Pores are not like doors

If consumers would only understand that pores are not like doors, they do not open and close.
What you are treating is the tissue surrounding the pore. When product is rich in filler such as petroleum this can cause asphyxiation of the pore. 

Should the filler remain in the pore it can cause the pore walls to stretch and become enlarged. Fillers will also create a build up on the skin much like floor wax.
The other hand of this is that products suggest that they will open the pore to remove the congestion within the pore. Again, the pore itself is not opening, products that will dissolve the cellular debris will soften the tissue surrounding the pore allowing for the congestion to be released.

Please do not fall into the marketing trap of believing the pores will open and the congestion will be magically released!

Beauty from the Inside Out

 As an Esthetician it is often mistaken that  I work only on the surface of the skin. While it is true some do, but I as a Facial Specialist know that beauty really does come from the inside out.  Diet plays such an important part to our health and wellness but especially to your skin. 

Upon entry to my spa many new clients are surprised that there is an intake form asking health questions and then are more surprised when I ask questions as to lifestyle and diet.

 I am sure there are still many who believe that all I do is put lipstick and nail polish on people all day. 

That is true in some spas and beauty salons but I have chosen to specialize in skin therapy because it fascinates me! It fascinates me how what you put on your body goes in your body and for that I want to know what is in my product. It fascinates me that with a little coaching on making a few dietary changes and using products not loaded with synthetic chemicals that I can assist clients with achieving clear skin! 

Joy McCarthy, has been an inspiration to my approach to clean living and clean eating 

and aside from this post about to sound like a girl crush for the beautiful Joy McCarthy I wanted to share why she truly is a Beauty from the Inside Out and why her approach to food, beauty and living should be shared! I hope she will become an inspiration for you to make some changes from the inside out.

A few years ago I had the privledge of meeting Joy when she came to my spa for one of  my 

Organic Signature Facial treatments.

  Her infectious enthusiasm for all things clean including skin care, cosmetics and well of course food have encouraged me to share her wisdom with all of you! 

 Last year we were fortunate enough to have Joy perform a workshop in our spa. She truly is as lovely in person as she is on TV, appears on the cover of her AMAZING new book ( shown above) and sounds on the many radio shows and seen at the many events she has been touring on the success of her book 

Joyous Health.

2014 is the year of Joy McCarthy! It seems that since January when her book launched here in Canada climbing straight to the top of the Best Sellers I might add she is everywhere! On TV, the Global Morning Show, Steven & Chris, in the hottest magazines and making countless appearances. Complete list here

And if that isn't enough she has launched a FAB new Naturals Beauty Essentials line including Body Butta, Lip Balm and my two absolute favs Non Toxic deo that really WORKS and a non toxic toothpaste called

 Minty Fresh  that I can now not live without! 

These can be purchased on line here http://shopjoyous.joyoushealth.ca/product-category/personal-care/ or at select spa boutiques. 

The book Joyous Health did not disappoint! The photography in this book is fantastic and most importantly so are the recipes!! Some of my favorites include the Carrot Cake Balls, ALL of the smoothies, 

Almond Butter cookies and even the Brussel Sprout recipe converted me to a LOVER not a HATER of this delicious food!  I do not want to ruin the surprise while you flip the pages so I will leave those teasers with you. 

I am delighted to announce that Joy will once again be making an appearance at our spa on 

Saturday May 10th from 1pm-2:30. She will be hosting a workshop and book signing!

 (You can purchase your book at the event if you have not been fortunate enough to find one in our small town.) Or you can purchase the book on line through Amazon or Indigo. 

 Pre-orders are available for all of my American friends reading this! Wow that means we Canadians actually got something great launched first!!

If you are able to visit one of Joy's Workshops or presentations please do so! You will not be disappointed! Her down to earth, easy to follow real food living is achievable and you will feel great without dieting! 

Joy offers on-line coaching and many workshops throughout the year that you can participate in on line. 

Visit http://shopjoyous.joyoushealth.ca/product-category/nutrition-consulting It is never to late to live WELL!

Here is the info for our Workshop if you can attend next Saturday we still have a few seats available! 

Wishing you all a day of beauty from the inside out!

Itching for Spring? Dry Skin Be Gone

Winter has certainly overstayed its welcome and the cold temperatures are wrecking havoc on skin!
 No doubt you are itching all over and itching for Spring like temps!

Are you experiencing itchy legs, itchy scalp, itchy arms and back? Do you feel like dipping yourself in a vat of lotion and oil?

Here are a few tips to relieve the itching and prevent you from becoming a red flaking mess from all of the scratching.

• Dry Brushing - if you are new to this technique go easy on the pressure for the first few treatments to prevent over exfoliating and causing sensitive areas. Dry brushing will not only remove dead compacted cells  it will increase circulation and detoxify the body. 

