Ambiance Skin & Body Centre

Wrinkles? How can I stop them?

2010-06-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

We all know how depressing it is to discover your first wrinkle! Fortunately, we live in a day and age where there are options available to both prevent wrinkles and smooth out ones that have already formed.

There are actually two kinds of wrinkles. Most of our facial wrinkles occur from the constant forming of facial expressions. These are dynamic wrinkles which are only present when you pull a particular expression. When your face is at rest, the wrinkles are not there.

Static wrinkles, are wrinkles that are present even when the expression is not made. These can occur at any age, but are more common in more mature skin. When you hear of someone getting botox injections for wrinkles, you know they are getting treatment for dynamic wrinkles. Botox will 'put the muscle to sleep' . Once the muscles are relaxed, you cannot contract them and continue to make that expression that caused the wrinkles. The lines gradually smooth and new lines are prevented.

How do you prevent a static wrinkle from developing?

Personally, I love Botox. It freshens the face and softens the eye and forehead area. But if you are not partial to needles (they are fine!!) the most important ways to prevent the formation of static wrinkles is to reduce the level of sun exposure over a lifetime by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. This will help to slow down the loss of collagen and elastin fibers that give support to the skin.

Here are some other great tips that will help to prevent wrinkles

1. Have a skincare regime. Have a skincare therapist help you choose a cleanser and at the very least, a moisturiser, for your skin type. If you are not keeping you skin supple and nourished, wrinkles are so much more likely to occur. Skincare products rich in anti-oxidants and anti-ageing properties are your best choices.

2. Wear sunglasses regularly. Squinting into the sun directly contributes to wrinkles. Wearing sunglasses also protects the delicate skin around your eyes from the sun.

3. Stop smoking. Heavy smokers are almost 5 times more likely to show excessive wrinkling than nonsmokers. Smoking can damage collagen, and the squinting and lip pursing that comes with smoking directly create wrinkles over time

4. Sleep on your back. Prevent sleep lines that occur when we squash our faces into the pillow when we sleep on our sides or stomach, that will eventually turn into wrinkles.

5. Facials . AHA and BHA Peels are the perfect way to smooth,even and hydrate your skin. They work by removing the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin while hydrating deep into the skin

6. Be happy. Haven't we all looked at that crabby, sour person and thought they looked older than they were? It's a known fact that it takes many more muscles for your face to be sad or angry than to smile! Be happy, At the very least, it'll help you not care so much about the wrinkles!

Toxic Burden: Women Put 515 Chemicals on Their Faces Every Day

2010-04-12T02:54:00.000-07:00

Toxic Burden: Women Put 515 Chemicals on Their Faces Every Day

2010-04-12T02:53:00.000-07:00

(NaturalNews) A study published by Bionsen, a company in the United Kingdom that sells aluminum-free body products, found that the average woman applies 515 chemicals to her face a day. Makeup, perfumes, lotions, mascara, and other beauty products all contribute to the toxic brew that is causing health problems for many women.

The study revealed that the typical woman uses about 13 different beauty products a day. Most of these products contain at least 20 ingredients and additives, many of which can have a detrimental effect on the body and skin. Perfumes alone were found to contain up to 400 differentingredients.

Other products that were tested include lipstick, body lotions and mascara which contained an average of 30 ingredients each. Aside from aluminum, many of these products contain other harmful ingredients like synthetic dyes, fragrances, and parabens. When applied continually, the many beauty products that women use are exposing them to wide range of carcinogens.

The perpetual advent of new and innovative beauty products has led to a massive increase in product usage over the years. What was once a basic cleansing protocol has turned into a lifestyle of trying the latest and greatest products in an effort to maintain youthful beauty. As a result,women are exposed to more toxic carcinogens from beauty products than ever.

An Environmental Working Group (EWG) study from 2006 found that less than one percent of all cosmetic products are made from ingredients that have all undergone safety assessments. The great majority of products contain known carcinogens, reproductive toxins and various other harmful chemicals that cause serious diseases like cancer.

The EWG study found that the average person uses up to 25 personal care products per day. Among these, about 200 different chemicals will have been added to scent, preserve, synthesize and stabilize them for consumption. Many of these ingredients will end up causing hormonal disruption and immune dysfunction. In younger people, developmental problems are likely to result from excessive product use.

Makeup usage among younger girls has also increased. About 90 percent of 14-year-old girls now use makeup, according to a research study conducted by Mintel Internation Group in 2004. Sixty-three percent of girls as young as seven are now using lipstick, eyeliner, eye shadow and mascara.

As consumers are becoming more aware of many beauty product ingredients and the harm they are causing, product manufacturers are beginning to remove many of them from their formulations. Those concerned would do best to purchase only products that have minimal or no toxic ingredients. Greatly reducing one's cosmetic arsenal is the next best option

2010-03-17T02:18:00.001-07:00

What is an Indian Head Massage?

Massage is the oldest form of medicine known to humans and has been practiced for thousands of years. The art of Indian Head Massage originated from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. This word can be translated as the "science of life" or "knowledge of life".

An Indian Head Massage is a form of relaxation massage that focuses on the head, neck, shoulders, upper back and upper arms which all can hold tension causing strain. This form of massage is very relaxing and has a balancing effect. It helps to release stress and tension, creating a sense of peace and well-being. This type of massage is done over the clothing in a seated position.

What are the benefits?

Promotes general relaxation

Improved blood circulation increasing oxygen supply to the brain

Calms, revitalizes and uplifts

Relaxes tight and uncomfortable muscles, eases stiffness, breaks down knots and nodules

Stimulates blood circulation and drains away accumulated toxins

Increased joint mobility

Improved lymphatic drainage which helps in the removal of waste products and toxins helping the immune system

Can give your hair a healthy lustrous shine and improve skin condition

Encourages deeper breathing and deep relaxation; triggers the release of "feel good" chemicals called endorphins creating an almost euphoric sensation of contentment and happiness

Promotion of hair growth

Helps to relieve mental tiredness, stress and depression resulting in greater mental alertness, concentration and clearer thinking.

Can also help relieve eye-strain, tension headaches, migraines, earaches, Tinnitus (ringing in the ear), jaw ache, sinusitis congestion,insomnia, and disturbed sleep

What can you expect?

You will be comfortably seated in chair, fully clothed, in a relaxing atmosphere. Your certified Indian Head Massage practitioner will massage your scalp, neck,shoulders, upper back and upper arms. Usually there are no oils used in this relaxing massage unless you wish to receive an oil treatment which is done at the end of the massage.

You can learn more about Indian Head Massage on our web page

2010-03-17T02:11:00.000-07:00

What exactly is a Glycolic Peel?

The Glycolic Peel is a safe and painless exfoliation process that removes the very top layer of skin. This form of skin rejuvenation uses glycolic acid to remove damaged cells on the top layer of skin. Removal of damaged cells stimulates cell division that results in plumper, healthier young cells.

The Glycolic acid that we use at Ambiance Skin and Body is derived from sugar. Glycolic facials smooth and soften the skin, helps with fine lines, may help with acne outbreaks, evens out discoloration and helps to lighten hyper pigmented areas.

How does it feel?

The solution is applied to the skin and patients usually notice a tingling sensation. As with any exfoliation or resurfacing, it is important to use sunscreens, because the skin is more susceptible sun damage by the sun. We also recommend home care with our Alpha H Glycolic Range. 15% glycolic mask is ideal for teenagers experiencing breakouts as well as anyone else that needs a pick me up for their skin. Finish with Balancing Moisturiser 10% Glycolic to soften and smooth. Use twice daily and see the difference a good skincare program can make