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.

Seaweed is Cellulite's Enemy!

Seaweed is Cellulite’s Enemy!

Did you know? Cellulite affects more than 80% of the women in the world? There isn’t one ethnicity that isn’t affected by cellulite.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is an area or pocket of excess body fat that is trapped between the layers in your skin. This usually happens on the back of your thighs and buttocks; where blood circulation isn’t strong enough to flush excess toxins, water and fat out of your body.

When the excess fat gets trapped, it is surrounded by a mucus membrane which is why cellulite is so hard to get rid of; the membrane is extremely strong and stores the excess fat very well.

What can I do to get rid of cellulite?

Let’s face facts first: If your mom has cellulite chances are you will or already do have it. Here are a few guidelines to prevent cellulite at home:

1. Exercise - this not only maintains a healthy body weight, but it stimulates circulation and flushes out excess body fat that your body doesn’t need to store.

2. Drink Water - Drink your 8 glasses of water a day and help flush out excess toxins.

3. Avoid Sugar - Sugar stimulates insulin production and tells the body to store carbohydrates as excess fat. Eating a healthy diet with sugar in moderation is recommended to avoid producing excess fat and having it turn into cellulite.

4. Crossing your legs - I know as women we’ve always been told to sit with your legs crossed “like a lady” but did you know it can slow blood circulation in the back of your legs and has even been linked to causing varicose veins? (that’s another blog topic in itself!) Sit at your desk with your legs together, and not crossed - you’ll be doing your legs a big favour!

Of course, these are only recommended. If you’re not ready for lypo-suction, a visit to the spa for a seaweed body wrap will also work towards ridding your body of excess body weight and can be used as a slimming treatment.

Seaweed has been used as a natural detoxifying treatment for centuries. The seaweed that is predominately used “Laminaria Digitata” causes the human body to sweat and be stimulated; therefore, removing toxins, excess waste and water from your body. “Fucus” which is a brown algae is also commonly used and has been shown to stimulate metabolism; therefore being used as a common slimming treatment.

Incorporating a seaweed body wrap into a healthy lifestyle that you follow at home is a fast and natural way to improve the look, texture and tone of your skin as well as help to decrease the amount of excess water you may be carrying around.

A seaweed body wrap is not a promise or a cure all to make you “super model thin” but it is an excellent way to jump start a slimming program while incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your daily life.

For a list of body wraps at Le Petit Spa, visit our body wrap page…

Get ready for bikini season and book yourself a body wrap! Contact Le Petit Spa today!

Have beauty questions? Email me with your spa related beauty questions and look for your answer in a future edition of this blog! Or sign up for our monthly newsletter to find out about exclusive in-spa promotions, special events, or monthly service promotions at Le Petit Spa.

Microdermabrasion - Why it works

Microdermabrasion

Why it works

Your skin lives, breaths and nourishes itself all on its own - it’s one of the most fascinating organs in your body; not to mention the biggest.

It needs oxygen, stimulation, moisture and a fast cell turnover to remain healthy, and healthy looking. These can all be delivered to your skin by having a Microdermabrasion Facial.

How Microdermabrasion Works

Microdermabrasion is an excellent medical grade exfoliation treatment that can now be performed in day spas with proper training.

A Microdermabrasion machine uses corundum crystals (aluminium oxide crystals) to gently exfoliate the upper layers of the skin while gently sucking the crystals and dead skin debris back into the machine removing blackheads an other impurities.

Why does it improve the look of the skin?

When the skin is exfoliated, the texture of it becomes more even and smooth. Imperfections such as bumps, build up of dead skin and other complexion dulling impurities are removed.

Microdermabrasion makes the skin “think” that it is being hurt. When the top layer of skin is removed by any means of exfoliation your skin boosts the production of collagen and elastin which decreases the look of fine lines and wrinkles. BUT, a Microdermabrasion treatment does not hurt at all, nor does it cause any damage to your skin.

