Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips For First Signs Of Aging

Preventative Anti-Aging Skin Care tips

I turned 24 in the middle of April and with it came a mix of emotions…excited about the future, feeling a little frightened that I’m now in my mid 20’s and reminiscent about the past.

But, the scariest thing I’ve noticed are the fine lines on my forehead and the smile lines I now have on my once smooth, perfect skin.

Lucky me, a natural redhead, my skin is genetically destined to age quicker as I have thin, naturally oil-dry skin.

So, with this in mind I busted out my first anti-aging product last night. A product specifically for preventing and slowing down the aging process in skin showing initial signs of aging, or from the age of 25 years and older.

My choice? Phytomer Ogenage Initial. It’s a light weight emulsion for the 1st signs of aging.

The main ingredient in this nourishing but-not-heavy emulsion is a rich oil from a marine based algae which delays and combats the first signs of aging. It is highly repairing and nourishing and feels extremely light on the skin.

My regular moisturizer that I’ve been presently using isn’t getting rid of my fine lines anymore, I applied this emulsion last night after cleansing my skin…and my fine lines vanished! This morning I woke and immediately checked my skin; my fine lines are still there but less visible! I’m immediately impressed.

What is an emulsion?

Skin care companies use the term “emulsion” and the word “cream” when naming a moisturizer. The difference in the two terms is the actual texture of the product. An “emulsion” will be a more liquid feeling product; be extremely light and not as ‘heavy’ feeling as a cream. A “cream” on the other hand is going to have a thicker, creamier texture and feel more ‘heavy’ on the skin.

“Emulsion vs. Cream”?

When should you use an emulsion? When should you use a cream? Although Phytomer also offers an Ogenage Initial Cream for the 1st signs of aging, I picked the Emulsion for a number of reasons:

• The emulsion from this line is for normal to combination skin vs. the cream for normal to dry skin.


• Summer is almost here: I picked the emulsion because the light texture will be more suitable for skin in the hot summer months.


• It will moisturize in the summer without feeling greasy because of its light texture.


• My skin is slightly oilier in the summer so my pores won’t get clogged when using an emulsion instead of a heavier cream textured product.

Although I wish “Youth in a bottle” was on the market, keeping my skin young looking for as long as possible also comes from lifestyle choices and other beauty routines.

Here are some of the things I do outside of the spa to keep my skin healthy:

1. I won’t drink coffee past 12 pm now; I immediately start drinking my 8 glasses of water to keep my skin hydrated from the inside out.
2. I eat a huge breakfast, a smaller lunch and an even smaller dinner with mini snacks in between to keep my metabolism running like an 18 year old!
3. I exercise 3 to 5 times per week - this gets my oil glands working and keeping my skin hydrated.
4. I never sleep with my makeup on and always follow a proper cleansing routine.
5. And THE most important thing I do for my skin everyday is wear an SPF 30 each and every day of the year! Even on the darkest, most cloudy days in Vancouver! This will protect my skin from sun damage and prevent my skin's texture from eventually turning rough and looking like "an orange peel".

A spa facial once per month can also help you ward off the signs of time on your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated, balanced and maintained by a professional who can pinpoint areas of concern on your skin for you is an excellent way to stay on top of slowing down the aging process:

I recommend:

1. The Phytomer Hydrating Facial at Le Petit Spa is for those wishing to prevent the signs of time by keeping the skin nourished and hydrated; anyone showing the signs of time or for skin 25 years and older looking for a “drink” for their skin.

2. The Phytomer Anti-Aging Facial at Le Petit Spa is for those a little older than 25 and showing the visible signs of aging such as deep lines and wrinkles. I once had this facial (as one of the estheticians was training on it and needed a model!) My skin was so tight after this facial it almost hurt! But than again, I’m only 24, for a 40 to 55+ skin this facial will do wonders by lifting and firming the facial contour.

3. The Guinot Beaute Neuve Glycolic Facial also falls into the preventative category for anti-aging as it will remove a build up of dead, dull skin cells and “teach” your skin to regenerate itself. If your skin’s texture is feeling or looking a little rough, this facial just might be for you.
4. Microdermabrasion Facial at Le Petit Spa is our newest facial service at Le Petit Spa that will stimulate collagen and elastin production; “plumping” up wrinkles and fine lines and removing a rough looking skin texture as well. This facial can be enjoyed by everyone from about age 20 - 60 years of age.

To sum it all up, preventative skin care takes many forms not just in the products you use, but the lifestyle and beauty routines you encompass as well.

