Detoxify& Stimulate Blood Flow – the first step in achieving healthy vibrant skin is to remove impurities and accumulated toxins through blood flow , stimulation and internal balancing.  This helps to reduce inflammation and promote a more even skin tone/texture.  In addition getting the blood flowing helps to give the skin a natural glow.

A key ingredient that can assist in this process is Seaweed.  We have all heard about the benefits of thalassotherapy (healing from the sea) and seaweed contains vital micronutrients and vitamins that infuse  into the skin and body to target inflammation, depletion of nutrients and minerals, dehydration, uneven skin texture and promote internal balance. The use of fresh seaweed on the skin gives skin a healthy flow and energizes the mind & body.  Beauty Through Balance incorporates the use of Whole Pacific Organic Seaweed into their Signature Series of products . These products are clean, easy to use and can be easily integrated into a daily regime for natural body care.

 The daily regime – Even if you only have 10minutes a day this regime will bring results!

1. Bath or Shower:   Start your day with 2 to 3 minute dry brushing on the skin before you get into the bath or shower(optional).

For a shower (after cleansing) step away from the water an apply a gentle salt scrub to the body starting with the legs and working your way up using small circular massage strokes.  We recommend the Beauty Through Balance -Green Tea Seaweed Salt glow created with fresh seaweed and gentle salt grains it will purify the skin and leave it silky smooth.

For a beautifying invigorating  bath soak we recommend the Beauty Through Balance -Pacific Seaweed Soak/Concentrate which is composed of over 98% whole Pacific Seaweed and pure therapeutic grade essential oils. This product works directly to infuse vital nutrients, address dry skin, signs of age, signs of cellulite and fluid retention.

 2. Finishing Step: After your bath or shower,  complete your ritual with a hydrating toning mist & concentrated body cream/lotion that will keep the skin on your body  well nourished, protected and toned while addressing signs of age. We recommend applying the  Beauty Through Balance – Glacial Revitalizing Mist and Seaweed Body Butter to the body after your bath or shower and massaging them in until absorbed.  The skin will look and feel amazing without any greasy residue.

By following these steps and incorporating key ingredients such as Whole Pacific Organic Seaweed, Anti-oxidants, Plant Extracts, Vitamins and Essentials Oils you can achieve healthier and more youthful looking skin on the body and feel  more confident hitting the beach this summer!

Next time you reach for that martini,  bellini, or glass of savignon blanc stop and think about how the alcohol will affect the health and look of your skin.  If health and beauty are important to you, and I’m certain they are, have a read about some of  the biggest cons of consumption.

Con #1 – Alcohol depletes the body of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that fights off skin damaging free radicals.  Without antioxidant protection, free radicals destroy our collagen & elastin fibres (which are responsible for keeping our skin firm and wrinkle-free).  Vitamin A also promotes cellular turnover (our skin’s natural exfoliation) pushing the new healthy skin cells up to the surface and shedding off the dull dead ones.  Alcohol greatly intensifies the aging process causing your skin to lose its natural thickness and suppleness.

Con # 3 – Alcohol causes dehydration and reduced oxygen & blood circulation

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to rapidly lose water.  Water is internal moisturizer which is responsible for maintaining the health of all body systems.  When we are dehydrated our skin becomes dry,  skin irregularities (including lines & wrinkles) become magnified, and skin has an overall unhealthy look with poor tone and texture.  Alcohol leads to poor liver function which causes toxins to appear on the skin in the form of blotches, blemishes, and bumps.  The skin also takes on a sallow cast.

Con #4 – Alcohol dilates blood vessels

Alcohol causes blood vessels to swell and with repeated swelling they permanently lose their tone and can even burst.  Blood vessel dilation looks like a permanent redness or flushing of the skin.  Rosacea, psoriasis, and other skin conditions are worsened and the expanded blood vessels cause an all over puffiness to the face.

