Tag Archive for: skin care Aurora

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The Fragrance of Good Health

Essential Oils the Fragrance of Good Health, A Perfect Pinky, Aurora, Newmarket, York Region

Aromatherapy has been practiced by humanity for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used many fragrant plants, such as lavender, in many of their cosmetics and ceremonial rituals, like the embalming process. The ancient Greeks used cypress oil to ease diarrhea, while people in India in 500 CE used sandalwood for their exorcism rites, as well as for healing arrow wounds. The word divided means; fragrance (aroma) and encouragement of good health (therapy).

Many scents, or essential oils, appear in our cosmetics, cleaning products and in our salons today. The oils are extracted from various parts of plants (i.e. roots, leaves, flowers), predominantly through a process called distillation. Steam passes over the parts of the plant through a still, then into a condenser where the oil produced is separated from the water. Finally, the oil, or essence of the plant, is poured into a small bottle.

One of the beneficial and most relaxing ways to experience the wonderful scents in our salon is by having an aromatic pedicure. Adding an essential oil to the pedicure bath waters is a perfect way to create a calming or invigorating experience, depending on which scent is chosen.

Just Some of the Aromatics We Use

Tea Tree

An extremely medicinal oil, tea tree oil, carries loads of benefits, and falls under the category of an invigorating aroma. Tea tree helps fight bacterial and fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and nail bed infections, and can ease mild inflammatory condition, such as sinusitis. It also is useful for chronic anxiety, and poor concentration. Tea tree oil is added to many soaps, shampoos and cosmetics for this reason.

Peppermint

Ingesting peppermint candy or drinking peppermint tea can be useful for various digestive system ailments. Breathing this essential oil in is just as helpful. Peppermint can relieve nausea, stress-triggered diarrhea and vomiting. It has also proven to be an effective stimulant, able to improve memory, poor concentration and mental fatigue. And it helps with hangovers!

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is yet another “anti-everything” essential oil. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. It is highly effective for treating various types of wounds like cuts, acne or boils. And breathing it in can relieve congestion, mental exhaustion and boost energy.

Citrus

Lemongrass and orange are both uplifting, fresh scents. Lemongrass oil not only increases mental awareness and concentration, it also relieves anxiety, irritability and feelings of stress. And as a natural detoxifier, when used in teas, lemongrass can flush toxins throughout your digestive tract. Sweet orange is not only uplifting, it simultaneously calms and relaxes as well. A natural mood enhancer, orange is used as an anti-depressant, because of its worry-reducing properties. It is also beneficial in relaxing muscular and nervous spasms, relieving inflammation and easing pain.

Aromatherapy, as you can see, is beneficial in various forms. From relieving stress, to promoting mental clarity, or calming physical inflammation, essential oils are just that, essential. Here at Perfect Pinky we welcome you to experience these essential oils during your pedicure pampering time with us!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

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Common Skin Growths and What To Do About Them

Common Skin Growths and What To Do About Them

What is that spot?! Growths on our skin can develop for numerous reasons. They could be the result of a virus or bacterial infection, or simply something you’ve inherited from your mother.  Although some are harmless, others are not and need attention from you and your doctor.  Let’s explore some common growths and what to do about them.

Nevi (Moles)

Moles are usually round or oval growths that can sprout anywhere on the body. They range in colour from brown to black, or even pink.  They are usually slightly raised from the skin.  It is always best to have them checked regularly by your doctor for any changes to their appearance (i.e. shape, colour or size).

Cherry Angioma

These growths are cherry red clusters made up of tiny capillaries at the surface of the skin. They can show up anywhere on the body, but usually appear on the torso and upper thigh.  Cherry angiomas are generally harmless and usually appear in adults over the age of 30.

Warts

While they are ugly and annoying little pests, warts are non-cancerous growths that are caused by a viral infection, known as Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, in the top layer of skin. Usually occurring in children and young adults, warts can appear all over the body but are most common on the feet and hands.  They are usually rough and raised, however the plantar wart is flat, occurring on the soles of the feet. They can be treated by your doctor.

Lentigo

The dreaded age spot! There are 3 types of lentigo.  The first is called lentigo simplex.  This is a small spot, usually harmless and tan in colour.  Second are those called liver or age/sun spots.  They are medically referred to as solar lentigo, usually brought on by sun exposure.  And lastly, lentigo malignas.  These spots are dark and irregular shaped, most common in people over 60, and can develop onto skin cancer.

Skin Cancer

There are 3 types of skin cancer to look out for.  The most common is basal cell carcinoma.  Usually appearing as a waxy, flesh-coloured bump, this type is most commonly found on the face, head, neck and hands.  Second is squamous cell carcinoma.  These growths are rough and scaly and often bleed and crust over.  Also commonly found on the head, neck and hands, squamous cell carcinoma can really sprout anywhere on the body.

And the most serious of these is melanoma.  Melanoma often occurs through moles.  Common warning signs of melanoma are moles or legions that get darker, grow larger, and change shape.  All of these cancer types require monitoring and treatment by a doctor.

Your skin is your largest organ. Protect it. Nourish it. Wear sunscreen everyday and limit prolonged sun exposure. Your life may depend on it.

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

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Beauty Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Beauty Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

There are many beauty benefits of tea tree oil.  It has such a wide range of benefits that it really is an essential product for any home.  It has become an active ingredient in so many cosmetic products for reasons such as its natural antiseptic qualities and its anti-inflammatory abilities.  Tea tree oil is a natural substance derived from the tree known as Melaleuca which grows in Australia and is therefore also referred to as Melaleuca oil.  It has been known to have strong antiseptic qualities formerly since the 1920s, however the native peoples of Australia have been using the oil for thousands of years prior.

The following are ways to help use the oil as a possible part of your skin care regimen:

Acne

Since tea tree has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, it aids in killing bacteria that creates acne.  The oil removes toxins by being absorbed into the skin on just about any body part (i.e. face, back, extremities).  Add a few drops to some raw honey and apply to your pimples for about 4-5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.  This may help reduce/eliminate acne.

Skin Infections

This oil is amazing in treating various foot infections such as toenail fungus or athlete’s foot as well as skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  Using a dropper, apply a few drops in and around the fungal toenail once or twice daily for approximately a month. This should aid in clearing up the problem.  For topical problems, like eczema, use a cotton swab with a few drops of tea tree to dab on the affected area.  Tea tree works wonders to help kill theses parasites and infections.

Cuts and Abrasions

For relieving painful and irritating skin trauma such as a cut or even razor burn, tea tree oil can help to alleviate the discomfort.  Since the oil operates similar to witch hazel, added together they can soothe the abrasion.  For a burn, add several drops of tea tree oil to two teaspoons of witch hazel and apply this mixture with a cotton swab.  For a cut, take two drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil in jojoba oil and apply onto a clean cut followed by a Band-Aid to prevent infection.

Warts

With antiseptic and anti-viral properties, tea tree oil can be effective in killing warts.  The oil helps stunt their growth and dry them out so that, if you are diligent enough, they will fall off naturally.  Apply a drop of tea tree oil to the wart and cover it over night. Remove the band aid in the morning, clean the area and repeat the process for about one to four weeks for the wart to fall off.

Daily Routine

Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your cleanser or moisturizer is a great way to add extra hydration to your skin while keeping the bacteria at bay.  Create your own gentle make up remover as well.  Try 1/4 cup canola oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil and mix.  Place in a tight lidded glass jar and store in a cool dark place.  To remove your makeup, saturate a cotton pad and swipe all over face.  Rinse well and follow with toner and moisturizer.  This mixture is also great to rub on dry cuticles.

Essential oils are a wonderful addition to any home, but not many are quite as versatile as tea tree oil.  With so many wonderful uses and beauty benefits of tea tree oil, it is an essential addition to anyone’s daily routine.

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

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Paying Attention to Skin Changes

check for skin changes

Our skin is our largest organ. Taking care of it is essential to our general well-being.  Therefore we need to be actively aware of any skin changes that occur.  Some of these changes can indicate or give clues as to what may be happening within our body.  Skin discoloration, a new growth, or even a difference in texture may be a sign of an illness or injury within us.  The following are some skin changes or conditions that may signal something worth looking into with a doctor.

New Growths

Any new mark or raised bump on the surface of our skin should always be seen by a doctor.  We are already aware that any moles we have should be routinely checked, as they could be a sign of skin cancer.  But there are some growths that can signal an internal issue.  Acne can suggest a hormone level problem, especially in women.  In extreme cases, acne along the jawline could indicate having polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can also lead to thinning of the hair and weight changes in women.

Rashes and Other Textures

A rash or raised texture on the skin can signal an allergy to food, medication or the environment you are in.  However, other symptoms that can accompany a rash such as a fever or joint pain, may indicate an internal infection or condition.

For example, a purple tinged rash on the lower legs can be a sign of hepatitis C, or, not as common, a velvety rash could be a warning sign of stomach or liver cancer. Very dry, itchy patches of skin can be a sign of hormonal problems, especially in regards to the thyroid.  Or even eczema, a condition causing itchy, red patches of skin can be a signal of something internal going on, possibly joint issues or sleep problems.

Skin Discoloration

An altering in skin colour can be a symptom of various conditions worth looking into.  A yellowing of the skin, and the whites of the eyes, may signal liver failure.  A darkening of the skin, primarily scars and joints (knees and elbows) could be an indication of hormonal diseases, such as Addison’s disease.

Nail Changes

The shape or colour of our nails can also indicate an internal organ issue.  Dry, brittle nails could indicate a thyroid issue.  Nails that appear concave my indicate heart disease or a liver disorder called hemachromatosis, where the body absorbs too much iron.  Discoloured nails could indicate a plethora of possible health ailments.  Blueish tinged nails could mean low oxygen levels in the blood, whereas white nails may indicate a liver disease like hepatitis.

In short, pay attention to your body and look for skin changes.  Don’t ignore or overlook something new on your skin.  It is always best to consult your doctor if you have any doubt about a rash or a mark that you are unfamiliar with.  It just may be an indication of something bigger going on with you.

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

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