Microdermabrasion also stimulates your lymph system (lymph is a yellowish fluid in your blood that feeds your skin and also carries toxins away) and blood system; giving your complexion a healthy, radiant glow. This also carries oxygen to your skin which is excellent for mature skin’s lacking a youthful lustre and glow. As we age the decrease in oxygen supply to the skin can cause mature skin to look gray - Microdermabrasion treatments can deliver this extra needed oxygen to mature skin types.

Who is Microdermabrasion For?

Microdermabrasion is for a variety of clients:

• Acne clients (except pustule acne) - a micro treatment will regulate oil production, decreasing the amount of blemishes.
• General exfoliation clients - removes blackheads, whiteheads, lightens pigmentation and uneven skin textures.
• Pigmentation - Clients who have sun spots, brown spots or any other type of pigmentation can lighten this skin condition with a series of treatments (6 recommended)
• Mature skin types - as discussed above, mature skin types benefit from having oxygen, blood circulation, lymph circulation and radiance delivered to their skin again.

Microdermabrasion is not suitable for:

• Rosacea or Sensitive skin types
• Pustule Acne - or acne that is open.
• Broken Capillaries - if you have a severe case of broken capillaries
• Mature skin clients with extremely thin skin
• HIV positive clients
• Diabetic clients

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that can be enjoyed by most people. It delivers visible benefits to the skin which has made it one of the most popular medical grade day spa treatments in North America.

Our Microdermabrasion Facial is our service promotion for the month of June…Book your treatment today! Contact Le Petit Spa…

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in spa promotions, monthly service promotions and gift with purchases…or email me with your spa related beauty questions and I’ll post an answer in a future edition of this blog!

Turn Your Regular Facial Into A Face Lift at Le Petit Spa

Turn your spa facial into a mini “face lift” with Le Petit Spa’s newest facial add on treatment.

Our new Collagen Mask facial add on “plunges” hydration and other highly beneficial ingredients into the skin; plumping fine lines, wrinkles and dehydration lines.

But what does collagen do? What’s the big deal?

Collagen is a natural tissue found in our skin. As we age, collagen supply decreases from our skin at a rate of 1% every year after the age of 20. Collagen keeps our skin hydrated, firm and “plump”, without it wrinkles form.

To keep your skin youthful looking and healthy, using a daily moisturizer is recommended. However; when a regular moisturizer isn’t enough to rid your skin of the look of time, collagen injections and other fillers are being turned to.

For those clients who are not ready to turn to injections, Le Petit Spa’s newest facial add on treatment may just be your answer.

What source of collagen is used in this mask?

When you receive a collagen injection treatment, it is usually a bovine source of collagen (cow tissue). Your body readily accepts this form of collagen although some can reject it.

In Le Petit Spa’s new collagen mask, the source of collagen and all other ingredients is marine. Your body knows how to absorb marine ingredients as marine ingredients are extremely close to our bodies own blood plasma molecular structure.

What other ingredients are in this mask?

Besides Marine Collagen, other ingredients that promote collagen production found in this mask are:

1. Algae Extract - Stimulating and revitalizing, this seaweed extract nourishes the skin with amino acids that are essential to healthy skin.

2. Hyaluronic Acid - This natural protein found in our skin holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. It acts as a sponge and absorbs moisture deep into the skin.

3. Beta Glucan - A soluble fiber found in cell walls of oat kernals. It penetrates deep into the skin and promotes production of collagen.

4. Purslane Extract - A leafy plant which contains Omega - 3 fatty acids with an emollient and soothing property for the skin.

5. Marine Collagen Complex - Contains natural amino acids and extremely pure and concentrated source of proteins and marine collagen essential to the health of skin.

How does this mask work with the skin?

This mask works by promoting the production of new collagen. The Marine Collagen Complex and the beta glucan ingredients boost collagen in the deep layers of the skin. Algae and purslane extracts replenish the skin with precious fatty acids and amino acids - soothing and revitalizing it, while hyaluronic acid quenches the skin with needed moisture.