Con #4 – Alcohol can cause us to neglect our skin

How many times have you come home from a party or a night club and just crashed on your bed without removing your makeup?  Our skin detoxifies and repairs itself while we sleep which is why it is crucial to go to bed with clean, makeup-free skin.  Also, eye makeup will migrate into the eye causing extra puffiness when we wake up the next morning.  Red, puffy eyes are not attractive, period.

Having an occasional drink with friends won’t ruin your looks, but just remember that moderation is always key.

We would love for you to share your thoughts on the topic of this blog posting! Also as special offer just for being a follower of our blog enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique onTwitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Since Botox® injections have become such a popular procedure it’s no surprise that skin care companies have begun formulating products that provide similar results.  Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.  It’s the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. Doctors use it in small doses to treat certain health issues like excessive underarm sweating.  More commonly, it is used as a temporary muscle paralyzer in the face to reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated expressions (smiling, frowning, squinting etc.).

How do skincare products compare?  There is no way that you can achieve the same result as botox using a topical serum or cream, but there are certain ingredients that can gently relax the facial muscles giving a smoother, softer look to expression lines and wrinkles.  Here’s a look at 2 of our most popular Botox substitutes:

GM Collin Bota Peptide 5 Concentrate and Bota Peptide Eye Contour

Argireline™ (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) is the only peptide clinically proven to provide a muscle relaxing action (by disturbing the nervous signals sent to muscles under the dermis) to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  Myoxinol™, a complex of oligopeptides from Hibiscus seeds works in synergy with the Argireline to further relax the facial muscles.  Both of the GM Collin Bota Peptide products also contain a high concentration of antioxidants as well as a cocktail of ingredients proven to plump, smooth, and rejuvenate the skin.

 Vivierskin TMR Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum

Similar to GM Collin’s Bota Peptide range, Vivierskin’s TMR Serum also contains the muscle relaxing Acetyl Hexapeptide-3.  With regular use, lines and wrinkles are smoothed and skin becomes refreshed and rejuvenated.  For those who already undergo Botox injections, Vivierskin TMR Serum may be used in conjunction to prolong the results.  The formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing and should be used locally where lines of expression are most prevalent.

We would love for you to share your thoughts on the topic of this blog posting! Have you tried a similar product? Feel free to leave your comments in the below form.

Also as special offer, receive $30 off your order of $200 or more! Just enter coupon code BLOG30 at the checkout.  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!

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care is definitely a pioneer in the field of natural & holistic beauty – it was introduced waaaay back in 1967 by German holistic pharmeceutical company WALA Heilmittel.  WALA Heilmittel has been manufacturing homeopathic medicines for over 70 years and therefore were able to use their expertise and knowledge of holistic medicine to create a 100% natural skin care solution.  The goal of Dr.Hauschka skin care is to restore balance to the skin allowing it to perform its natural functions without having to depend on products.  This is certainly a brand unique in its approach to skin care; lets look at some of Dr.Hauschka’s key facts that are the basis of this approach.

Skip the night cream

• Since your skin is detoxifying and getting rid of impurities while you sleep, use of a night cream can actually interfere with this process.
• Most people are taught to use a rich cream at night which will slow the skin’s natural oil production causing the skin to become drier and eventually dependant on moisturizers.
• According to Dr.Hauschka’s principle, balanced skin (see Rhythmic Night Conditioner) needs nothing more than cleansing and toning before bed.

Like treats like

• It may seem strange to apply oil to an oily complexion, but it’s actually the most logical solution.  The skin knows when it’s sufficiently hydrated, producing more of its own oil when skin is dry and less when it’s balanced.
• Drying, soap-based products and oil-free acne treatments rob the skin of its defenses, leaving it vulnerable and triggering even more oil to be produced.
• Normalizing Day Oil provides a light, clean layer of pure plant oils and botanical extracts that balance excessive oiliness while helping to soothe and minimize the appearance of blemishes and irritation.

