by urbansqueeze | Mar 23, 2021 | US
Plus How to Treat Acne
Acne is often something we associate with puberty; however, adults can get it too. In fact, 20% of acne cases occur in adults. So what exactly is acne? How does it get there? And how can you treat it? Let’s dive into those answers.
What is Acne and What Causes Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that we often refer to as pimples or zits. Pimples are caused when the greasy secretions (sebum) from the skin’s sebaceous glands and dead skin cells clog our pores, the tiny openings in our skin for hair follicles. This excess oil production is sometimes caused by the skin becoming too dry which causes the overproduction of oil while trying to rehydrate the skin, causing pores to become clogged. Pimples can also develop into swollen, tender inflammations that are deeper in the skin. Oftentimes acne is worsened by picking at it; when you pick at your acne you could introduce bacteria to the pore which can lead to a painful infection in your skin.
While clogged pores is the direct cause of acne, there are also some indirect factors that can cause acne as well. These include:
- Hormones, stress, and the menstrual cycle, all of which can influence oil production
- Hair products, skin care products and makeup that can clog pores
- Bacteria, which can grow in clogged follicles
- Some medications, including corticosteroids, anabolic steroids and lithium
- Diet can also play a role from dairy to gluten, your skin tells a story of what you may be putting into your body
Acne most often occurs on the face, but it can also appear on the back, chest and shoulders. People of all races and ages get acne; however, it is most common in teens and young adults, though some continue to have skin problems into their forties and fifties.
Types of Acne
There are two types of acne, noninflammatory (sometimes called common acne) and inflammatory acne. Each type can appear in a few types of ways.
Noninflammatory acne is caused by oil and dead skin cells clogging pores, generally does not cause swelling, and appears in two forms.
- Blackheads: also known as an open comedone, occur when a clogged pore remains open, resulting in the characteristic black color seen on the surface of the skin
- Whiteheads: also referred to as a closed comedone, occur when the top of a clogged pore closes up, producing a small white bump
Inflammatory acne is a result of oil and dead skin cells; however, bacteria can also play a role. Bacteria can cause an infection deep beneath the skin’s surface and may result in painful acne spots that are hard to get rid of. There are 4 ways that inflammatory acne can appear.
- Papules: occurs when the walls surrounding the pores break down due to severe inflammation, resulting in hard, clogged pores that are tender to the touch and the skin around the pore is usually pink
- Pustules: occurs when the walls around the pores break down; however, these are filled with pus and the bumps are red in color with a yellow or white head on top.
- Nodules: occurs when clogged, swollen pores endure further irritation and grow larger and are deep within the skin
- Cysts: occur even deeper in the skin than nodules and produce large red or white bumps that are painful to the touch and are often the result from a severe infection
How to Treat Acne
Left untreated, acne can be embarrassing and painful. In the most severe cases, it can cause scarring, particularly with cystic acne. Different types of acne require different types of treatment.
- Facials: If you have multiple types of acne, a facial can be very effective in cleaning out your clogged pores because they are customized to your skincare needs.
- Chemical Peels from an Expert: When it comes to treating common, noninflammatory acne (white and blackheads), using a product that contains salicylic acid often works best. It naturally exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells.
- Topical Retinoids: This treatment is best for whiteheads as well as papules and pustules and is available over the counter, though stronger versions are available by prescription from your dermatologist.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: This can help reduce the swelling and get rid of bacteria that causes inflammatory acne. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic along with this treatment.
- Other Medications: For the most severe types of acne, nodules and cysts, your doctor may prescribe a medication.
- Cyst Removal: In severe cases, your dermatologist may surgically remove a cyst.
How to Prevent Acne
Preventing acne from occuring can be done through creating a good skincare routine. Here are some tips.
- Remove makeup before going to bed
- Use skincare and cosmetic products that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “won’t clog pores”
- Avoid using facial oils or hair products that can clog pores
- Get regular facials to help clean pores before they become clogged and to keep your skin healthy and hydrated
- Wear sunscreen daily to prevent post-inflammatory pigment changes (dark spots) from previous acne lesions
Our Facial Services
Our facial services are 100% customized to your skin! We believe no two people are alike, so we customize your facials to fit your specific skin care goals. Each facial begins with relaxing aromatherapy and then our licensed estheticians get to work. We offer 30 and 60 minute facials with the ability to add on treatments such as microdermabrasion, acne zap and more! Book your facial by using our online booking tool today!
by urbansqueeze | Mar 16, 2021 | US
4 Tips For Making the Most out of Self-Care
Self-care is an important part of holistic health. It’s about taking care of our mind, body and soul so that we can be the best version of ourselves. It helps reduce the negative effects of stress and anxiety, may help us feel more grounded and connected, and it can even teach us ways to deal with new stress in a healthier way. To get the most benefits from self-care, it is key that you practice it properly and safely. Here are some of our best tips.