Because these ingredients are from the sea and other natural sources, the human skin knows how to absorb and use these ingredients to the best of their potential.

This facial add on can be incorporated into any of the existing Le Petit Spa facial services to give your skin a needed boost in hydration levels, plump dehydration and fine lines and wrinkles.

To read about our facial services at Le Petit Spa, read our facial page.

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Have questions regarding this or any other spa related beauty topic? Email me with your questions and I’ll post a reply in a future edition of this blog!

What is a Microdermabrasion Facial vs. A Microdermabrasion Treatment?

What is a Microdermabrasion Facial vs. a Microdermabrasion Treatment?

Le Petit Spa has launched their brand new Microdermabrasion treatment series on their facial web page.

But what is a Microdermabrasion Facial? What is a series? What is a treatment?

Guaranteed there is a Microdermabrasion treatment on our menu for you; this blog discusses the array of options available to Le Petit Spa clients.

Microdermabrasion Facial

Microdermabrasion is a method of exfoliation. So, when incorporating it into a facial, it takes the place of a regular method of exfoliation such as a scrub, a gommage or even a glycolic acid treatment.

The steps of a Microdermabrasion at Le Petit Spa are as follows:

1. Cleanse - to remove makeup and other superficial impurities on the surface of your skin.
2. Tone - Finishes the cleansing step and removes trace minerals left from tap water, left over makeup residue or residue from your cleanser; prepares the skin for deep cleansing.
3. Exfoliate - this is the Microdermabrasion part of this facial service. A gentle flow of aluminium oxide crystals gently removes any build up of dead skin cells, pigmentation, and impurities while a gentle vacuum suction removes the debris away from your skin.
4. Massage - Ah! The ultimate in relaxation. A gentle facial massage is performed to further stimulate lymph drainage (promoting drainage of excess fluids - like bags under the eyes!) and blood circulation.
5. Masque - Depending on your skin type and the skin conditions or results desired, a facial masque is applied and left on for 10 minutes to penetrate active ingredients deep into your skin.
6. Moisturizer - After the masque is removed, a moisturizer with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) will be applied to protect your freshly exfoliated skin from the sun.

This is a classic European Facial protocol and delivers the ultimate in relaxation and benefits to your skin.

This facial will not only exfoliate your skin, but deliver secondary benefits depending on the products chosen by your Esthetician such as:

• Moisturization (dry skin)


• Purifying and clarifying (oily skin)


• Soothing and rebalancing (sensitive skin)


• Anti-Aging (mature skin)

The Microdermabrasion Facial at Le Petit Spa is available to purchase in a package of three - but isn’t one facial enough?

Immediately following a facial, you will see results - but they will be minimal. To fully benefit from an investment in your skin a series of three to six treatments are recommended over a period of weeks to see the full potential of the facial. This is because your skin renews itself every 28 days - it will be after 28 days you will start to see improvement in the skin condition you are working towards curing.

Microdermabrasion Treatment

Le Petit Spa offers a Microdermabrasion Treatment which includes:

1. Cleanse and tone- to remove makeup and prep the skin for deeper cleansing (micro)
2. Microdermabrasion - Exfoliates the skin; removing built up dead skin, rough uneven patches and creating a smooth, flawless complexion.
3. SPF Moisturizer - The finishing step to protect your skin from the sun outside and should be worn every day after a micro treatment.

As you can see, this Microdermabrasion Treatment does not include many of the steps found in the Micro Facial: the masque and massage are not incorporated into this treatment.

The Microdermabrasion Treatment may be ideal for those looking for results only, and not so much be focused on receiving the relaxation benefits from a full European Facial; although, this treatment is done in a relaxing day spa environment.

This Micro Treatment may also be purchased in a series of six to receive full benefits. Depending on the skin conditions you would like to work towards curing (such as pigmentation and sun spots) a Le Petit Spa Esthetician will recommend the right amount of treatments for your particular skin.

