and rejuvenating the nervous system! 

So, how do I dry brush? 

You can typically purchase a body brush at any local beauty product retailer - look for one with firm natural bristles and a long handle so you can get those hard to reach areas, like the back. Before showering in the morning, swipe the brush in firm, upward motions on the skin, 7-8 times on each area. Skin should become pink as circulation is stimulated. Best practice is to start on the legs and work your way up the body, always working toward the heart. 

  Here at Skin Studio Spa our Aloe and Green Tea Hot Oil Body Wrap begins with a full body dry brushing! Then hot oil is brushed onto the skin and the body is wrapped to conserve heat and allow maximum absorption while you enjoy oil infusion facial massage under steam. The treatment is completed with a full body massage and warm Basalt stones on the back. Along with this relaxing treatment you will be gifted with your very own dry brush free of charge so you can continue the results at home!

The Truth About Retinol

   Today when we see commercials or ads for anti-aging products, what is it that companies are using as their “magic ingredient”? Retinol, a form of vitamin A that is used to help plump the skin and boost skin’s collagen.  Some products even use retinol to treat acne and eczema. However what you think is helping your skin, might actually be harming it in the long run.

    What most of us don’t realize is that our skin needs time to "adapt" and "tolerate" this ingredient. However over time, retinol causes the skin to become more sensitive, prone to sunburn, capillary damage and hyper pigmentation. Retinol also thins the skin, making you more prone to over-exfoliation during any other skin treatments (such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, etc.). Also making your skin more likely (very likely) to burn or tear if you have any waxing services done!  OUCH!

 If you're thinking about trying a product that is retinol-free, take a look at our Eminence Organics Age Corrective line. They are all natural, and use a retinol alternative (Tara Tree and Chicory Root) that won't harm your skin and give you the results you want! 

Book your FREE Skin Analysis HERE:  https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/adm/home.asp?studioid=162587 

Body Wraps - When, Why and What to Expect!

The holidays can have some less than desirable effects on our bodies - and our skin! Perhaps you're beginning to second guess all those glasses (bottles) of wine and pieces (boxes) of chocolate? After such indulgences you might notice that your skin is dehydrated, puffy, and/or breaking out. So what's a gal to do about it?

I always recommend a post-holiday body wrap! Body wraps contain ingredients in the masque that help to detoxify and nourish the skin, plus being wrapped up with a heated blanket induces sweating, which helps reduce any water retention from all those extra glasses of alcohol you may have consumed over the holidays! My favourite post-holiday wrap is the Blueberry Soy Slimming Body Wrap. Benefits of this wrap include:
- improves elasticity & reinforces collagen fibers for firmer skin
- increases circulation to rejuvenate & revitalize the skin
- moisturizing
- healing
- improves skins texture

What To Expect:
First, I start by exfoliating the body and prepping it for the masque. I massage a gentle sugar scrub on each area of the body and remove with hot towels. I then apply the masque to the body and wrap you up in a plastic sheet, cover you with the duvet and turn on the heating pad. (If desired, this is when the facial would be performed, otherwise you will rest for approximately 20 minutes). Once the masque has had time to do it's job, you are slowly unwrapped, the masque is removed with hot towels and a moisturizing cream is massaged into the skin. The whole process takes approximately 1.5 hours (2.5 hours with a facial).

I recommend coupling this treatment with a Blueberry Detox Firming Facial for the full Head To Toe Treatment!

Get the Blueberry Bliss Head To Toe Facial for only $162.50 in the month of January! (Reg. price $225)
Visit www.skinstudiospa.com now to book online :)

5 Reasons To Stop Using Soap On Your Face!

If your skin care regimen includes soap, KEEP READING! Soap is used to clean a lot of things - I use it to wash my hands (which I still follow up with a moisturizing lotion), I use it to wash my car, but never - never my face! But why? What's the big deal?

Here are 5 reasons to stop using soap as part of your skin care regimen:

1. It strips the skin of it's acid mantle. Yes, even the "moisturizing" kinds. Our skin keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out by protecting itself with a hydro-lipidic barrier, or "acid mantle". This is what prevents moisture loss in the skin and assists in keeping bacteria out. If you strip this layer away everyday by using harsh soaps instead of a gentle Facial Cleanser you are leaving your skin in a constant state of inflammation, increasing your risk for dehydration and irritation such as rashes, eczema and dermatitis.

2. It's too alkaline. Our skin's pH is naturally about a 5.5 (slightly acidic). In order to maintain a healthy pH, our products should be a similar pH to our skin - but soap is about a 9 on the pH scale - way too alkaline to safely cleanse the skin without disrupting it's natural balance. Disrupting that balance can cause a number of issues resulting in temporary or even permanent damage to the underlying tissues.

