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Protecting Your Face from the Elements | Dealing With Winter Weather

by | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils, Facials, Holistic Health, Skincare

Did you know that exposure to harsh elements such as strong sunlight, biting cold, and intense wind weathers our skin and promotes the appearance of aging? It can affect the texture, tone, and healing capability of our skin.

As winter weather rushes in chapping, abrasion, and dehydration are primary factors in attacking skin health. So, is there a way to care for your skin and protect it from the harsh elements of the winter? YES!

Here are our top tips for protecting your face from the elements:

  • Transition from lighter skin care products to thicker based creams and lotions. This deep moisturizing will defend against dehydration by protecting the skin.

  • Sunscreen is still necessary during the winter. Consider opting for a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher. Make sure you cover the bottom of your chin, nose, and other areas where snow bounces sunlight to the skin. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UVA and UVB light. This means double exposure of facial aging UVA rays.

  • You don’t have to forego your favorite lipsticks and lip gloss, but consider adding an additional layer of protection. You’ll want a lip balm that contains at least SPF 30.

  • One great way to keep your skin hydrated this winter involves using a humidifier in your home or office. Central heating is notorious for drying out your skin.

  • Drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated.

  • Wash your face twice a day using creams that contain vitamin A, C, and E. Be careful not to use drying soaps or exfoliation products. Your skin needs to be treated gently during the winter. If you must use an exfoliation treatment, make sure you do it gently with soft motions, but no more than twice a week. Follow up with a moisturizer and a healing hydration mask.

  • Be kind to your face. Allow an expert to give you vitamin rich facials that enhance winter protection and keep your face glowing with vitality instead of windburn.

  • Stay away from SPF balms and lotions that contain camphor, phenol, and menthol as these tend to dry out your skin. OL (which contains alcohol) and salicylic acid are other ingredients to watch out for as these can cause dry skin to become further irritated.

  • Cover the soft tissues of your body. Your lips, nose, ears, eyes, and fingers need more protection than the rest of your body, so make sure you protect them properly.

Follow these tips to keep your skin healthy and happy during the harsh winter months. Every season offers different challenges, but once you develop a strong skin health regiment, minor adjustments can be made with minimum effort.

If you’re concerned about the health and aging of your skin, consider having a facial done every couple of weeks. You and your skin therapist can help isolate potential problems before permanent damage is done.

Keep your skin healthy and it will protect you while still looking great.

Expecting Moms Embrace Massage

by | Apr 15, 2017 | Holistic Health, Massage, Prenatal Massage

A common misconception I often run into is “Is massage safe during pregnancy” My response is simple! Unless you are experiencing a known high risk pregnancy massage, YES it is safe! Taking care of your body and baby, as well as maintaining low stress is of the utmost importance during pregnancy. Massage as well as facials can help keep stress out pregnancy.

“Massage can give reassurance.” This is largely because newly pregnant women may experience a range of emotions–elation, anxiety, contentment, and even fear–made more poignant by the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy.”

Take Care of Your Feet: How to Care for The Skin on Your Feet Throughout the Dry Winter

by | Apr 6, 2017 | Holistic Health, Skincare

Winter time is full of wonderful moments for celebration and memory making.  However, the dry feet that often accompany this cold season are no fun at all! Feet are naturally drier than the rest of our skin due to the fact that we do not have oil glands in that area of our body. Our feet primarily rely on sweat glands to keep our feet moisturized, which can have some odorous effects! So, to remedy this, we have comprised a list of natural ways to care for the skin on your feet throughout the winter.

Soak and Exfoliate

When our feet become dry and cracked, we need to remove the calloused layer of skin to treat the healthy skin below. At bedtime, soak your feet in a basin of warm soapy water or lemon juice for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the dead layer of skin and make it easier to remove. Take a pumice stone and gently exfoliate your feet in a circular motion until all of the dry areas have been addressed. Your feet will feet smooth and renewed!

Moisturize

After you have exfoliated your feet and your beautiful soft skin is revealed, let’s keep it that way. Moisturizing is essential to keeping your feet healthy and your skin intact. Here are a few moisturizer recipes for you to try out.

  1. Cracked-heel Cream – Combine a spoonful of olive oil and a few drops of lavender or lemon oil. Shake well until it develops a milky consistency. Apply to your feet before bed and cover with wool or cotton socks while you sleep. This allows the solution to soak into your skin and prevents the oil from staining your sheets. 

  2. Over-night moisturizing exfoliator – Wash your feet and pat dry. Then, mix a teaspoon of Vaseline and juice from a whole lemon. Apply the entire mixture to your feet and cover with socks. Let this soak in overnight and then exfoliate in the morning. This will leave your skin radiant, hydrated, and soft. 

  3. Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is surprisingly healthy for your feet. It not only moisturizes your feet, but also fights bacterial and fungal infections due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Massage the coconut oil into your feet before bed and cover with socks. You will see a significant difference in a few days. 

  4. Vapor Rub – Sounds silly, but this is truly a wonderful product! Due to the many essential oils that are in mentholated rubs, it promotes good foot health. It also kills toenail fungus, allowing a healthy nail to grow instead. It is also believed to cure your cough overnight when applied to your feet according to More Lifestyle, among many other surprising uses.  

Prevention

It is always better to take the proactive approach and try to prevent your feet from becoming dry and cracked during the winter. Start drinking more water now to keep all of your skin well hydrated and healthy. Also, avoid taking very hot showers and wearing shoes that cause your feet to sweat excessively. Moisturize after each shower or bath and at bedtime on any days you skip bathing. Your feet will look youthful and feel soft if you apply these few principles to your regimen.

If you have diabetes or any other circulatory issues, be sure to consult your doctor before you exfoliate or try a new product or regimen for your feet.