Find What Works for You
There are several options when it comes to practicing self-care, but what works for one person may not work for everyone. Finding what works for you is key; as we always say, no two people are alike, therefore try not to buy into someone else’s definition of self-care. While it is important to try out different forms of self-care, if it isn’t working for you, find something that you enjoy and makes you feel excited about your self-care. Doing something that you’re not enjoying can produce the opposite effect and leave you feeling insecure; what is most important is finding what works for you and sticking to it.
Don’t Expect Too Much Too Soon
As much as we all wish there was, there is unfortunately no magic pill for anything. Therefore, practicing self-care is about making small, sustainable changes over time. Starting out by doing too much can actually overwhelm you, which is the opposite of what self-care should do. Start by adding one small thing to your daily routine, like waking up or going to bed earlier. There are also several 52-week journals out there that are sure to help motivate your self-care journey. You’ll know your self-care choice is working when you begin to experience a positive mood or energy changes. Try some options out and once you find what works, stick with it and slowly begin to add in another small daily self-care routine.
Believe that You Deserve Self-Care
Things like yoga or buying yourself a fresh bouquet of flowers can be delightful parts of self-care; however, if you don’t believe that you deserve that care, it may actually lead to the feeling of guilt. Remember that self-care is a form of health care. Be compassionate with yourself and don’t feel guilty for wanting to take care of yourself. Keep in mind that this is not self-indulgence; this is caring for your well-being, which is an important part of living and enjoying what life has to offer us.
Seek Out Experts
If you are wanting to do yoga, get a massage or a facial, or just need to talk about your feelings in a healthy way, seek out experts. Make sure that the yoga studio you go to has well-trained teachers to help you do yoga in a way that won’t cause harm to your body. Sometimes doing yoga as a beginner through the aid of an app can result in not properly aligning your body, which can cause more harm than good. It’s also important to ensure that those who work at spas and beauty shops are well trained and licensed in what they do to ensure that you are getting the best care! If you find that writing in a journal, taking hot baths or any other form of self-care isn’t enough, seeking counseling is another wonderful option. Talking to someone and asking for help is a step to the right path.
Self-Care with US
At the Wellness Collective, we work to create a space of healing and overall mind and body wellness. We employ the best products, tools and techniques as well as experts who are ready to customize your experience to your needs. Enjoy one of our luxurious services including:
- Custom facials and skin care from licensed estheticians to help you look and feel your best
- Relaxing massage therapy with experts who can incorporate specialties such as hot stone, cupping and even Reiki, among other options
- Custom prenatal massage to help reduce back pain, tension and hip discomfort
- Revolutionary cryoskin therapy to help tighten and firm skin, reduce fat (cryotoning) and even give you a healthy glow, helping you look and feel better
To book an appointment with us, use our online booking tool or contact us with your questions!
by urbansqueeze | Mar 9, 2021 | US
What is Reiki and How it Can Help You Feel More Relaxed and Healthy
At the Wellness Collective, we offer customized massage therapy services with the ability to incorporate one of our many specialties into your session. One of these specialties is Reiki. How does a Reiki session work and what are its benefits? Let’s take a look at how this healing and restorative treatment can help you.
What is Reiki?
The Japanese art of Reiki is a very specific form of energy-based healing which works to clear “stagnant energy” within the body; some know this as blocked chakras. The therapist can channel energy through your body by a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing; a “universal energy” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner which activates the natural healing process and restores physical and emotional well-being. The intention is to create deep relaxation, help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms you may be experiencing. Reiki may be a great option for you if you are struggling to find the solution to your mental, emotional, or physical concerns.
How is Reiki Integrated into our Massage Therapy Sessions?
If you’ve had a great massage, you know just how relaxed and invigorated you can feel at the same time. This dichotomy of emotions is created by the loosening of the muscles and increased oxygen and blood flow throughout the body, which encourages the free flow of the body’s own energy or “Qi” (pronounced ch-ee).
Reiki is very similar in purpose as it works to increase and free the unbalanced energy flow in the body. While massage is more vigorous and manipulates the muscles, Reiki uses touch or palm healing to channel the Qi. Because both work on your energy, they are complementary practices and can be used together in what is called Reiki massage.
During one of our Reiki massage sessions, you can expect your massage therapist to use both practices, using massage to manipulate your muscles custom to your needs, helping to increase your relaxation, ease tension as well as improve your circulation and flexibility. Your massage therapist will also incorporate the practice of Reiki to channel energy and activate the natural healing process of the body.
How Will I Feel During and After a Reiki Massage?