Le Petit Spa is open 7 days a week and offers complimentary skin type analysis to help you determine how to care for your skin from an esthetician’s professional point of view...contact Le Petit Spa.

Or, if you have beauty questions or spa-related questions, email me and I’ll reply with a personal email and post the answer in a future blog!

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Fridays are Facial-tastic at Le Petit Spa!

Facial Friday’s at Le Petit Spa

Featuring two of our most popular spa facial services, Facial Fridays at Le Petit Spa offers an incentive to those wishing to try either our Phytomer Hydrating Facial, or our Phytomer Anti-aging facial.

The Phytomer Hydrating Facial will boost hydration levels in your skin by 46% after 24 hours. Using marine extracts that promote long lasting hydration in the skin, this facial incorporates the following steps:

• Cleanse


• Tone


• Exfoliate


• Extractions if (necessary)


• Facial Massage


• First set of Masks


• Mask removal


• Application of third mask and serum with hand massage


• Application of day cream and minerals.

Three masks are utilized to encourage deeper penetration of active ingredients into the deepest layers of the skin.

The first set of masks incorporates a smooth, velvety moisture quench mask which is applied under a thermo active mask of sea mud. This thermo active mud mask gently warms to encourage the penetration of the active ingredients from the moisture quench mask.

The third mask is the intense moisture mask. A fresh and light gel, this mask delivers the full benefits of the sea - moisture, radiance and protection from outside aggressors.

A relaxing and soothing hand massage is performed using Le Petit Spa’s French Lavender hand cream, which contains all natural ingredients and no preservatives.

An application of self heating sea mud on your back at the start of the treatment has detoxified and remineralized your body by the end of the treatment. This is removed with warm towels at the end of your treatment.

Mineral makeup is applied after your facial as they contain an SPF factor of 18 and protect the skin against the sun, wind, pollution and free radicals. They do not clog pores; making them perfect for application after a spa facial.

The Phytomer Anti- aging facial uses concentrated amounts of Marine Spring Water, a proven preventative against the signs of aging and incorporates the following steps:

• Cleanse


• Tone


• Exfoliate


• Extractions (if necessary)


• Facial Massage


• First set of masks


• Mask removal


• Application of third mask with serum and hand massage


• Application of day cream and minerals

The first set of masks, as in the Phytomer Hydrating Facial, work towards delivering benefits into the deepest layers of the skin and promoting “plumping” of the skin through hydration layers.

The third mask, the Aqua Lift Mask, firms, tightens and lifts the skin, promoting the youthful appearance of facial contours and the skin. This is done while performing a hand massage using Le Petit Spa’s French Lavender hand cream.

An application of self heating mud to your back is also done during this facial to remineralize and detoxify your body.

An application of mineral makeup will protect your skin from free radicals, sun damage, and pollution outside of the spa. Your skin is luminous and glowing with youthful radiance.

On Facial Friday at Le Petit Spa, these two advanced facials are on promotion for a special incentive…Read more.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be among the first to know about monthly service promotions, daily promotions, or new service or product promotions. Have beauty questions? Email me and I’ll post a reply in a future edition of this blog!

Fountain of Youth flows strong at Le Petit Spa

Fountain of Youth flows at Le Petit Spa

Dubbed as the Fountain of Youth in modern day spa culture, this amazing substance is available at Le Petit Spa.

Containing time released active antioxidants and botanicals such as Coenzyme Q10, Vitamins C and K and a state of the art liposome formula, Le Petit Spa’s “Fountain of Youth” is in a gel base made of Hyaluronic Acid (a natural acid that holds 1000x its weight in water) and Aloe Vera gel…know what it is?

First, let’s talk about the benefits of each of the said ingredients:

• Coenzyme Q10 - Prevents and reverses damage to skin cells.
  


• Vitamins C and K - protect and nourish the skin
  


• Liposome formula - Nourishes and hydrates the skin reducing the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.

Along with these “youth delivering” ingredients, this secret product contains:

• Seaweed extracts - condition and protect the skin
  


• Time released antioxidants: protect your skin continuously throughout the day to protect skin cells from environmental damage.

Coming in an airless pump to ensure the “fountain of youth” runs continuously, and to preserve the active ingredients with no chemical preservatives needed.

Ok, so what is this “Fountain of Youth” that Le Petit Spa has stumbled upon? It’s called:

“Liquid Minerals”

Liquid Minerals? An evolution in skin care, this “makeup” is the newest thing to come along since, well? Sliced bread!