Begin at the ankles and work in gentle circles upwards towards the heart.
 Do not use the dry brush on your face!
Great to perform this technique in the morning before a shower and in the evening before bed.

• Bathing and Showering - no one loves a hot bath or shower more then I do but when skin is feeling itchy and dry, turn down the temp to avoid dehydrating the skin.

Avoid the use of traditional soap and liquid soaps with fragrance and harsh chemicals such as sodium laurel sulphate the chemicals are not only toxic to the body but also harmful to the environment.
Use a gentle body was that is free of artificial fragrance and SLS wash only the crevices! No need to wash your arms and legs daily with soap...seriously how dirty do these areas actually get?
Use a back brush in the shower to reach this area if you haven't already done so with the drybrush technique   listed above.
When washing your hair, be sure to rinse well especially along the hairline. If not rinsed properly harsh chemicals in shampoo (again look for SLS free especially if you invest in colouring your hair) can over strip the scalp of natural oils creating a dry itchy and flaky scalp!

• Moisturize while skin is still damp using a quality oil such as coconut oil or jojoba to draw the moisture into the body!

Moisturizers with fragrance, parabens and petro chemicals only hydrate topically and will not provide  the skin with deep moisture it requires.

• Hydrate internally! Drink lots of water and herbal teas! Hydrating internally will not only flush the body of toxins it will also keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Aim for 6-8 glasses minimum

For more tips on dry brushing click here http://www.joyoushealth.ca/blog/2010/06/15/dry-skin-brushing-for-glow-immune-health/.



Follow these tips and may dry skin be gone!

May we all be experiencing warm spring breezes and flowers blooming very very soon!

Skin Tips for Female Riders

While here in Ontario Mother Nature insists it is still Winter and continues to let the snow fall many all motorcycle enthusiasts are really wishing for warmer tips to get out on the open road. Last night I was honored to be invited to attend the Ladies Garage Party at our local Harley Davidson dealer. 

Here is the article that I was asked to write and I thought I would share it with all Female riders looking to protect their skin when the time arises that you are able to get out and enjoy your travels!

Be safe and enjoy!

Skin Tips for Female Riders

While leather is a great look on the bike and even fashion, I am sure it isn’t a look you want for your skin.  Follow these simple steps to protect your skin while out on the open road.

·         Know what you are using

By this I mean know the ingredients.  Harsh chemicals and ingredients such as Hydroquinone,

Vitamin A or Retinoid’s can cause side effects such as pigmentation (dark spots on the skin).

These ingredients over time can thin the skin, reducing the natural barrier to protect you from the harmful UVA/UVB rays making you more susceptible to sun burn and sun damage.

·         Practice Safe Sun

This is likely something you have all heard before but I can’t stress this enough! Wearing protective covering for your skin is like wearing protective covering for your body. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum coverage protecting you from both UVA rays (the ones that cause the damage) and UVB rays (the ones that cause the burn). Choose a natural based sun screen whenever possible as ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to endocrine and reproductive issues. When choosing a sunscreen choose an SPF 30 as minimum coverage and be sure to reapply. Apply to full face, neck, ears and backs of the hands if you are not wearing gloves! Reapply sunscreen at each stop. Touch ups are EASY when you use a mineral powder with SPF! Not only will you be keeping harmful rays at bay you will look fresh faced as powder absorbs sweat! (See my pick below)

·         Sunglasses

 Although the sun does give a healthy dose of Vitamin D like all good things, moderation is key. Light coloured eyes are more  sensitive to the light so be sure to choose a tint that prevents squinting!

Choose sunglasses that do not have metallic frames or metal nose pieces.  The metal attracts the rays and this is one of the first places I see signs of aging in my clinic.  Along the temples (arms of sunglasses are metal) around the brow and under eye area where the frames are. Sides of the nose as the nose pieces are often metal. Choose frames constructed of plastic or acrylic and choose larger frames to provide more protection. Choose sunglasses with minimum 400 UV protectant.

·         Beauty Sleep

We all need beauty sleep!  Your skin & your body enters natural repair mode while you sleep so a cleansing is a MUST every night but especially after a long ride. Cleansing will remove dirt and grime accumulated from the open road while keeping free radicals at bay. Use a gentle gel or milky cleanser and avoid harsh exfoliating cleansers as this can make the skin more susceptible to sunburn while on the road.

·         Hydration

Hydration is key both internally and externally. Drink lots of H20 especially if alcohol and caffeine are consumed as for each one of these consumed you are at minus one water. Try to consume a minimum of 6-8 glasses a day. Add a slice of lemon to create a more alkaline effect on the body and boost the liver cleansing enzymes. This will also keep your skin glowing!  Hydrate topically at bed time by applying a moisturizer for your skin type or sleep with a masque on to provide the skin with a boost of antioxidants and nutrients.