Stop scrubbing your skin – it’s not the bathroom floor

• It’s so easy it to damage your skin by over-cleansing, scrubbing, or using harsh drying or exfoliating products. Soaps, scrubs and harsh exfoliants can strip your face of its natural protection, resulting in dry, irritated skin and premature signs of aging.
• Dr.Hauschka Cleansing Cream using our signature “Press and Roll” method gently exfoliates, removing excess dirt, oil and makeup without disturbing the skin’s natural line of defense.

Your skin is smart!

• Your skin has an amazing ability to care for itself! It needs just a little help along the way, like protection from overexposure to harsh elements, or support when it gets thrown out of balance.
• The key is to encourage and strengthen your skin’s natural processes.

The Dr.Hauschka holistic skin care system works best when part of healthy lifestyle supported by diet, exercise, and meditation (which has a profound effect on skin health & beauty!).  Remember, beautiful skin isn’t always healthy—however healthy skin is always beautiful!

We would love for you to share your thoughts on the topic of this blog posting! Also as special offer 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!

Wait, let’s back up…  What is gluten anyways? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains.  Those who suffer from a condition called Celiac Disease are sensitive or intolerant to gluten (mostly from food containing gluten).  When gluten is ingested, the Celiac patient’s immune system attacks the structures in the intestine which are responsible for absorbing nutrients.  This leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating, weight loss, fatigue, and joint pain.

So, what does this have to do with cosmetics?  Gluten can’t actually be absorbed into the skin because the size of the protein is just too big, but it can still make it’s way into your body.  Studies show that gluten-induced symptoms were actually caused by people accidentally ingesting tiny quantities of cosmetics (lotion, lipstick etc.) if they had used the products on their hands or on (or close) to their mouths.

Why is gluten found in cosmetics? Gluten proteins benefit the skin, hair, and nails.  We all know that Vitamin E is great for the skin, but what most of us don’t know is that a gluten like wheat germ oil contains a very high concentration of Vitamin E and can be used to treat certain skin conditions.  Another great one is oat extract (avena sativa or oat kernel meal) which is known for its ability to sooth the skin.  If you have a wheat sensitivity or are have Celiac Disease it can be hard to determine which products contain gluten since there are many different names for them on ingredient lists.  There are, however, many great resources available to help you decode ingredient names (try www.cosmeticsinfo.org).

We would love for you to share your thoughts on the topic of this blog posting! Also as special offer 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 do you get when you merge one man’s passion for beautiful healthy hair and the need for a plant-based, naturally healing hair care product? You get Patrick Alès’ innovative, comprehensive haircare range: Phyto.  At a very young age Mr. Alès discovered that he had a strong passion for hair styling – he went on to become one of the most renowned stylists in Paris with high profile clients like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Alès started out experimenting with essential oils and plant botanicals and soon created a scientifically designed and tested haircare range proven to treat and correct all hair types and conditions.  Phyto is committed to discovering and utilizing the most effective, active plant ingredients while respecting environmental protection and ecological ethics.

Phyto Products

The Phyto line can be segmented based on hair concerns such as the following: dry, ultra dry,  weakened & damaged, color-treated, grey & blonde, anti-aging, thinning, fine & limp, lifeless, dandruff, oily, and suncare.  For best results it is recommended to alternate between segments to achieve best results.  Here is a sneak peak at some of their most popular products:

Phytolium® 4

Phytojoba Hydrating Shampoo

   

Phytophanère Dietary Supplement

Have a look at Phyto’s full product line here

Click here to watch a video about the history of Phyto

As special offer 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 our many contests!

As we age our skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down more and more.  So over time our skin looks duller, dryer, and scars and sun damage tend to hang around a lot longer than they used to.  The key to fresher, brighter skin is to increase exfoliation and to use products with highly concentrated, quality ingredients.  The Guinot Newlight line is designed to brighten skin 2 ways: by inhibiting the production of melanin (which is responsible for dark spots) and by brightening the skin with ingredients like Vitamin C.  I’ve put together an excellent skin brightening routine using Guinot products which I know you will love!