3. Because even the soaps that claim to be "for senstive skin" likely have artificial fragrances, colouring, detergent-like foaming agents, chemical preservatives and a whole lotta fillers! Not much room for skin loving ingredients in there! Proper facial cleansers can add nourishment, hydrate and calm the skin while they cleanse making them part of your daily skin treatment program.

4. Those of you with oily skin who tend to like that "squeaky clean" feeling are actually doing more harm than good. Remember that acid mantle we talked about? Well every time you strip that, you're stripping away ALL the oils in your skin. Our skin needs a certain amount of oil to maintain healthy skin and keep moisture in. So what does our body do when we take something away that it needs? It goes into repair mode and it makes more! So you are actually contributing to your oil problem by constantly stripping it away. It's a viscous cycle!

5. It changes the texture of your skin - it feels rough and flaky, and if you wear makeup does not create a smooth canvas to work on due to it's constantly dehydrated state. So your makeup will never look flawless no matter what you use! Pores will become more obvious, hyper-pigmentation will look darker and skin will have an overall dull appearance instead of looking bright and luminous! Check out this experiment that a fellow Esthetician performed:

 I think the image speaks for itself....

Bonus reason: Bar soaps harbour mass amounts of dirt and bacteria and are icky!

For recommendations regarding an appropriate facial cleanser for your skin come chat with me - you're friendly neighbourhood Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist! :)

xo Meaghan

5 Ways To Keep Lipstick Looking Fresh All Day

Are you tired of touching up your lipstick 20 times a day? Ever wondered how some women seem to have perfect lips all day long? Here are 5 tips to keep your lipstick looking fresh all day - no touch ups required!

1. First of all, you need to start with the right formula. Choose a lipstick that comes with long wear claims. You may need to test out a few to see which ones live up to their claims as there are several on the market. I recommend Mirabella's Colour Vinyl Lipsticks. They last up to 10 hours and won't dry out your lips like some other brands. 

2. Lip liner is coming back in a big way - and there's a reason for it! Gone are the days when we would choose a shade darker than our lipstick, rim our lips and top off with a little lip colour. Today's lip liners are being used in a different way. Lip liners can actually be used to alter a shade of lipstick, either making it deeper and richer, brighter or even to change the undertone of the shade. When applying your lip liner be sure to start by outlining the lip, but then don't forget to fill in the entire lip with your pencil as well! This will give a more consistent colour and will help your lipstick stay put all day!
**Tip: Clear lip liners like Mirabella's Perfecting Lip Definer can give you the long wear benefits of a lip liner, without altering the shade of lipstick you are wearing so you can use one universal lip liner with all your lipsticks!

3. Another trick to make lipstick last longer is to layer. By this I mean, apply lipstick, blot with a tissue, and apply again. You can repeat this process a few times if you want to really press the colour into the lips.

4. If you use a primer, applying a little bit of primer to the lips will help create the perfect base for lipstick and will fill in any fine lines on and around the lips. If you don't use primer, try a little bit of concealer. This will give the lip colour something to stick to, but will also help to intensify the colour. 

5. If you don't mind a more mattified look you can finish your application by layering a finishing powder over your lipstick to set it in place. You can either blot the powder directly over top, or what I like to do is take a single ply of tissue and place it over the lips, and then you can dust finishing powder over the lips with a powder brush. I like Mirabella's Perfecting Powder for this because it has a more luminous finish. 

Thanks for reading - I hope you learned a few helpful tips! For more makeup tips and tricks join me on Thursday, November 27th for One Enchanted Evening - a night of beauty, food and friends! Call or e-mail me for more info!
(519) 766-0003
info@skinstudiospa.com

A Day In The Life Of An Esthetician

I'd like to give you all a peak inside my bathroom... A "day in the life" of an Esthetician includes lots of time at the bathroom sink, cleansing, exfoliating, masquing and moisturizing! 

We spend all day dishing out skin care advice, but what are we really doing behind closed doors? Probably obsessing over that one pimple we got on our chin this week, just like you! But instead of panicking, digging at it until it's a hole in our face and then dabbing toothpaste on it - we know just what to do! (I know you do that, don't lie! LOL)

Products featured: Clear Skin Cleanser, Herbal Eye Makeup Remover, Red Currant Concentrate, Clear Skin Booster Serum, Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, Clear Skin Probiotic Masque, Lime Stimulating Masque, Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer, Facial Recovery Oil, Lime Refresh Tonique, Wild Plum Eye Cream, Stone Crop Gel Wash, Clarisonic Cleansing Brush.