Hopefully this blog has helped you understand the difference between the treatments that Le Petit Spa has to offer their prospective Microdermabrasion clients. Feel free to contact the spa should you have any further questions regarding Microdermabrasion or visit our facial web page.

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Have beauty questions? Email me with them and I’ll post an answer in a future addition of this blog as well as email you the answer personally!

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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Aromatherapy meets Facial at Le Petit Spa

New! to Le Petit Spa, the Guinot Aromatic Facial

A new facial service which incorporates the power of pure plant concentrates and essential oils to make the skin naturally more beautiful and radiant looking.

Although essential oils and pure plant extracts are used, this facial will leave your skin feeling healthy and renewed; without a greasy or oily feeling left over.

The new Guinot Aromatic Facial at Le Petit Spa incorporates the benefits of an aromatherapy massage with the beautifying benefits of a facial service ending with a relaxing facial massage enhanced with pressure point techniques.

Each skin type, whether your skin is sensitive, oily, dry or needs a boost in radiance will benefit from your esthetician choosing a customized blend in plant concentrates and essential oils to deliver specific benefits to your skin.

What’s Pressure Point Massage?

Your body has 365 pressure points throughout your body. An example of a pressure point would be your temples. Pressure points are usually where a group of nerve endings meet; when used in martial arts they are used to cause pain to the opponent. When pressure points are massaged or stimulated they relax, relieve tension and are a deeply soothing form of massage therapy.

What are the benefits of using plant essential oils and concentrates on my skin?

Essential oils and plant derived concentrates have been used since the beginning of man kind to treat skin ailments and health ailments. We all know Aloe Vera is great for moisturizing dry skin or calming a burn, but I bet you didn’t know that when taken internally it doubles as a laxative? Many plant essential oils and concentrates double as both topical and oral treatments for common ailments.

Essential Oil combinations available:

Your esthetician at Le Petit Spa will do a thorough skin analysis and talk with you about your skin concerns and which skin problems, if any, need to be targeted during the treatment. She will choose from the following options:

Comfort: Rosemary, Sage, Marjoram - for dry skin or a skin that has poor circulation.

Balance: Cypress, Lemon and Sweet Orange - for oily or dull skin.

Serenity: Chamomile, Rosewood and Lavender - for sensitive or reddened skin.

Energy: Lemon, Rosemary and Lavender - for dull or devitalized skin needing a boost in radiance.

Vitality - Rosewood, Rosemary and Eucalyptus - for mature skin that needs a boost in circulation and anti-aging protection.

How does the Aromatic Facial work?

The Guinot Aromatic Facial is based on a classic European facial protocol.

A proper cleansing, toning, and exfoliation are performed moving into a relaxing massage with pressure point techniques. A mask is mixed right before being applied to your skin containing pure essential oils that have been picked out for your specific skin and experience.

The service is about an hour. This facial should be performed once per month to maintain your skin or as an intensive treatment 1 to 2 times per week for three consecutive weeks.

Le Petit Spa offers complimentary skin type analysis to determine your skin type and to help you decide which products are best for your skin type. Contact Le Petit Spa today…

Have beauty and skin care questions? Email me anything and everything to do with day spa treatments and beauty care and look for an answer in a future blog! Or sign up for our monthly newsletter to be among the first to know about in-spa promotions, monthly service promotions and special events.

The Best Solution Before Collagen Injections arrives at Le Petit Spa

Did you know? Our skin’s natural levels of collagen (the tissue responsible for keeping your skin young looking and wrinkle free) depletes by 1% every year after the age of 20?

There are many ways you can protect your skin’s natural collagen levels from depleting too fast like wearing sunscreen, drinking your 8 glasses of water a day and living a healthy lifestyle.

But, the newest addition to Le Petit Spa’s service menu will replenish lost collagen while preventing and slowing down further collagen loss.

Le Petit Spa has added a Collagen Masque to their facial menu and can be added to any facial service at Le Petit Spa. This collagen masque is the perfect way to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles for someone that may not want to go to the next step of Collagen injections (and its way cheaper!)