Both massage and Reiki will put you into a state of deep relaxation allowing mental clarity and reduced tension. Many people report feeling a wonderful glow throughout their body during and after a Reiki massage and there is an overwhelming sense of relaxation, comfort, security and overall well-being. Some people experience subtle pulsations where the therapists hands are placed, or waves of rhythm throughout the body. You may even fall into a deep, meditative-like state during the session. The most common feelings are those of an immediate release of stress and deep relaxation. After the session, many report feeling very refreshed and have better clarity of mind.
Conclusion
Reiki is a powerful specialty that works well in conjunction with massage therapy. Incorporating it into your session can boost your sense of relaxation, mental clarity and overall well-being. If you are having some issues that other forms of massage therapy just haven’t seemed to be able to work out, Reiki may be a great option for you as it activates the natural healing process of the body. To book your Reiki massage appointment, visit our online booking site today!
by urbansqueeze | Mar 4, 2021 | US
How a Cryoskin Facial Can Help You Look Younger
Time really does begin to show in us through fine lines, wrinkles, and/or loose skin. Fortunately, there is a treatment that can help reduce the pesky effects of aging by firming up the skin around your face and neck, as well as lifting the skin causing a more plump, supple, and lifted outcome. This treatment is called a Cryoskin facial and its effects leave you looking healthier and younger after your first treatment!
How Does a Cryoskin Facial Work?
This non-invasive facial treatment lasts about 20 minutes. We ask our clients to come in with a clean face or we can add this onto any of our routine facial treatments. During the CryoFacial, your Cryoskin certified technician provides you with a specially designed facial massage that integrates a series of warm and cold temperatures. The series of alternating temperatures are applied through a nickel-plated wand which causes blood vessels in the targeted areas to undergo a process known as vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Think of this as a “pump” within the body allowing increased blood flow which leads to an increase in production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is what provides skin its supple, plump look and elastin is what gives your skin its bounce. The overall result is a reduction in the signs of aging and wrinkles, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.
This treatment is completely painless and many customers find it pleasant and relaxing. Even better is that the results are long lasting, even after just one session! It leaves you with an immediate feeling of freshness as well as firmer, tighter skin, helping you look younger and healthier!
The Benefits of a Cryoskin Facial
There are many benefits of receiving a Cryoskin facial. Some of those benefits include:
- Pore tightening due to the effects of the intense cold
- Skin that is glowing and more vibrant thanks to the increased flow of oxygenated blood to the face
- A reduction in visible wrinkles and fine lines
- Tighter, firmer skin on the face and neck
- A reduction in redness of the skin (this treatment is a form of training for blood vessels, which can increase the resistance of sensitive skin and reduces redness)
- Reduced puffiness and inflammation in the skin
- Localized treatment may also help reduce the symptoms of migraines as well
Who Can Benefit from a Cryoskin Facial?
The answer? Anyone seeking a more youthful and glowing appearance! Cryoskin facials can target the face, scalp, neck and décolletage depending on the areas you wish to treat, and because it is non-invasive, there is no downtime compared to other active skin care treatments. This is truly a non-surgical “face-lift” option for those who may prefer a less aggressive option. This is one of the reasons that CryoFacials are so popular among celebrities. In fact, many celebrities use the treatment before big events, like a red carpet walk!
Ready to Take the Polar Plunge?
Our Cryoskin facial service will help you look and feel younger, with instant rejuvenation to your skin and a jolt of energy for your mind and body! Head over to our online booking page to make your appointment for a Cryoskin facial today!
by urbansqueeze | Feb 23, 2021 | US
Why It’s a Great Gift for You and For your Partner
Therapeutic massage has so many wonderful benefits and the same can be said for couples massage. It can be something you give as a gift or even do for a date. So just what can you expect from a couples massage session and what are all the great benefits? Let’s dive into those answers.
What to Expect
Couples massage is much the same as getting a message on your own; we offer the same customized service, however, you will be able to enjoy a massage next to your loved one. With each massage therapy session, we utilize relaxing aromatherapy to reduce tension and improve clarity. With each session, you have the added benefit of incorporating one of our specialities including:
- Heated Deep Tissue Bamboo
- AromaTouch Technique
- Myofascial Release
- Neuromuscular
- Reiki
- Reflexology
- Cupping
- Hot Stone
- TMJ
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics of what you can expect, let’s take a look at some of the amazing benefits of couples massage.
The Gift for Someone Who Has Everything
Sometimes it can be hard to find just the right gift for your other half, whether it’s because they already have everything or maybe you’re trying to mix up your gift-giving game. Couples massage allows you to do something new together or offers the relaxing mental shut off that you’ve both been waiting for.
