Tag Archive for: licensed aesthetician Aurora

a perfect pinky reduce wrinkles and fine lines

The aging process can sometimes seem unfair. We can develop new troubles with our skin that we didn’t have in our younger years. But sometimes we can prevent or eliminate some issues altogether. One such issue is fine lines and wrinkles. Although it’s been said that we need to just accept our aging skin as it is, since wrinkles are said to be inevitable – that’s simply not true. Yes our metabolism slows as we age, and in turn the formation of collagen and elastin that we need for a plump complexion, slowly lessens. Let’s take a look at these 4 fool-proof ways we can help revive our glow.

1. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Processed sugar can increase collagen breakdown. It creates dehydration and therefore sucks moisture out of the skin. And really, is just plain bad for you. Eating fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin C especially, is vital to help build collagen in the skin and restore your glowing complexion.

2. Always Use Sunscreen

Sun protection cannot be stressed enough in the prevention of wrinkles and other skin ailments. It’s essential to wear an SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection. SPF prevents wrinkles people! But you must use it everyday even when it’s cloudy.

3. Quit Smoking

Obviously smoking is bad for your health for a multitude of reasons, in addition to aging your skin prematurely. Smoking affects the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin and entire body. Depriving the skin of these vital nutrients, such as Vitamin C, creates a pale, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco that deplete your skin’s collagen and elastin, therefore creating wrinkly, sagging faces. So the sooner you quit, the better – or better yet, don’t start at all!

4. Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Your skin is your largest organ and it suffers the most oxidative stress throughout your daily routine. Antioxidants help fight that stress and damage. The best way to boost your antioxidants is to consume foods rich in them. Kale, blueberries or kidney beans are examples of great foods that help with this. Get the wrinkle free skin you want from the inside out.

There are so many creams and procedures that can help prevent and eliminate aging skin. But realistically, if you just start practicing the recommendations in this short list, you will notice a significant difference. Some say the best overall help to your skin is to eat properly, exercise and stay hydrated. Think about it… while you’re putting on your sunscreen. 😉

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

woman drinking red wine a perfect pinky aurora spa

Check out these 6 foods that remarkably look like different parts of the human body – giving us clues regarding their health benefits.  

Interestingly, many of the healthy foods we eat physically resemble different parts of our bodies. And even though they are beneficial to our overall health, they do seem to directly benefit the body parts they mirrorCut up carrots, for instancelook like our eyes! And brain boosting walnuts even look like our brains! Perhaps it’s just a coincidence but regardlessthis is a fun way to look at the food we eat. Below is a short list of 6 superfoods we consume that target different body parts. 

Tomatoes 

Not only do tomatoes resemble the human heart, they are quite important for our vascular health. Tomatoes are chock-full of important nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C & E, potassium, folate and lycopene. They are low in calories and high in fiber. Incidentally, lycopene specifically has shown to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) which is super important to keep your blood from clotting – thus lowering your risk of stroke. So, add tomatoes to your salads and top your turkey burger with them and enjoy! 

Walnuts 

Walnuts (in smaller quantities to keep calories loware a great addition to many dishes like summery salads or a warming bowl of oatmeal. Walnuts also look very similar to our brain – and for good reason. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lowers cholesterol levels. They are also known to have positive effects on our mood since research has shown that they boost serotonin levels. If you enjoy an added crunch to your salads, try replacing croutons with walnuts. Your brain will thank you! 

Celery 

Celery juice is the latest craze, and for good reason. This vegetable has an astounding similarity to the shape of our bones. Celery is a wonderful addition to any diet as it is low in calories and provides an excellent source of fiber. It also contains vitamin K which is crucial for bone building and repairing. A few other vitamins and nutrients for bone health include vitamin C (essential for collagen), vitamins B2 and B5, magnesium, and boron. Scoop up a couple tablespoons of peanut butter with a stalk of celery and you have yourself a delicious and bone-strengthening afternoon snack! 

Ginger 

Eating ginger when you have a sore tummy can sometimes be a lifesaver. In many cultures, the root of the ginger plant is known as a remedy for an upset stomach. Not to mention the incredible flavour it adds to a dish is simply unmatched. The active ingredient in ginger is called gingerol. Not only does it provide your immune system with a ton of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s also delicious with sushi! Furthermore, ginger can be an excellent addition to teas, soups, and curries.  

Avocados 

Avocados are an excellent and healthy source of fat. If you cut it in two, the shape of each half of the avocado is very similar to the silhouette of a woman’s uterus. This is quite interesting since healthy fats are an integral part of a woman’s fertility. Avocados help the cervix and uterus to function at their best. Not to mention that avocados are extremely versatile. They can be consumed in fruity smoothies, as a dip, spread on top of toast, tossed into salads, and the list goes on!  

Red Wine 

Researchers suggest that red wine can be healthy for our blood and our bodies (in moderation of course). It is high in Resveratrol, which is a compound found in certain plants as well as red wine that has many antioxidant properties. Although grapes and berries are a better source of Resveratrol, it is known to possibly boost our health and protect us against some types of cancer. So, a glass of red wine a day really can be beneficial to our overall health! 