The perfect addition to any Le Petit Spa facial including:

Signature Facial - already includes a masque custom picked out for your skin, add the collagen masque to add some preventative anti-aging actions.

Microdermabrasion Facial - this facial is also new to Le Petit Spa and when combined with the Collagen Masque is your answer to leaving the spa with a mini face lift.

The Collagen masque is available at Le Petit Spa in early May...contact Le Petit Spa.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, gift with purchases and new product or service launches…Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Why Body Bronze?

Slough off your dull, pasty winter skin and step into spring with a just-back-from-the-tropics glow with a bronzing treatment from Le Petit Spa.

Using an all natural ingredient to “bronze” winter skin goodbye, the body bronzing system works because of a natural chemical reaction with amino acids in your skin and DHA, a natural sugar that when in contact with oxygen, turns brown.

No streaking and a completely natural golden tan that lasts for about a week is achieved in just under an hour at Le Petit Spa.

Why Body Bronze?

Two words: Skin Cancer. The sun causes each skin cells DNA to mutate when it is damaged by the sun. Eventually, this mutation may turn into skin cancer. A sunless body bronzing treatment does not harm the skin like the sun can and does not contain chemicals.

What is DHA?

DHA is a sugar that reacts with your skin’s natural amino acids and turns your skin brown. It was discovered by a doctor specializing in diabetic treatments, when his patients were given doses of this sugar and came in contact with their skin, it turned their skin brown.

Benefits of a sunless tanning treatment:

• No sun damage caused to the skin by the sun
  


• Safe, natural color
  


• Moisturizing
  


• Can be used all year long
  


• Skin is exfoliated, smooth and refined.

Does this treatment protect your skin from the sun?

No, this treatment does not contain any SPF in the product. You should always wear a sunscreen on your skin; even when your skin is tanned.

What causes skin cancer: tanning or burning your skin?

The two harmful types of rays to the human skin are UVA and UVB. Think of them this way: UVA stands for “aging”, these are the rays that tan your skin and go deeper into the skin. These rays also are responsible for causing wrinkles as they break down collagen in your skin. UVB stands for “burning” and have been linked to causing skin cancer. Although a burn is extremely more damaging to your skin than a tan, both of these forms of skin damage are damaging lead to premature aging of the skin, pigmentation, and may even lead to skin cancer.

Visit our Tanning page for more information on the Guinot Body Bronzing service at Le Petit Spa.

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

Skin Care Tips and Facts for Teens from Le Petit Spa

Teen Skin Care Tips from Le Petit Spa

Teen’s that come into the spa often want to know what product is best for their skin. Well, there isn’t one particular product that is best for anyone’s skin; we’d all be using it if there were.

What there is on the market is an array of confusing, and sometimes misleading choice of skin care out there for teens. All promise to deliver results quickly, and to get rid of their “embarrassing acne”.


Here are my tips to follow when picking teen skin care products as well as some interesting facts and tips about teen skin:

1. Look for products which contain Salicylic Acid - Found in most acne and teen skin lines, Salicylic Acid helps skin cells to shed more rapidly, preventing clogged pores. Shedding skin cells more rapidly helps acne improve as skin is unable to build up and clog pores and bacterial breeding grounds. Did you know Salicylic Acid is also found in aspirin because it has powerful anti - fever properties?

If you use products containing Salicylic Acid, make sure you wear a sunscreen outside to prevent irritation and burns from the sun.

2. Don’t use soap! Soap is alkaline, meaning that it is a bacteria friendly place, and when used on skin of any age, allows for the growth of bacteria. In order to protect itself, humans naturally have skin that is on the acidic side as acidity kills bacteria. As we grow from babies into teens, our skin becomes less acidic, therefore; encouraging the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

It is therefore important to use a cleanser that is formulated to have a Ph level closer to the Ph level of healthy skin. Look for spa quality products; these are all formulated to contain Ph level’s close to that of human skin.