So here is my daily skincare regimen....
A.M.
Cleanse in the shower with a mild cleanser (add a dermafoliant every 2-3 days)
Spritz on some toner
Apply vitamin C serum (plus spot treatment for breakouts and hyaluronic serum for days when I'm feeling a little dehydrated)
Apply moisturizer with SPF
Apply eye cream

P.M.
Remove eye makeup
Cleanse using a deep cleansing wash and Clarisonic cleansing brush
Spritz on some toner
Apply a salicylic serum to prevent breakouts
Add 3 drops of recovery oil to night cream (this is a new step for me, but my skin looks and feels amazing for it!!)
Apply night cream
Apply eye cream

Once a week before bed I apply a deep cleansing masque, usually mixed with a stimulant as a little "mini facial". 
Once a month I give myself a full treatment at the spa, usually including a mild peel, microdermabrasion and a custom blended combination of masques and serums to calm and cleanse the skin.

So what do I do when I get an awful breakout (because let's be honest, it happens to all of us!)? I apply some spot treatment on it before I go to bed. The next day I head to the spa and I do a high frequency treatment and a 30 min LED session. That night I make sure to masque before bed - and I may even sleep in my masque. I make sure all my makeup brushes are clean so I'm not spreading the bacteria and I wait for it to heal. Applying the appropriate treatments and allowing the blemish to heal means it will be gone within a few days, with no scabbing and no scarring! 

Believe it or not, this whole process only takes a few minutes in the morning, and a few minutes at night - not a major interruption to my day, but it does keep my skin looking good! I get very few flare ups and often get compliments on how great my skin looks! (Something I never thought I would hear 10 years ago!) So if you're looking to get serious about whipping your skin into shape - come talk to me about a customized daily skin care regimen for you! Everyone can and should have beautiful, healthy skin that they feel comfortable in for years to come!

Why Facials are totally worth the money... AKA "What you've been missing all these years!"

Have you always been curious about facials but could never justify the cost? Maybe you can justify the cost but you're just too nervous because you really don't know what a facial IS! Well I'm here to tell you why facials are totally worth the money, and exactly what you've been missing out on all these years!

1. Even if you exfoliate and mask at home, the products used in professional facial treatments are much more concentrated than what is available to the general public, so you are getting a deeper cleansing and exfoliation, and a much higher concentration of active ingredients in the masks. 

2. All facials incorporate massage techniques that help increase circulation in the skin, which in turn increases oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the tissues and helps to flush toxins out. Try giving yourself a 10-15 minute facial massage at home - I bet you can't!

3. Estheticians can not only improve your skins overall health during the facial, they can actually aid in correcting common skin conditions such as acne, sun damage, rosacea, etc. 

4. Getting professional skin care advice is something very few Canadians consider, yet so many of us complain that we're not happy with our skin and we've "tried everything". Estheticians can create a customized home care regimen for your skin using professional grade products! 

5. Relaxation plays a key role in your stress levels, your mood, your ability to concentrate at work, your patience with your kids, your sleep patterns...... I could go on but I think you get the point. Taking an hour or two out of your day to focus on YOU, and relax - even if it's only once a month - can do you some major good! You work hard! Trust me, you deserve it!

6. Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it is too often neglected! We visit our Optometrist for our eye health, our Dentist to maintain our oral health, and some of us see a Dermatologist if we are struggling with a specific skin condition. Your Esthetician is here (just like your Dental Hygienist) to help you maintain healthy skin on a day to day basis. Think of your visit to the spa as just as necessary as your quarterly cleaning at the dentist (except waaaaaaaaay more fun!) ;)

7. It's more justifiable than that $100 you just spent on a new pair of shoes, or that beautiful leather purse. Ya wanna know why? Because in 6-12 months you'll be bored with those new shoes or that new purse and you'll shove it in the back of your closet, or give it away to charity - but your skin (whether you get bored of it or not!) will be your skin for the rest of your life. And you can't just march down to the mall and buy a new face now can you? So invest in yourself! That investment will still be worth it 20, 30, even 40 years down the road when all your rooster-necked friends are scowling at you and your beautiful firm skin! ;)

Still not convinced? Come visit me for a complimentary Skin Analysis and we can talk about the various treatment options available at the spa, and how I can help you achieve beautiful, healthy skin! Visit www.skinstudiospa.com for more information and to book online!

