Waxing Advice to Get Through the Summer from Le Petit Spa

Waxing is probably the oldest form of hair removal; proof of this dates back to 3000 B.C!. Back then, they used a paste of arsenic trisulphide, cement and starch to remove unwanted body hair…yuck! Let’s not think about the places they would have had to apply that disgusting concoction…

Instead let’s be thankful that we live in the time we do and the fact that waxing has advanced a lot since then! Compared to shaving, waxing is a far better method of hair removal for both your skin and pocket book, and here’s why:

1. Results last longer with waxing - no need to shave the next day, or the day after that…or the day after that! (you get the point?) And your skin is left silky smooth for longer as well as waxing exfoliates the outer most layer of your skin.

2. No need to buy razor cartridges - What would you rather spend your money on? A Bikini wax that costs $22 and lasts up to 4 weeks? Or a pack of razors that cost about $20 (for 10 at londondrugs.ca) and you need to throw them out every two or three shaves?

3. Cut off the supply! - Did you know that when receiving waxing treatments, your hair may never grow back? This is because when the hair is removed from the hair follicle the blood supply for that hair can be damaged. But don’t worry! This won’t cause any harm to you but that moustache you wax every two weeks may just stop visiting for a while…

Did you know? That all forms of hair removal - waxing, laser, deploratories - are not permanent? Your hair growth cycle is about every 7 years, so even if that laser treatment does work now, in 3 months, 2 years or in 7 years, you may start to see hair grow back depending on which stage of hair growth you were in when you had the treatments.

4. Razor burn - For all of you that experience razor burn or irritation bumps from shaving every day (like me!) waxing may be just the relief your skin is asking for. Waxing is a fast form of hair removal, and the wax used is for sensitive skin - one quick pull of the cotton strip and your body is seductively smooth and irritation free!

Waxing is generally a safe method of hair removal for everyone, but there are some circumstances where you should perhaps wait or postpone your waxing service:

1. Sun burned skin - do not even think about keeping that waxing appointment. If waxed when experiencing a sun burn your skin will not only blister from having warm wax applied - it would probably come off as well! Wait at least a week (or more if your burn is really bad) before coming back for your waxing appointment.

2. Skin Thinning Treatments - If you have had any laser resurfacing, been using Retinol A, have had a glycolic facial or chemical peel where the top layer of skin has been removed, stay clear of any facial waxing and/or threading until your skin has regenerated itself. Waxing would cause further irritation, scarring or peeling.

3. Tanning Bed Addicts - If you must MUST tan in a tanning salon, wait 48 hours after your waxing service to tan and do not tan 48 hours before your waxing appointment. Tanned skin is dry, “microwaved skin”; if you receive waxing treatments immeadiately after tanning you risk the chance of scarring, your skin peeling and ending up with areas of sensitive, raw skin.

4. Medication - A lot of teen girls these days are taking oral medication (like acutane) for acne. Acutane not only dries your body up from the inside out, it thins your skin which is why it is so effective against acne. Do not have waxing treatments while using any medication that thins skin (ask your doctor if you are unsure!)

After your waxing treatment, your esthetician should go over a few basic home care recommendations for you to keep your skin irritation free:

1. Hot showers or baths are a no no for 24 hours after your waxing treatment. Hot water may cause irritation or stinging if your skin is sensitive. If you must have a bath or shower, have a luke warm one. This includes hot tubs, swimming pools (chlorine) and the ocean (salt) as well!

2. No Tanning - in tanning salons and the sun for 48 hours after please!

3. Do not apply heavy lotions with perfume to waxed areas, and no deodorant for 12 hours after waxing your underarms.

4. If you have had facial waxing, wear a sunscreen when outside and try to avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours.

5. The next morning when you get into the shower or bath exfoliate waxed areas to prevent ingrown hairs and any post-waxing bumps that can form (these are caused when sweat or other irritants irritate the newly bare hair follicles, exfoliating your skin will prevent this irritation). Exfoliate lightly! No need to scrub the skin.

6. Should irritation develop - apply a soothing post wax lotion. I recommend Le Petit Spa’s Tea Tree Lotion. Tea tree has been used for centuries as it has powerful antiseptic properties to keep the hair follicle clear of infection, and it also calms redness and irritation. But don’t leave the spa without picking one up - we can’t seem to keep it on the shelf long enough!.