3. Wash your face twice a day - no more! Your skin produces oil (sebum) to protect itself from everyday aggressors like the sun, wind, pollution and bacteria. Over washing can cause skin to over up oil production. On teen skin, this makes more of a happy place for bacteria to breed and live in. If you find your skin shiny half way through the day, carry some oil absorbing sheets with you for a mid day oil slick clean up.

4. Be wary of the foam - Oily skin clients generally like cleansers that foam; it’s a mental game as when we see something foam, we naturally assume that it’s working really hard and doing a really good cleaning job. But! Additives like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (or laurel sulphate) which are detergents and a very inexpensive, very effective foaming agent, are used in personal care products such as shampoo, cleansers, toothpastes and soaps.

If you do have a favourite cleanser with one of these foaming agents in it, check to see how far up the ingredients list it is: The ingredients list on your product is in order of greatest amount of ingredient to least amount at the bottom. It’s best to have foaming agents near the bottom, meaning there are small trace amounts of it in the actual product.

5. Popping Pimples - I won’t deny it, I'm definately guilty of this bad little (and secret) habit, but if you’re going to do it, make sure you do it right! Popping a pimple (or pustule in esthetic terms) can cause damage to your skin and capillaries (mini blood vessels), causing bruising, scabs and bigger infections. Before you begin, ensure you have some rubbing alcohol around or a toner to disinfect the area after popping it:

· Use tissue to wrap around the tips of your fingers to prevent the spread of bacteria - ensure the tissue is over the tips of your nails too!

· Put pressure from one finger on each side of the pimple - press down into the skin, not towards the pimple yet.

· Once your fingers have put pressure on each side of the pimple, move your fingers towards the pimple, without lifting them off of your skin, so that your fingers more towards and “under” the pimple you want to extract.

· Keep applying pressure “under” the pimple; try from different angels if the infection does not come out the first time.

Now the gross part: When popping a pimple, you should get a hard “core” of infection out of the pore - this is the infection itself and to prevent any further infection should always come out when popping a pimple. If you have been successful in removing all of the infection, a clear liquid called lymph should follow with a bit of blood (lymph is what delivers nutrients to your skin).

If you do not think the pimple is ready to come, don’t pop it! It will only make matters worse.

After extracting the pimple, remember to swipe rubbing alcohol or a clarifying toner on the pimple.

6. Pillow Cases and Face Cloths - Depending on the severity of your acne, you should change your pillow cases and face cloths every couple of days or so. Try to keep long hair off of your face; especially if you use heavy conditioners.

7. Makeup - Even when I was a teen, I never went a day without makeup, for one, I wanted to cover my pimples, and two, I was scared of leaving my house without my makeup on. If this seems like you too, use makeup that is non-comedogenic: Comedones (in esthetic terms, means blackhead), so, products that are non-comedogenic won’t cause blackheads (or clog pores), and ensure that you wash it off properly every night before bed!

Le Petit Spa offers complimentary skin care analysis for clients wishing to find out more about skin care, answer any questions clients have, and offer advice to follow at home, contact Le Petit Spa to book yours today. Have beauty questions? Email me and I’ll post a reply in a future edition of this 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!

Toes - Day Promotion at Vancouver's Le Petit Spa

April’s Daily Service Promotion at Le Petit Spa will get your feet and toes ready for sandle weather (that’s hopefully right around the corner!)

Toe’s Day at Le Petit Spa features footlogix foot care products as well as Le Petit Spa’s pedicure services.

Come in on a Tuesday for a pedicure and purchase any footlogix product and receive 15% off the total of the two!

Which Le Petit Spa pedicure service will you have?

Classic Pedicure

You’ll be seated in a plush leather recliner and your tootsies will be soaked to soften build up of dead skin. Your cuticles will be pushed back and cleaned up (if necessary) the nails will be filed and shaped followed by buffing on the bottoms of your feet to remove any build up of callous that may be present. Your skin will then be exfoliated with a Lavender Sea Salt Scrub. A deeply soothing relaxation massage will top off your pedicure followed by a professional application of OPI nail color of your choice...Read more.