The first step in skin care is always a proper cleanse.  You want your skin to start off perfectly cleansed so that all further treatment products you use will be able to penetrate without being blocked.  Guinot has a wide selection of cleansers for all skin types. Choose the correct one for your skin type.

Next comes the toner to finish the cleansing process.  Sweep Guinot Newlight Lightening Starter Lotion over your cleansed skin using a cotton pad.  This toning lotion contains fruit acids (AHA) to gently exfoliate as well as Vitamin C and Guinot’s secret formulation Clariskin® to brighten.

At lease 2 times per week exfoliate the skin using one or both of the following exfoliators.  The Guinot Gommage Biologique is an enzyme exfoliator which means there is no abrasion; the dead skin cells are gently dissolved with Alpha Hydroxy Acid.  The Guinot Gommage Grain D’Eclat is a physical exfoliator; the dead skin cells are gently polished or scrubbed off using jojoba beads.  I recommend using both types alternatively for best results.

Guinot Gommage Biologique: Biological Peeling Radiance Gel This gel exfoliator is great for all skin types including sensitive.  A pea-sized amount of gel is applied to dry skin and massaged all over until the consistency changes and becomes a slick liquid.  Once the consistency has changed it is time to rinse off with water.

Guinot Gommage Grain D’Eclat: Gentle Exfoliating Cream  This cream exfoliator is for all skin types especially normal-oily.  A small amount is gently massaged over wet skin paying particular attention to areas of congestion or roughness.

Since serums and masks have the highest concentration of active ingredients, their use is essential in reaching your skin care goals.  Apply the Guinot Newlight Masque Blancheur: Brightening Mask 2 times per week, leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse with water.  Apply the Guinot Serum Blancheur: Deep Action Lightening Serum to clean skin every morning and evening before you apply your moisturizer.

Moisturize, protect, and further brighten your skin with Guinot Creme Blancheur: Brightening Cream.  Apply a pearl-sized amount every morning and evening on top of your serum.  Follow with your favorite Guinot eye treatment product and sun protection (during the day) and start looking forward to brighter, fresher skin in no time!

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

The Real Housewives of Vancouver star Mary Zilba will be at Spa Boutique on Thursday May 10th from 4-5:30pm promoting her new product line MZ by Principessa.  She will be available for photos, autographs, and of course all the latest Real Housewives of Vancouver gossip!  There will be complimentary refreshments and snacks and we will be doing some exciting giveaways! Bring your camera and we will see you there!

As a special offer for just being a follower of our blog enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also,  remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter and “Like” our Facebook  page! You could be the lucky winner of our many contests!

Big Messy Curls

Ok, maybe not quite as big as in the photo (to the right),

but it’s all about big, imperfect curls. Alternate your curls

for added volume (one piece curled upward then the next

piece curled downward). Afterward, gently brush curls

out for even more volume.

 

 

Feathers

Undercuts

Remember way back when everyone was getting the ‘undercut’?

Well it’s officially back, but better than ever! We’re seeing a lot

of people getting just one side buzzed.  Another trend is

to have your stylist shave in a creative design!

   Hair Extensions

    Argan Oil-Based Products                                                                 

   Crimped Hair

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

Key Ingredients

Naturally extracted, premium avocado oil is the star ingredient and base for all Antipodes products because it’s a nutrient-packed, clinically-proven skin moisturizer and conditioner.  It’s also full of antioxidants and known to help reduce scars, age spots and heal the skin.

The Hymalayan Gogi Berry  is incredibly protein rich, containing up to 19 naturally occurring amino acids. The goji berry restores and replenishes your skin cells and even stimulates the synthesis of collagen!

Deeply nourishing and moisturizing macadamia nut oil & jojoba oils are found over and over again in the Antipodes line.  They are also known for their scar healing and wrinkle reducing abilities.

Star Products

 Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream

Organic Grapeseed Butter Cleanser

  Nirvana Body Wash

See the full range of Antiopodes products here

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