Spa Water Recipe
06/30/2009 In At Home Spa by bien-être
Over the years, I’ve seen many different spa lounge and relaxation room set-ups and I have to say that one of my favorite parts has always been the creative yummy flavored water I enjoy while meditating in the sauna or soaking my feet, waiting for my massage therapist to whisk me away.
I’m sharing one of the best spa water recipes with you – it makes for a beautiful party presentation, and will definitely encourage you to drink more water!
- prepare an ice cube tray *preferred if using a water bottle, or a few small plastic disposable cups (Solo, Dixie)
- slice ingredient of choice (try mixing some of these together: strawberries, kiwi, mint, lychee, blueberries, raspberries, limes, lemons, tangerines, cucumber)
- place your favorite combo or ingredient in the bottom of cups or a small amount in each compartment of ice cube tray
- fill the ice cube tray or cups with water (if using the cups – fill less than half-way full)
- place in freezer overnight
- remove cubes from tray and use like regular ice cubes
*if using plastic cups – remove cups from freezer and run upside down for just a few seconds under hot water to loosen the ice inside – the ice should come right out and can be placed in a pitcher or glass
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fill with drinking water and enjoy!
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ahas and retinoids: friends or foes?
06/29/2009 In Key Active Ingredients by bien-être
Recently, there was an article written by respected dermatologist, Dr. Baumann (respected dermatologist and author of “Skin Type Solutions”) that stated AHAs and retinoids should be used separately as they can inactivate each other. I’ve been reading some conflicting information on the subject and figured I’d try to shed some light and hopefully cut through any confusion on the subject. Here it goes.
Retinoids: Vitamin A is used in three main forms. Retinoic Acid, the active ingredient in Retin-A and Accutane, Retinol – the alcohol form of Vitamin A that is converted into retinoic acid in the skin, and retinaldehyde, the non-acidic ester form of the Vitamin that also gets converted in the skin. All three forms of the vitamin work to fight free radicals, strengthen the skin and boost cellualr metabolism. When Vitamin A is applied topically, it is escorted by the skin directly into the nucleus of the cell where it charges fibroblasts into action to create more cells. Retinoids are commonly used in skincare for this reason and can be very helpful in treating fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, acne lesions and more.
AHAs: Alpha Hydroxy acids are located everywhere in the human body. When you pump iron at the gym, you are breaking down muscle and feeling the burn. That burn is actually lactic acid being released – an alpha hydroxy acid. AHAs started popping up everywhere in skincare after research showed how the use of glycolic acid stimulated cellular metabolism, softening fine lines and bringing more moisture into the skin in the process. Since then, we’ve experimented with other AHAs and now use lactic (milk and beets), glycolic (sugar and certain fruits), malic (apple) and mandelic (almonds) and found that each hold merit for healthy aging as well as the reduction of hyper-pigmentation and acne lesions. Simply put, AHAs break skin down on the very surface in order to enourgae skin to “bulk up,” growing faster, bigger and stronger (kinda like a gym workout for your face.)
Benzoyl Peroxide: brings oxygen into the skin which kills bacteria – this ingredient is used quite a bit in acne products in order to help the skin eliminate bacteria, thus heling to clear acne lesions.When overused, however, it can cause
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UV Radiation from Energy Efficient Light Bulbs?
06/24/2009 In Skin Care 101 by bien-être
Here’s a recent article from derm blog that I found interesting. I was unaware that certain “green” fluorescent bulbs (many of which we have in our office and home) actually gave off a bit of UV radiation. Apparently not enough to promote the use of ’round the clock or indoor sunblock, but interesting still. The article also reminds us about not sitting too close to the TV (especially great big flat screens.)
DermBlog-Fluorescent Light Bulbs and UV Exposure
An additional word to the wise about electronics in the home: even when turned off, if TV sets or other electronics remain plugged in they can still emit radiation, so it may be best to avoid these electronics in the bedroom close to where you sleep. We get enough sitting in front of our computers all day! Feng Shui experts also suggest counterbalancing electronic energy with items that promote healthy Chi (energy): like plants, flowing water or windows (preferably the kind that open to let in fresh air.)
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A Friendly Reminder That Will Help Save Your Neck!
06/18/2009 In At Home Spa by bien-être
We often take good care of the skin on our face – even pay special attention to the eye area and lips. But when it comes to our neck, some of us fall short. They say that the neck and the back of the hands show one’s true age. That may be the case simply because they play second fiddle to the face when it comes to home-care on a regular basis. Here are some tips to remind you to include your neck and your decolette (fancy French term for chest) in the lovin care:
Take your cleanser with you into the shower – whether in the morning or before bed, cleansing once a day in the shower will encourage you to include your neck and decolette without the mess made around the bathroom sink. A good scrub down once a day will help encourage cellular metabolism and remove and debris built up from the day, making the penetration of nutrients and moisture easier afterward!
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Our 5 Favorite Skin Beauty Tips
06/16/2009 In At Home Spa by bien-être
Spot Treat with Retinol
For pesky breakouts that come when they are least expected or wanted, retinol at higher percentages like 2-5% (found in Sanitas Retinol Resurfacing Treatment)can dry the area sufficiently while encouraging cellular turnover and fighting free radicals. Apply a small amount of the retinol product to the breakout before bed 1-2 nights in a row when you first notice signs of trouble. This will significantly reduce recovery time!
Blend Products
Feel free to blend similar products within reason. Products with similar or complimentary qualities and ingredients can be easily mixed for multiple benefits!
Here are some of my favorite blends:
Compress at Home
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