8 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Eyelash Extensions

Individual Eyelash Extensions have become very popular over the last few years, hitting hard as a mainstream addiction. Salons have tried desperately to cash in on this trend, but not all of them are willing to throw down the thousands of dollars it costs in training and supplies that it takes to perform this service safely! Here are 8 things you need to know to help you choose a knowledgeable lash technician and get safe, damage-free lashes!

1. Eyelash extensions CAN cause permanent damage to your eyelashes. The key here, is that it is not actually the extensions that are dangerous, but the technician who is applying them that can put you at risk. Make sure your technician is certified, and has the paperwork to prove it.

2. The volume and length of your extensions are dependent on your natural lashes. Your lash technician must respect how much weight your lashes can carry. Unfortunately, if you have short, thin lashes, you will not achieve long, dramatic lashes like Kim Kardashians! There are various techniques, such as Russian Volume or "3D Lashes" that can make it appear as though you have lots of lashes, but even with this technique, you cannot achieve a great deal of length. **Remember that when I say you "can't", I mean "you can, but never should as this would be damaging to your natural lash health." And as stated earlier, if your lash technician is using new techniques (ie. 3D), she should have separate formal training in this as well.

3. "So how do I know how long my lash extensions can safely be?" This is a question that is debated even among technicians in the industry. Some will say that the extension should never be more than double the length of the natural lash. In my opinion, this is still way too long for the natural lash to support. As a general rule of thumb, if the natural lash is 10mm long I would not go beyond a 12mm extension. Bear in mind that your lashes are all different lengths throughout the lash line and 4-5 lengths should be used to achieve a natural look.
On a side note, you will achieve a fuller look by using shorter length lashes. Consider a vase full of roses... if the stems are long, the vase will not appear as full, but if you trim the stems, all of the rose heads will touch, making the vase appear more full. So length should not be the main goal with lash extensions!

4. Eyelash Extensions also come in several "thicknesses" or diameters. Some lash technicians will use a thicker lash to create a "mascara" look or a more voluminous look if they are not trained in Russian Volume/ 3D Lashing. The lash extension should be no thicker than your natural lash. Period. Applying thicker lashes than what your natural lashes can handle can lead to your lashes shedding prematurely, lashes getting twisted and causing discomfort, or feeling weighed-down and getting in your line of vision. If you want to get technical with your technician, ask them what diameters they use - I personally don't use anything over a 0.15, as this is the standard for "damage-free" lashes. Anything thicker is what we in the lash industry like to refer to as "tree stumps". Once you've seen beautiful light-weight, voluminous lashes done properly, you will realize how awful these thick extensions look.

5. It's also important to remember that not EVERY lash can handle an extension. You're lashes shed at a rate of about 45-60 days, which means there are always immature or "baby" lashes growing in that are not yet strong enough to handle the weight of an extension. You should be maintaining your lashes with visits to the salon every 3-4 weeks - by this time those baby lashes that weren't strong enough at your last visit are ready to be lashed.

6. When applying individual lash extensions your technician should be able to isolate one single natural eyelash, pick up one single extension and glue it to the natural lash. This process takes approximately 2 hours at your initial visit, and approx. 1 hour at infills. If the lashes are not properly isolated, as they grow out they will cause a great deal of discomfort because not every lash grows at the same rate, they will start to twist, itch and could even hurt. Remember - eyelash extensions should NEVER be painful! Eyelash extensions should also never touch the skin. They should be glued 1-2mm from the base and should be securely adhered at this point, otherwise the extension could pierce the skin, again leading to a great deal of discomfort, and potentially infection!

7. A lot of lash extensions are adhered with a black glue which means that even if you have light coloured lashes, the glue should coat your natural lash blending it with the extension. A small bead of glue is all that is needed, and once the lash is placed you should no longer see a "bead" as it should be evenly coated over the natural lash. Too much glue will cause lashes to clump together, could irritate the eyes and create unnecessary weight added to the extension.

8. This one should go without saying, but just in case (I've heard some horror stories).... You should always being lying comfortably on a treatment table with your technician behind you, and your eyes should be closed throughout the entire procedure to prevent fumes from the adhesive from getting into your eyes.

Even after going to school and getting our certification, education in this industry is never ending and you should always seek out a service provider who is on top of the latest trends, developments and research! Don't be afraid to educate yourself (although please consider the source when searching online - there is a lot of misleading information from non-professionals out there!) and ask questions!!
Happy Lashing :)

How to Get a Safe Tan!

It's fast, it's easy, it looks great and there's NO risk of burning! It's called an "airbrush" or "spray" tan! 