The next level of beauty products, this skin care answer to a regular cosmetic foundation treats your skin and protects it while covering like a foundation. BUT! Does not contain any chemicals or traditional makeup.

What it does contain are 100% pure, crushed natural minerals that cover like a foundation but will not clog pores or become caked in wrinkles and fine lines.

The specialized airless pump helps the product to last, if used everyday, for up to 2 months.

Jane Iredale Mineral makeup is an extension of skin care. We do not consider it makeup, it is actually skin care that covers like makeup. Once you try Jane Iredale Minerals you will find it hard to use anything else again! Your skin will look and feel better than ever!

Come into Le Petit Spa for a makeup application service and receive 10% off of any purchase of Jane Iredale mineral makeup when purchased same day as service. Contact Le Petit Spa today!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, new products, new services and monthly service promotions. Email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa - Nationally renowned Glycolic Facial gets facelift

Le Petit Spa’s nationally renowned Glycolic facial has undergone a “face lift” and now comes with even more regenerative power. Incorporating a “peel in/peel out” system with in depth cellular regeneration and skin lightening and depigmentation action, the Le Petit Spa Beauté Neuve Glycolic Facial promises to reveal an inner glow clients may have never known they had.

This $90 dollar advanced facial treatment includes the following steps:

• The “peel in” gel harnesses the power of fruit acids (AHA’s) and separates dead skin cells from living cells.

• The “peel out” foam follows which exfoliates the skin and eradicates the loosened dead cells resulting in new skin cell generation while boosting skins natural radiance.

• The soothing regenerating serum that follows is enriched with 56 cellular nourishing ingredients which nurture, regenerate and protect the top layer of the skin. (Epidermis).

• A brightening, anti-pigmentation mask which uses the power of pure Vitamin C to target skin discolorations and sun damage.

This facial will help to smooth out wrinkles while leaving skin beautifully rejuvenated and hydrated. A trip to Le Petit Spa and 75 minutes of relaxation time is all it takes to start skin off on this path to radiance.

For the month of December clients are invited to try this facial for an introductory cost of $80.00 (regular price $90.00) click here to make an appointment.

Check out our daily facial promotions, Facial Fridays and Signature Sundays, the two days of the week set aside for Vancouverites to recieve the best value in spa facial services in the Lower mainland and Vancouver!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, daily and monthly service promotions and special events, or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa is located on the corner of Broadway and Alma in the Kitsilano/Point Grey area in Vancouver and is open seven days a week.

Le Petit Spa - Vitamin C and the benefits of Vitamin C in Skin Care

Vitamin C is required in our diets for the synthesis of collagen. It is responsible for retaining the structure in our blood vessels, tendons and ligaments and for retaining the moisture levels in our skin.

Used in skincare, Vitamin C is used to brighten the complexion, lighten pigmentation and is the only anti-oxidant proven to stimulate the production of collagen, making this vitamin powerhouse a given when it comes to anti-aging skin care products. Studies have shown that Vitamin C is effective at minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and scars.

Le Petit Spa has launched a new facial that uses a pure concentrate of Vitamin C in powder form that is mixed into a masque seconds before it is applied to the client’s skin. The Guinot Double Peeling Glycolic Facial is a facial service that has three main objectives in mind:

• Exfoliation – two exfoliation steps are taken to remove build up of dead skin cells and to brighten the complexion of dull skin
• Regeneration – promotes cell turnover for a youthful, radiant appearance of the complexion.
• Clarify – Using pure Vitamin C, the skin is left brighter and more radiant. Because Vitamin C limits the production of Melanin, this treatment also works towards pigmentation on the surface of the skin.

This treatment, along with pure Vitamin C, utilizes ingredients such as malic acid (derived from apples) and tartaric acid (derived from grapes). These ingredients are AHA based and work along with glycolic acid and pure Vitamin C to give clients a treatment that delivers visible results after the first treatment.

For more information on the use of Vitamin C and the Guinot Double Peeling Glycolic Facial, click here…

To book an appointment for a Le Petit Spa facial or to contact us, click here.

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Le Petit Spa - Guinot Double Peeling Glycolic Facial

Guinot Double Peeling Glycolic Facial - for the month of December try this facial for an introductory service promotion of only $80 (reg $90)

Guinot’s New Double Peeling Glycolic Facial is a simple, yet result orientated service that will leave your skin visibly more radiant and bright after the first treatment.

Utilizing 7 unique products from this new facial treatment and using key active ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, malic acid, pure Vitamin C and fruit acids, this facial works towards three main objectives:

• Exfoliate Skin – Double Peeling action using Glycolic and Fruit Acids work to remove dead cells; smart technology distinguishes between living and dead skin cells preventing damage to living cells.