Lotions with calendula, aloe and chamomile will also help calm irritated and red skin - just make sure the fragrance is natural and not perfume as this will cause further irritation.

Estheticians at Le Petit Spa apply our Tea Tree lotion to each client after every hair removal service at Le Petit Spa, check out our variety of waxing services, we boast the best Brazilian in Vancouver…

For waxing cliental looking for the best value in Vancouver on day spa waxing services our Waxing Wednesday promotion is sure to hit the spot!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be among the first to know about our monthly service promotions, our featured daily promotion and new product or spa service launches…have beauty questions? What about spa related questions? Email me with your questions and I’ll send an answer in an email and post the answer in a future edition of this blog!

Amazing Tea Tree Found at Le Petit Spa

Amazing Tea Tree

What’s green, cool to the touch, contains anti-septic properties and has high anti-fungal activities?

Tea Tree! Used at Le Petit Spa after waxing treatments to calm skin irritations and to soothe the skin, is a remarkable concoction of properties:

1. Anti-inflammatory - Calms redness and itchiness sometimes experienced on the skin after hair removal treatments

2. Anti-fungal - Can be used to treat funguses; usually concentrated tea tree oil is applied to toe nails experiencing an outbreak of fungus. This is also a great way to treat nail fungus as an alternative to fungus medications that you ingest orally; they are extremely hard on the liver.

3. Anti-septic - Prevents any post-hair removal bumps or painful ingrown hairs that can occur in the hair follicle after hair is removed.

History behind the use of Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree was first used by aboriginals in Australia to heal cuts, wounds and other skin ailments by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected areas.

Some tips on using Tea Tree Oil:

As all essential oils are quite concentrated in pure form, they can cause burns, blisters and painful irritation if applied directly to human skin. If you’re buying Tea Tree Essential Oil to treat acne, a nail fungus or even athletes foot, make sure the oil has been diluted to some degree so it does not cause any harm to your skin.

Can I take Tea Tree Oil internally?

Absolutely NOT! Tea Tree Oil cannot be taken internally, even in small doses as it can cause impaired immune function, diarrhea, and potentially fatal nervous system failure.

Is there anyone who cannot use Tea Tree Oil?

Yes. Recent studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil can alter hormone levels, and when used by pre-pubescent boys in products such as skin creams and bath products can cause an increase in breast tissue. People experiencing hormone-sensitive cancers and pregnant or breast-feeding women should also steer clear of pure Tea Tree Essential Oil.

For more information on our waxing services at Le Petit Spa, visit our waxing page…

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Is There Any Anaesthesia Given Before a Brazilian Wax?

Brazilian waxing has quite the reputation; not only for the smoothness obtained, but for the sensitivity and the unknown of how its going to feel having your hair removed “from there!”

This blog covers the topic: Are there any anaesthesia given before the procedure?

Answer: No. Estheticians do not give any anaesthesia to clients before any treatment, one, because we do not have the training to administer medical grade drugs, and two, because really, a Brazilian wax isn’t that bad!

There are a few things you can do for yourself before a waxing treatment of any kind to reduce irritation and sensitivity.

*Remember: these are only suggestions and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult your doctor if you are unsure if these suggestions are ok for you!

1. Take an aspirin, antihistamine or Tylenol about an hour before your waxing service. These will make sensitivity or any slight pain you experience less of a worry and less noticeable.

2. Take a warm bath or shower an hour before your waxing service if possible. This will help to soften your skin and make your hair easier to remove.

3. Check with your pharmacist to see if they can recommend a skin numbing cream. These are available over the counter and do not require a prescription. Ask the pharmacist if the particular numbing cream contains any skin-thinning agents - if it does, ask for another as this could cause injury to your skin during waxing.

4. Ensure you are not on any skin thinning medications, such as accutane. Medications like accutane or retinol thin the skin severely; if you were to get waxed on one of these medications your skin would come right off! Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about a medication you’re on.

5. Do not shave in between waxing services. Shaving causes your hair to grow back in more coarse (not thicker or in more amounts, but the hair is tougher). When coarse hair gets ripped out it is more painful; waxing keeps your hair smooth and baby soft - which feels a lot better when removed.