The Gift of Self-Care
We’ve all been hearing about self-care a lot over the past couple of years and there is a reason why. It is too often that we put taking care of ourselves on the back burner. This can lead to stress, anxiety, fatigue, muscle tension, pain, and so much more. By taking the opportunity to get a massage together or even just considering it as a gift, you will be giving the gift of stress relief and relaxation. The physical benefits of massage therapy include reducing pain, improving circulation, improving immune function, and lowering heart rate and blood pressure, not to mention all of the emotional benefits. What a stellar gift idea!
The Benefits of Couples Massage
While getting a massage on your own is great, there are some specific benefits to couples massage therapy. One of those benefits is being able to enjoy some quality time together. It’s like a mini vacation from the stresses of work and life with your partner. It also gives you the opportunity to reconnect. Sometimes life gets in the way but with a couples massage, you and your loved one can focus on the here and now. A couples massage session is a great bonding experience for you and your other half. Not everyone can afford to go on a vacation but a spa day is easier on the wallet, not to mention that it is an experience that you will end up talking about for weeks.
Couples massage is also very intimate. The hormones released during the session stimulates the social hormones of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. During the session, these hormones work to lift your mood and even increase your affection toward your partner on an emotional level. It can also work on a physical level as you are more likely to enjoy more intimacy together after the massage than you would have before the session.
The Benefits of Routine Treatment
Finally, there is something to be said for having something to look forward to. Routine couples massage therapy sessions give you the ability to look forward to something together, which encourages that bonding experience. It can also extend the benefits of massage therapy, helping to keep your stress and anxiety levels lower overall and your body feeling more limber and pain free.
Ready to have a great date experience with your other half? Contact us today to inquire about our couples massage services.
by urbansqueeze | Feb 16, 2021 | US
7 Simple Ways You can Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Self-care is important, now more than ever. There is no right or wrong way to practice self-care and there are many options to choose from that will help with decompression and/or grounding yourself; many of these things you can do from the comfort of your home. We have created a list of our favorite ways to practice self-care and hope it will help you begin to practice more regularly from anywhere you are.
Aromatherapy
Diffusing essential oils is one of our favorite ways to unwind and de-stress. Aromatherapy triggers the relaxation response and can be used in conjunction with other methods of self-care, like meditation. Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for relaxation. It’s floral scent helps to calm the mind and can even help ease you into sleep. Other good oils for relaxation include bergamot, lemongrass, neroli, chamomile and clary sage.
Foam Roller
Foam rollers are great for post-workout soreness, but they can be a great stress buster as well! This form of self-massage can help to calm the nervous system and address acupressure points connected to the adrenals. It can even help to deepen the breath, helping bring your body to a more calm state. Check out this article from Well and Good with 6 stress-reducing roller moves.
Acupressure Mat
Using an acupressure mat is an easy way to relieve tension, soreness and pain that can build up in the body and cause even more stress. These mats are designed to produce results similar to acupressure massage. The mats have several hundred plastic points that apply pressure to relieve tension, alleviate headaches and reduce pain. To use it, lay it out on a surface (beginners may want to start out on a soft surface such as a bed or sofa). You can lie on it, sit on it, or even stand on it. Be sure that you slowly and evenly distribute your weight onto the mat and don’t fidget so as not to injure yourself on the points.
Meditation
Meditation gives you the opportunity to clear your mind and center yourself. It allows you to listen to your body and to exist in the here and now. Even just a few minutes of meditation each week can help improve your mood. To help you meditate better, there are several helpful apps you can download to your phone for a guided experience. If you don’t have time for a meditation session but feel stress creeping in, take some deep, calming breaths for 15 to 30 seconds. Make sure you focus on the way the air feels as it moves in and out of your body to help focus your mind.
Journaling
Writing down your feelings is a great way to deal with what you are going through. Be sure to write down the good and the bad, including your own negative feelings about yourself. Putting it all on paper helps you to acknowledge your own feelings and either deal with the negative things or practice gratitude for what is good in your life.
Get some Sleep
According to a Gallup poll, nearly half of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Sleep is an important part of self-care so make sure you get the amount you need to feel refreshed and ready for your day. In fact, your brain rids itself of toxins as you sleep. So whether you need to hit the sack earlier or take a nap, make sure you prioritize your sleep.
Diet and Exercise
Eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods can help give you the energy you need to get through your day, which can keep you from feeling frazzled. Just remember to not force yourself to eat a food you don’t like just because it is healthy. If you don’t like kale, don’t eat kale! Be sure that you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy other foods in moderation as well. Also find an exercise routine that suits you. When we work out, our brain releases endorphins that help boost our mood. So not only does exercise help your body, but your mind as well!
Self-care is key in reducing stress and anxiety. Having a simple routine you can do at home can help keep those good vibes going even after your facial or massage at the Wellness Collective. Ready to take your self-care to the next level? Book a massage or skin care appointment with us online!