Here's how it works:
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the main ingredient in airbrush solutions and is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. The tanning effect that you get with DHA is non-toxic - it reacts with the amino acids in the surface layers of the skin to produce the brown colour. 

The solution is poured into an airbrush gun and is applied by a trained professional so that you get even, all over colour. You are supplied with "sticky feet" so that you do not get product on the bottoms of your feet as you move from one position to the next, as well as a hair net, disposable undies and nose filters. You can of course wear your birthday suit or bring a swim suit/ bra & undies if you prefer- it's entirely up to your personal comfort level. I usually recommend wearing a thong so you can see how much colour developed on the skin, but braless is best so that you don't get thick tan lines! 

The Famous Question: "Will I look orange?" ....NO! This infamous "orange" look comes from the days when carotenoids were used in sunless tanning products, derived from carrots. Today's formulas have come a long way and I can whole-heartedly promise you - you will NOT look orange! Every product uses different percentages of DHA and different bronzing ingredients to create varying tones on the skin. Some use subtle green pigments to combat red skin tones, some use caramel bronzers and some are more chocolately/ dark brown. 

Usually solutions should be left on the skin over night, but over the past few years companies have developed "rapid" formulas that leave you with great colour, but allow you to shower only 2-3 hours after application. This is a major convenience factor, and a lot of my clients opt for the rapid formulas. 

Please visit http://skinstudiospa.com/body_care.html for more before and after tips for airbrush tanning. 

Don't forget! Airbrush tans do not protect your skin from the sun. It is still recommended to wear SPF on sun exposed skin! I recommend Eminence Organics' Tropical Vanilla Body Sunscreen.

Leave The Cooking Oils In The Kitchen

There seems to be an influx lately in people using straight oil (particularly coconut oil) in place of a moisturizer. Coconut oil has been shown to have all kinds of awesome benefits for the body: It's good for your brain health, it can help you lose weight, can help prevent infections, lower your risk for heart disease, and improves moisture content in skin and hair. 

So here's the thing you may not know: Skin care products should never be "one size fits all". Coconut oil is actually extremely comedogenic (pore clogging) and should not be used on oily or acne prone skin. Using coconut oil on these skin types can actually make skin conditions even worse, cause even more inflammation in the skin and create a perfect breeding ground for acne. 

So those of you with dry skin are thinking "I don't get breakouts and I use coconut oil all the time, so I'm good right?" True, for you it won't necessarily cause breakouts but over time, especially for those of you who are starting to notice your skin is aging, I bet it still doesn't feel as smooth and hydrated as it once did. Am I right? This is because the oil cannot penetrate beyond the epidermis (surface layers of the skin) due to it's large molecular structure. This means you're really only "moisturizing", or as we Estheticians like to call it, "lubricating" those surface layers, which is mostly just keratinized (dead) skin cells anyways! Oils also create an occlusive layer on the skin meaning it traps whatever moisture is in the skin, but it also doesn't let anything out. This means your skin cannot breathe so to speak and cannot perform it's natural functions. Again, this results in inflammation and a compromised skin barrier. Another thing that we are noticing in the treatment room, is that the skin doesn't seem to be able to effectively perform it's natural exfoliation process either, so the skin has a rough texture due to that layer of keratinized cells sitting, sort of "stuck" on the surface of the skin. As we age, our skin is already becoming less effective at exfoliating itself which is why exfoliating products are so important! (Hint: Try the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant from Eminence Organics for gentle exfoliation.)

Going back to my point about skin care products taking a "one size fits all" approach.... There is a reason why professional skin care products have several ingredients in them, and those ingredients are processed to be "chirally correct", meaning they can actually be effective on the skin (the same reason you can't just rub a carrot on your face and expect the vitamins from the carrot to be transferred to the skin). The skin has several different needs in order to function perfectly, and as we age, those needs increase. Using one single "ingredient" cannot possibly give your skin all the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, fatty acids, ceramides etc etc etc that it needs! Using one single ingredient you may get the benefits of that one ingredient but your skin will still be malnourished. It's like if you ate broccoli all day everyday. We all know broccoli is awesome for you, but you need carbohydrates and protein and all that other good stuff too! So like I said earlier, if coconut oil can lock in moisture, we first need ingredients that are going to penetrate the dermis (deeper layers of the skin) and provide long term hydration for the skin. Ingredients that can penetrate the dermis is where corrective, results-oriented skin care begins. 

So if you're looking for effective, results oriented skin care, but you still love coconut oil, try the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer from Eminence Organics for a better alternative and leave the cooking oils in the kitchen. :)