6. Steer clear of caffeine. Although quite stimulating first thing in the morning, it can cause skin sensitivity. If you really must have it, have it after your waxing service.

7. Is your hair long enough? Ensure that it is between ½ inch to ¼ inch long; any shorter will not deliver the best results. If your hair is longer - please trim! This will also ensure that when wax is applied to your hair, there will be less of a chance that your hair might get pulled or have wax stuck in it.

All estheticians who perform Brazilian, French and regular waxing services are senior estheticians; they have plenty of experience and are excellently trained in advanced waxing services...Read more about our spa team

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Time for Spring Cleaning at Le Petit Spa

Spring has sprung! Warmer temperatures and bikini clad bodies at Kits beach are just around the corner (hopefully!)

Time to start getting ready for bikini season and thinking about some “spring cleaning”.

A bikini wax is the perfect way to get ready for your vacation to warmer climates, or an easy way to maintain your bikini area at any time of year.

Whether you’re interesting in a regular, French or Brazilian bikini wax, Le Petit Spa has one that is right for you.

1. Regular Bikini wax - If you’re a beginner, this is where to start. Always covered and nothing left exposed, the regular bikini wax at Le Petit Spa removes all hair outside of the panty line. Most spas have their own versions of these extremely popular waxing services, so if you have never been to a particular spa before, be sure to ask about their specific services.

2. French Bikini wax - For the experienced bikini waxer who is ready to move up a level, the French bikini wax at Le Petit Spa removes all hair outside the panty line PLUS about an inch inward from your panty line. You choose exactly how much you want removed.

3. Brazilian Bikini wax - Not much choice in this one! You’ve done the regular and French, now its time to hit the beach Brazilian style (aka the full Monty, or absolutely everything gone!) This bikini wax removes every single itsy-bitsy hair from front to back - nothing is spared! The ultimate in clean feeling. It is suggested that you do gradually move into this bikini wax as it is quite invasive - make sure you are comfortable with having an esthetician working in every crevasse of that part of your body!

Check out Le Petit Spa’s waxing promotion, “Waxing Wednesday s” where you get your second waxing service at 50% off. Read more…

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"Count Down to Prom" Waxing vs. Shaving: The Pro's and Con's

Hair removal for Teens at Le Petit Spa

Puberty is a funny time for teens. So many things are happening to your body, your mind and your life! Hair shouldn’t be one of the many things you need to worry about.

Waxing vs. Shaving

Waxing removes hair by the root, making your skin stay hair free for longer. When you remove hair from the root, less hair grows back time after time because waxing actually “damages” the blood supply to each hair follicle, so the hair has no nutrients to grow back with. Waxing also exfoliates the top level of your skin, making ultra smooth silky skin.

Shaving cuts hair off at the surface of the skin. This is why hair grows back as “stubble”, the hair is left sharp at the ends and feels “prickly”. Hair grows back usually in a day and if you like soft, smooth, hairless skin, you need to shave everyday; which can cause excessive dryness in the skin.

Either hair removal method works, but waxing has many more benefits:

• Waxing lasts 2 to 4 weeks depending on the speed of hair growth.


• Waxing creates smooth, soft skin.


• Less hair grows back each time you wax.


• Hair that does grow back is thinner and softer, making it less noticeable.


• No need to shave everyday.

What is Threading?

Threading is a form of hair removal that originates from the Middle East. It uses no product; all that’s needed is cotton thread to remove hair at the root. A Threading specialist will take cotton thread and entwine the thread around each individual hair, pulling them out at the roots. The same benefits of waxing are achieved with Threading, but there is no use of product, making it perfect for clients with sensitive skin, allergies or people that turn extremely red from waxing treatments.

Threading hair removal is usually done on small areas, like the upper lip or in eyebrow shaping’s.
Waxing can be performed on small body parts as well as larger body parts like the arms, legs and bikini areas.

On Wednesday’s at Le Petit Spa, clients receive a special deal to achieve the smoothest skin in Vancouver…”Wax Days”

Le Petit Spa also has a student discount when you show a valid student ID card to use on all of Le Petit Spa’s “Teen Spa” services…

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive in-spa promotions, monthly events, new product or service launches or monthly service promotions. Have a beauty question? Want to know what a Teen facial is exactly? Email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

A Gift Fit For Any Bridezilla! Le Petit Spa Deliverrs the Gift of Relaxation!