There is no doubt that a well-balanced dietpaired with daily exercise, will always be our best choice for optimal health. We recommend eating a varied diet of whole grains, protein, healthy fats/oils, and a broad range of fruits and vegetables – to keep our organs and bodies working at their finest. 

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

collagen a perfect pinky youthful glow aurora spa

As we age, some things happen to us that are, unfortunately, unavoidable.  Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and dullness are all associated with growing older. Collagen production naturally slows down as we age. Collagen is the naturally occurring support structure of the skin that keeps it smooth, plump and wrinkle-free. Therefore, when collagen fibers break down as we grow older it can’t be repaired in the same way as before. But there is a bright side! It is possible to rebuild collagen and regain some of our youthful glow. Let’s explore the options.

Food

There are an array of foods that boost our collagen production. Berries, including blueberries and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals while boosting collagen. Fish, especially tuna and salmon, are rich in omega-3 which plumps up the cells and reduces inflammation while providing amino acids to firm the skin. And of course vegetables provide different things to help give collagen a boost. Green veggies have antioxidants, red veggies are full of lycopene and orange veggies are loaded with vitamin C, all of which aid in the restoration of collagen.

Reducing Sugar Intake and Refraining From Smoking

We all know that smoking is bad for you, but did you know it’s so dehydrating that it restricts blood flow and actually kills the collagen in your skin? And sugar has that very same effect. Processed sugar can permanently attach to collagen fibers, creating rigid, dull, dry and aged looking skin. Yet another reason to quit smoking and to limit sugar intake.

Topical Products and Massage

Choosing a product containing collagen can be tricky. The collagen amino acids need to be small enough to get to the deeper layers of your skin to deliver the plumping effect desired. There are a multitude of creams and masks on the market so it can seem confusing. The best way to solve the dilemma of what to choose is to talk to a skincare professional. They can guide you with suggestions on what type of facial to have, and what masks and creams would work best for you. And they can administer the proper facial massage within the chosen facial to stimulate collagen production and strengthen muscle memory.

Hydration

There’s no question; the more hydrated your skin is, the better environment it gives for collagen and elastin to produce. Keep your skin hydrated by eating hydrating foods like vegetables and fruits, apply hydrating skincare products and, of course, drink plenty of water.

The good news is that it is possible to rebuild collagen in the face and regain your youthful glow. With the right products, treatments and nutrients, your skin can indeed look younger for longer.

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And don’t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

good habits a perfect pinky aurora spa

Another year is upon us. And for some, we are facing the “new year, new you” mentality with trepidation. Getting back into a routine after the crazy schedule of the holiday season can definitely be daunting. We, as humans, are naturally creatures of habit. If we can form some good ones then we can hopefully maintain them for the duration of our life. Let’s form some good habits together by learning what steps we need to take to achieve our best self!

Exercise

Lack of exercise can contribute to many diseases and issues. So it’s extremely important to get active everyday. Not only does regular exercise improve brain function and help our mood, it allows us to stave off many chronic illnesses. Something as simple as a 30-minute brisk walk can hugely reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer. Partnered with a healthy diet, exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity, which is dramatically affecting our world today. So get moving!

Healthy Diet

We all know that a balanced diet includes a good amount of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein like lean meats and nuts. But it’s hard to be good all the time, especially over the holidays. Now that the holidays have wrapped up for another year, it’s time to create a good diet for ourselves, limiting refined sugars and saturated fats. Minimizing these types of foods is necessary to maintain optimal health and keep excess calories at bay.

Sleep

Your body needs rest just as much as it needs good food and exercise. A solid 7 to 9 hours per night should keep you mentally alert and ready to exercise. Rest can also be achieved through other methods throughout the day. Take a few minutes and do some deep breathing, meditate, or even take a hot bath with an essential oil like lavender to promote relaxation. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain, hormone fluctuation, poor mood, and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. So unplug those devices, turn off the TV and head to bed.

Hydration

Put down that soda, and grab a bottle of water instead. Water contributes to the proper function of our organs and tissues and maintenance of bodily functions. Our muscles receive essential nutrients from water, helping us to move efficiently. Water aids in digestion, especially helping those suffering from constipation, IBS, or other abdominal issues. Water flushes toxins from our body, and is the best defense against wrinkles and the aging process of our skin. Seriously, it’s literally a life-saver!

Joy

Honestly, enjoy your life! Surround yourself with positivity. We all need and enjoy the support of friends and family. Contentment gives you a good night sleep, which in turn gives you a positive outlook on your day and attracts people to you. Socialization helps with depression, anxiety and stress. For some, it can be difficult to find joy, but you must remember that your mind and emotional state are so tremendously important in helping you achieve your goals and feeling good.

Hopefully these steps will guide you to be your best you. In addition to these tips, an annual physical with your doctor is always a good idea to make sure you are at your most optimal performance. Remember to spend time with those you love, those who make you laugh, and those who support you and your life! Happiest of New Year’s to you!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And don’t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis