Tag Archive for: spa services aurora

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Keep That Youthful Glow

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

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New Year, New Habits

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

 

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Holiday Sweets May Not Be So Sweet To Our Skin

sweets and skin care issues over the holidays a perfect pinky day spa aurora

As we head into the festive holiday season, gatherings with family and friends will start to fill up our calendar. Lots of delicious meals and seasonal cocktails will be enjoyed by all! And in every home, at every party, and in every office, there will be decadent holiday treats. Cookies, cakes and candy canes will stare at us from the table waiting to be consumed. But did you know that overindulging in refined sugar not only wreaks havoc on our system, but can also ruin your skin? Processed sugar can not only cause breakouts, but is often the reason we develop skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis or premature wrinkles.

Skin Troubles Caused By Sugar

Inflammation – sugar is one of the worst foods to cause inflammation, since it is so highly acidic. Eating something high in sugar causes your insulin levels to rise in an effort to stabilize your blood sugar levels, thus causing inflammation. This process can exacerbate existing skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, eczema and acne. And to make matters worse, the stress hormone cortisol then boosts oil production, giving the inflammatory condition, specifically acne, a greasy environment to grow. Yuck!

Wrinkles – collagen is a protein found in the skin that keeps it looking supple and youthful. When sugar attaches to collagen, the collagen starts to breakdown on a cellular level. This creates dull, dehydrated skin, and in turn, leads to premature wrinkles.

Dehydration – when your skin appears dull and sallow, as opposed to bouncy and perky, it’s likely due to eating too much refined sugar. Since sugar is a dehydrating agent, it can suck the water out of your skin. This leads to puffy, dry skin and under eye circles.

Our diets should be well-balanced. Avoiding refined sugar is important for our skin and bodies. Eating appropriate amounts of grains, fruits and vegetables, and protein all help in achieving a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Our skin is our largest organ. We need to take care of it. Throughout the holiday season and onward, limit your sugar intake as best you can. We all indulge once in a while so don’t beat yourself up. Just remember that limiting processed sugar will lead to fewer cravings, better digestion and glowing skin.

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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Treating & Preventing Ingrown Toenails

preventing ingrown toenails

Our feet have been hibernating in boots and socks all winter long.  It’s time for them to emerge! Spring and summer mean it’s time for a pedicure to get your feet looking and feeling their best.  And with our feet cooped up for so long, some of us may have acquired the dreaded and painful ingrown toenail.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a problem usually occurring in the big toe, where the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it.  It can become painful and swollen.  An infection can occur if left untreated and the nail continues to grow like this.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails is Easy

Let’s discuss a few ways to do so. Here are a few tips to prevent this painful condition:

Shape and Length of Toenails:

Be sure to cut toenails straight across, as well as not too short.  Toenails that are trimmed too short can create pressure from your shoe to direct the nail to grow downward into the skin.  Trimming them straight across and even with the tips of your toes is the best when preventing ingrown toenails

Buy Properly Fitted Footwear:

Shoes that are too narrow or too tight can create pressure on your toes and cause ingrown toenails. The best solution is to shop for shoes later in the day when your feet are at their largest.  This is when you will get a shoe that fits you properly.

Foot Hygiene:

Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent ingrown toenails.  Moist, sweaty feet are a breeding ground for this and other foot conditions.  Keep footwear and socks dry as much as possible to prevent a dirty environment for your feet.

Know Your Feet:

Check your feet daily. This may sound silly but people with conditions such as diabetes or poor blood flow to their feet are more vulnerable in acquiring ingrown toenails. The more you know, the better you can take care of yourself and your feet.

Easing the Pain of Ingrown Toenails

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail here are a few things you can try to help ease the pain.

  • Soak your foot in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day with either some Epsom salts or just plain table salt. Salt water aids in the reduction of bacteria growth.
  • If able, dry your foot and gently lift the corner of the nail after soaking and apply an antibiotic cream.  Ask a pharmacist which cream would be best.
  • Bandage your toe to protect it and wear open toed or loose fitting shoes so your toe can have some extra room to heal.

If the pain and pressure lasts longer than 2 or 3 days, it’s probably best to see your doctor.

Our feet carry us everywhere we go – we cannot take them for granted! Taking good care of our feet is of the utmost importance in our overall health.

Hopefully these tips to prevent and treat ingrown toenails will be beneficial to you!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone, leave a comment right here on the site or click the contact tab at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website.  Join in the conversation on Facebook too!

Here’s to summer ready lips!

Jana

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