·         My Open Road Essentials

Coconut Milk Cleanser or Stone Crop Gel Wash, Red Currant Moisturizer SPF 30, Tinted Moisturizer SPF 25, Bright Skin Masque, Sun Defense Mineral Stick SPF 30

A-peeling Truth

 Images of the Sex In The City episode where Samantha emerges from a chemical peel fire engine red and layers of skin peeling from her face is the vision that most have in their minds as to what they will look like after a treatment. The words chemical and acid are often associated with this image when discussing in treatment and begins to create mild panic within the client. 

Although there is a purpose for this more invasive sort of treatment in medical clinics this is not the sort of treatment performed in spa settings by highly educated professionals using quality products. 

In my facial clinic respecting the delicate nature of the skin is of utmost importance while providing outstanding results achieved with  a less is more approach.

 While chemical peels are often graded in percentages ranging from 2%-70%

** (over 40% is a very deep peel and should only be performed by Dermatologists and Physicians) lower percentages are proving effective over a longer period of time with no redness, no irritation and no down time when performed by an educated professional in a series with a proper home care regime designed by your skin professional. 

These lower percentage peels are effective in treating pigmentation disorders, acneic skin, lines, collagen loss and hydration balancing.  Some peeling products such as those with fruit acids versus glycolic can be effective in treating even the most sensitive skin including rosacea. 

 The key to to ensuring safe and effective results is to become educated on what to expect during and after the treatment.  So many products are being sold on the market containing harsh chemicals such as hydroquinone, retinoids and glycolic and yet clients are not being educated as to what they are using  let alone what side effects can occur with long term use of these products. This can determine the effectiveness and safety of this form of service as you will read in the info below.

When should a peeling facial or product be avoided?

• If you have been using any products containing the ingredients above or have taken Accutane or have used topical prescriptions containing retinoids or are a sun lover both naturally and artificially in sun beds  ALL PEELING PRODUCTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED for 3-6 months after discontinued use. If  you are unsure of the ingredients contained in your products as many have no idea the ingredients in there products,  bring them with you to your appointment and your skin professional will determine whether this treatment is for you.

• While using any peeling product additional exfoliants should be avoided unless directed by your professional. 
• While sun protection should be used everyday to protect your skin it is a must while performing any of these treatments. Minimum SPF recommended SPF 30 and be sure it is Broad spectrum containing protection of both UVA and UVB rays.

I hope that this post takes the fear out of the association of chemical peels and fruit acids and  I encourage you to seek a well educated professional to assist you with reaching your skin goals. 

If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me I would be happy to help!

Have an Illuminated day!

Mindy

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Winter Skin Care Tips

Well we are in the heart of a traditional Canadian Winter here in Ontario. The snow keeps piling up and the temperatures have been frigid!
Here you will find a few simple steps to keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose and your skin feeling hydrated.

• Do NOT over Cleanse - Cleanse only at night to assist the skin with entering the natural repair mode as you sleep. Choose a milky or cream based cleanser that will be gentle on the skin while effectively removing the impurities. Some of my favorites Eminence Organics Coconut Milk Cleanser, Sweet Red Rose, Blueberry Soy. See the entire line of products here http://www.eminenceorganics.com/

• EXFOLIATE - I recommend 1-3 times per week depending on the skin type.  Remove the dead skin cells that accumulate causing the skin to appear dry, flaky and lacklustre. Eliminating this step causes the flattened cells accumulate and prevent moisture from penetrating into the pore. When using an exfoliant, use a gentle pressure do not go to town scrubbing! In fact, I refrain from using the word "scrub" as I associate the term with harsh pressure. Your skin is delicate it is not a potato!  Avoid using the polysilicone beads as they are hard on the environment as they are proving to clog waterways. Also avoid using rock based (yes I said ROCK) these are much too harsh and cause microscopic tears in the skin. My personal favorite Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. This is a powder based product of dried chick pea flour and rice bran.  Mix a quarter size shake into your cleanser or form a paste with a few drops of water. Gently apply pressure and remove. Soft, subtle and smooth skin revealed! 

• HYDRATE - even oily skin requires moisture. When skin is dehydrated it is lacking water not oil. Even oily skin requires moisture, you just need to choose a water based product that is free from harsh alcohol ingredients. With a dry or mature skin you can choose a product richer in lipids to improve hydration and plump cells. Avoid products that list ingredients such as paraffin,Petroleum anything and especially Vaseline. These products are petroleum based and the molecular structure is much to large to allow for penetration. Therefore it is strictly a surfactant superficially hydrating the skin. These are high in toxins and a proven carcinogen linked to serious disease. More on that in another post. Drink water 6-8 glasses a day. This includes herbal teas, and clear broths for those not fond of water. Coconut water is especially hydrating as it is proven to hydrate and balance electrolytes. Add a squeeze of lime and drink up! Your skin will thank you!