Let's Talk Spa

A blog offering information, tips and advice about beauty, skin care, body care and other spa - related topics from Nancy Mudford (Owner of Le Petit Spa) at Vancouver’s Le Petit Spa.


Saturday, November 15, 2008

Take care of your Decollete

The areas that show our true age are eyes, hands and décolleté (neck and upper chest). Most people are very aware of the eyes and hands and have a routine to help slow down the process, but the décolleté is often ignored. Remember that this area is often exposed to too much sun and pollution and needs to be protected as well. The skin can become thin and become dehydrated, looking older than it really is. Apply sunscreen and moisturizer daily to keep the skin supple and young looking. There are many products formulated specifically for the décolleté. They can reduce hyper pigmentation and improve firmness in the skin.

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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Massage Etiquette

Relax your body, calm your mind, improve circulation and relieve muscle tension while you unwind with a massage. Full body, hot stone and reflexology massages are all available at Le Petit Spa. A full body relaxation massage is a great way to introduce you to the many benefits of massage.


What should you expect?

You can expect to be treated to a unique experience. This is your time to think about you and we will take care of the rest. You will be welcomed by your massage practitioner, provided with a comfy robe and sandals to wear as you relax with a cup of lavender tea. Your practitioner will guide you to the treatment room and step outside while you slip into the deluxe massage bed. During your treatment you are always draped for your privacy. Your only job is to relax and enjoy the experience. Your practitioner will consult with you to ensure you are comfortable and that the room temperature, music and lighting are all to your liking. We encourage you to communicate any discomfort, special needs and provide feedback during your treatment. Let your thoughts wander or converse with your practitioner. Breathe in the scent of lavender massage oil, relax and calm your mind.

Get the most of your treatment.

Don't eat for at least an hour before your massage treatment.
Be on time to ensure you are relaxed before you start.
Provide your practitioner with accurate health information.

After your treatment relax in the lounge and allow time to absorb the results of the massage. Drink lots of water. The toxins will be moving through your body so try not to drink alcohol for 24 hours to allow them to exit your circulation. Remember to book your next massage appointment within a few weeks.

Find out more about Le Petit Spa`s massage services at http://www.lepetitspa.ca/massage.htm


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Sunday, June 15, 2008

How to Achieve Perfect Polish

Have you ever wondered how to get the most out of your polish application at home? Here are some helpful tips in achieving that perfect polish you want at home:
  • Before you apply anything, make sure your nails are completely free of any product or polish. Wipe each nail with a non-acetone polish remover or rubbing alcohol to neutralize any oils that could be hanging around on the nail bed.
  • Next, apply a base coat. This helps prevent discoloration of the nail and gives the polish a better base to adhere too, similar to priming a wall before painting.
  • Apply your favorite color in three stokes, up the middle then each side getting as close to the cuticle as possible without actually touching it. Avoid the urge to go over the area repeatedly. Wait a few minutes and then apply your second coat the same way.
  • Give yourself a few moments to relax and let the polish set, and then apply a top coat. Remember to use as few strokes as possible to prevent dragging the polish! You can also do a stroke along the end of the nail to seal the tip. The top coat will seal the color in helping to prevent chipping and giving a beautiful shiny finish to your now perfect nails!
  • If you happen to do a Not So Perfect application, just use a Q-Tip or orange wood stick with some polish remover and tidy it up.
  • Reapply the top coat every few days to keep your manicure looking fresh.


Remember, whether you're doing it yourself or having it done professionally, the key to long lasting polish is in the preparation!

A few helpful online references for you:
Book yor service now at 604.224.4314.

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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Beautify Your Hands and Nails

With spring comes spring cleaning and working in the garden. Here are some tips for keeping your hands and nails healthy and beautiful.

Always wear gloves when cleaning, washing dishes, or working in the garden. Not only do gloves help protect our hands and nails from water, they also prevent bacteria from getting under nails.

The more you hydrate your nails, the more they become flexible and the less likely they will break. So, if you don't like wearing gloves, leave a bottle of hand cream next to the sink to remind yourself to moisturize.

To prevent sunspots or premature aging on your hands, be sure to apply sunscreen to the back of your hands.

If your nails are weak, file them into a square shape with rounded corners as it is the strongest nail shape.

Nails are brittle or cuticles are splitting? No worries. Massage cuticle oil or lotion and gently push the cuticles back. The gentle massaging action will ensure that your cuticles are loose and encourage nails to grow straight and healthy. It also stimulates nail cell growth. You can easily fit this into your daily routine by doing this while watching TV. After a while, you nails will grow faster, stronger, and healthier.

A few helpful online references for you:

Call us now at 604.224.4314 to book your next manicure or pedicure.

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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Protecting the Delicate Eye Area

Preventing damage to the eye contour area is always easier than correcting problems that you may get in the future. Here are some ways to help prevent any damage to your eye area.

When cleansing the eye area, apply makeup remover on a cotton pad first. Then, place and hold the pad on your eye for about 30 seconds. This will help to dissolve the make up and make removing eyes shadow and mascara easier.

It is very important in the eye area not to pull or tug at the skin. Any pulling or tugging may result in stretching the skin and creating fine lines, which will turn into deeper lines later.

When applying your eye cream, only use a rice-grain amount. Place the cream on your ring and middle fingers. Starting at the outside corner of the eye, dab the eye cream under the eye going into the centre and coming back to the outside corner. With the product that is left on your fingers, dab underneath the brow area.

To prevent milia in the eye contour area, avoid applying face moisturizer inside the (orbital) bones around your eyes, as it is too rich for the eye area. These milia are very hard to remove once you have them.

May we recommend the following facial treatments at Le Petit Spa?

  • Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment
  • Phytomer Anti-Aging Facial
  • Phytomer Hydrating Facial
  • Guinot Hydradermie Facial

To help you better decide which facial is for you, contact us now at 604.224.4314.

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Saturday, March 15, 2008

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is an important part of face and body care. It is recommended to be done on a regular basis. Twice a week is a good routine. When exfoliation is done correctly and regularly, it leaves skin smoother and fresher looking. It also helps skin absorb other skin care products, such as serums, moisturizers, and masks.

When was the last time you exfoliated? Too busy to exfoliate? Here's an easy solution to achieve hydrated, polished, and satiny soft skin. Keep your exfoliant in the shower and you will be reminded to do this essential beauty care step.

May we recommend the following services at Le Petit Spa?

To help you better decide which treatment is for you, contact us now at 604.224.4314.

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Friday, February 15, 2008

Wrinkle Prevention

Has your skin recovered from the cold weather yet? Are the fine lines look even more noticeable than ever under the sun?

Here are some useful tips for preventing wrinkles:

  • Clean your face thoroughly twice a day
  • Exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells at least twice a week
  • Avoid direct exposure to sunshine
  • Wear products with minimum SPF 15 all the time (even when it's cloudy)
  • Have facials regularly to help regenerate and circulate your skin
  • Keep a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise
  • Drink lots water


May we recommend the following facial treatments at Le Petit Spa?

  • Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment
  • Phytomer Anti-Aging Facial
  • Phytomer Hydrating Facial
  • Guinot Hydradermie Facial

To help you better decide which facial is for you, contact us now at 604.224.4314.

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