• Regenerate – Serum enriched with 56 cellular nourishing ingredients, including Passion Fruit Flower smoothes out the epidermis, diminishing wrinkles and fine lines. Hydrocyte complex leaves skin nourished and hydrated.

• Clarify – Using a highly active pure Vitamin C mask, the skin is left visibly brighter, more luminous. Because Vitamin C limits the production of Melanin, this treatment also works towards diminishing brown pigmentation on the surface of the skin.
  

Did you know? Vitamin C stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin as well as regenerates elastic fibres that are responsible for preventing wrinkles and fine lines. Using Vitamin C will leave fine lines and wrinkles diminished; suppleness and firmness are restored to the skin.


This facial treatment uses all natural ingredients derived from apples (malic acid) citiric acid, grapes (tartaric acid) and glycolic acid (sugar cane). This facial utilizes a combination of highly active ingredients, only used in professional services and is highly efficient:

• Visible results after one treatment
• Pleasant to receive, will not irritate skin
• Can be easily customized for each client for their own skin care needs.
  

This facial is best suited for:

• Thick skin
• Dull, tired skin
• Brown spots
• Dehydration, fine lines
• Skin showing visible signs of aging
  

This treatment can be performed in customized treatment plans over time to combat:

• Radiance Booster; complexion is dull.
• Lightening; Skin complexion is tired, dull, asphyxiated. May have pigmentation spots that client wishes to have lightened.
• Anti-Pigmentation – Pigmentation spots are evident on the surface of the skin.
  

Please contact Le Petit Spa for information on the right treatment plan for your skin type.

Interested in receiving this facial? Come into Le Petit Spa for a complementary skin care analysis to find out which treatment plan or skin care products are right for you.

Check out our Facial Fridays Promotions and our Signature Sundays Promotions, both days offering the Lower Mainland promotional prices on Le Petit Spa facial services.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about special events, weekly and monthly service promotions and in spa promotional offers. Or email me with your beauty questions or concerns and look for your answer in a future blog!

Winter Skin Care: Anti-oxidants and the benefits to skin

Winter Skin Care: Anti-oxidants and the benefits to skin

How do Antioxidants work?

Antioxidants are powerful chemicals that protect cells by neutralizing external forces such as the sun, pollutants and the weather and internal factors such as hormones and emotions.

Antioxidants are vital to health because they combat free radicals. Free radicals are by-products (waste) that are produced when our bodies use oxygen.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that try to “steal” atoms from our healthy molecules to make themselves stable and repaired; a free radical is essentially a skin or body cell that is damaged. Therefore; the structure of our skin or body cells are damaged when free radicals are present, altering our DNA which results in aging and illness.

Common antioxidants found in skin care are Vitamin A, C, E and Beta Carotene.

Why are companies putting Anti-oxidants in skin care products?

Antioxidants protect collagen, a fibrous tissue in our bodies that is the foundation of all our connective tissue: blood vessels and skin etc.

How can antioxidant tablets help me?

Many companies that produce tablets** or multi-vitamins carry anti-oxidant pills that promise to boost the production of collagen and elastin (two fibrous tissues responsible for keeping our skin youthful looking) while protecting existing collagen and elastin content.

What is the best way to obtain antioxidants: tablet** or skin care?

Let’s face it: Antioxidants are essential to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. They fight off free radicals that cause our DNA to age and be susceptible to illness. Taking them internally via tablet** form is the perfect way to help your body from the inside out, but why not treat your skin with antioxidants from the outside as well to fight external factors?

Look for products that contain Vitamin A, E or C and Beta Carotene. These are all forms of antioxidants found in skin care.

Some forms of Mineral makeup, which are made of pure, crushed minerals contain these ingredients. Mineral makeup is fast becoming known as “skin care” makeup because it contains so many active ingredients made to treat and protect skin while it is being worn. Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup is one company that incorporates antioxidants into their “skin care” makeup.

Skin Care companies such as Intaglio, B. Kamins and Skeyndor all have specific lines to address the growing demand for skin care products that contain Antioxidants.

To book a free skin care consultation at Le Petit Spa, click here.

Check out our weekly spa promotions for facials: Facial Fridays or Signature Sundays.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about in spa promotions, events, beauty tips and monthly service promotions. Email me with your beauty questions or concerns and look for your answer in a future blog!

** Please consult your doctor before starting any multi-vitamin or pill form of therapy. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.