Le Petit Spa Signature Spa Package

Know someone who’s getting married soon and needs some extra TLC?

The Signature Spa Package at Le Petit Spa is a perfect solution for delivering much needed relaxation, as well as being the perfect package to have before the wedding (or grad!) to get beautified.

The Signature Spa Package at Le Petit Spa contains our Signature Facial, our Signature Manicure and Signature Pedicure.

Le Petit Spa Signature Facial

The Le Petit Spa Signature Facial will focus on your specific skin needs and concerns. All clients who have our Signature Facial receive their own customized spa facial.

We start out with a skin analysis to determine which skin type you have and any skin problems/concerns you would like to address during your facial.

We then decide which products would be right for you based on your skin: Oily, dry, dehydrated, a combo thereof - the combinations are endless! You end up with a facial that is totally for you! Your skin is balanced, smooth and glowing!

What makes this facial different than others?

This facial is different from others because it allows freedom to use a combination of products to customize a facial that is perfect for your skin.

Other facials, like the Le Petit Spa Hydrating Facial, targets hydration and only uses hydrating products. It’s a set protocol with little room to customize for each clients unique skin.

The Le Petit Spa Signature Facial is a set protocol in the steps of the facial: Cleanse, tone, exfoliate, extractions, massage, mask and serum and then final treatment cream, but products can be customized for each client: A cleanser for dry skin, but maybe a moisturizer for combination skin. Your Le Petit Spa esthetician will decide which products are right for you.

Le Petit Spa Signature Manicure

This manicure will have your hands looking their absolute best! Featuring a Lavender sea salt scrub, relaxing massage with a French Lavender hand cream and a Lavender paraffin treatment will deeply smooth, hydrate and nourish your skin.

After your nails are perfectly shaped and styled an application of OPI nail color will complete your Signature Manicure.

Did you know? Small changes in your nails such as ridges and splitting or peeling nails are signs that something is happening in your body; could be a deficiency in minerals or vitamins or a lifestyle change.

Your nails are extensions of your skin; your skin will show signs of your health, your nails will too!

Le Petit Spa Signature Pedicure

Toes deserve attention too, especially in the winter! Pedicures bring to light any changes or problems that can develop in the winter months such as dryness, fissures, fungus or missing nails from too many skiing trips!

Featuring a Lavender sea salt scrub and a Lavender paraffin treatment, dry skin runs for the hills after this deeply soothing, nourishing treatment. A professional application of OPI nail color gives you the ultimate “perfect 10”.

Perfect as a spa package to have a few days before her wedding, the Le Petit Spa Signature Spa Package is a perfect way for her to get ready for her big day! Take the stress away from her having to worry about finding the time to book her pre-wedding treatments and give her a Le Petit Spa Signature Package gift card…

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about further exclusive in-spa promotions, special events, monthly service promotions and more…Have beauty questions? Not sure of what a glycolic facial is? Email me with your questions and look for your answer in a future edition of this blog!

Come travel through Canada, France and Brazil this spring with Vancouver's Le Petit Spa

As soon as the sun comes out around this time of year I can’t help but start to think about spring cleaning…and I’m not talking about house spring cleaning…I’m talking about:

Waxing!

Pretty soon the sun will be out in full force and it will be bathing suit season! I can hardly wait! Time to do some maintenance on my body that’s been in winter hibernation for about six months.

Brazilian Time! I love this service. It delivers the optimal feeling of cleanliness and confidence…I may not be heading to Rio de Janeiro, but this service will definitely have me feeling like I'm already there. …Read more

Not wanting to go all the way south? Why not go to France? A French bikini wax will almost take you to Brazil, with the exception of a couple of steps. Perfect for those not ready to travel too far from home…Read more.

Canadian eh? - Some of us are still pretty conservative when it comes to our waxing habits, but Le Petit Spa has just the choice for you! A Regular bikini wax will leave you feeling groomed, without venturing out of your safety zone…Read more.

Le Petit Spa offers Vancouver a Wednesday particularly for their waxing needs: Wax-days at Le Petit Spa! Come into Le Petit Spa on a Wednesday for all of your waxing needs and receive a special deal when you book two or more services…Read more.

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