Le Petit Spa’s Signature Pedicure

Our Signature Pedicure, this service will have your feet looking and feeling absolutely as smooth as silk! Even the most calloused feet! The same classic pedicure as described above, this pedicure features a Lavender paraffin treatment to soften even the driest feet. Applied after your relaxation massage, the paraffin creates a seal around your feet, making the massage treatment cream penetrate into the deepest layers of your feet to deliver optimal hydration. Followed by a professional application of OPI nail color, you won’t find another treatment like this anywhere in Vancouver!..Read more.

Nail Art Pedicure

Le Petit Spa houses some of the best nail artists in Vancouver. Come in for a pedicure with added pizzazz and receive a personalized hand painted nail art on your toes! Whether you want poka-dots, flowers, squiggles or rhinestones, a Le Petit Spa Nail Art Pedicure features everything in our classic pedicure, with added nail art...Read more.

French Pedicure

Oui Oui! The polish and sophistication of a French pedicure is perfect for your wedding day, a day at the beach or grad or prom! Hand painted white French tips gives you the look of gel nails, without the damage. Choose from sheer pinks, peaches or something more natural to give your toes the classiest pedicure around!..Read more.

Natural Pedicure

Wanting the benefits of a professional pedicure service without the polish? We have the answer in Le Petit Spa’s natural pedicure service. All the steps of a classic pedicure including a luxurious soak of the feet, shaping and filing of the nails, buffing of the feet, a sea salt scrub, massage and voila! You’re done!..Read more.

Express Pedicure

For those of you who may not have the luxury of time, try an express pedicure service at Le Petit Spa. This pedicure service will clean your feet up for sandle wearing season, but is only a half hour long with all of the nail work and professional polish application...Read more.

Any of these professional pedicure services are available on a Le Petit Spa gift card for any gift giving occasion such as grad, prom, and Mother’s Day or Wedding day!

Looking for spa packages for Mother’s Day gift giving? Our Signature Spa Package as well as our Vitality and Mommy and Me Spa Packages all contain pedicures!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about further exclusive in spa promotions, gift with purchases and daily service promotions; have beauty questions? Email me with your beauty questions and look for a response in a future edition of this blog!

What Skin Type Do You Have? Signature Sundays Will Help You With That!

Ever wondered which type of skin you have? Oily, combo, dry, dehydrated…the list goes on and on...and so does the confusion!

A skin type analysis from a professional skin care therapist or esthetician is the best way to determine which skin type you have.

Skin types are what you’re born with and are predetermined by genetics…does your mom have oily skin? Chances are you do too.

Skin conditions are treatable and usually temporary conditions such as acne, flakiness or breakouts.

A professionally trained esthetician will be able to recommend products for your skin type and conditions to balance and control your skin and make it luminous and healthy looking.

Generally, when using any skin care products, you should use them for a minimum of 28 days before deciding if they are right for your skin.

Your skin renews itself every 28 days (when we are young) so the skin cells that are on the surface of your skin have been exposed to the products you’ve been using on them for the full 28 days and are used to them.

When using new products, some skin may breakout more or appear as though it is changing; however, your skin type does not change, it just may be adjusting and balancing out to how it should be.

Signature Sundays at Le Petit Spa features their Signature Facial and a promotional offer on skin care products or their mineral makeup line, Jane Iredale.

The Signature Facial at Le Petit Spa can be customized for each client as each product is picked out specifically for their skin type and conditions. The combinations are endless! Then, to help you maintain perfect skin at home, you receive 10% off of the purchase of any skincare product or mineral makeup product on Sundays...Read more about Signature Sundays.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about what’s new at Le Petit Spa, our monthly service promotions, gift with purchases from Phytomer and Guinot or special events. Have beauty questions or spa service questions? Email me and look for your response in a future blog!

Why Should I? The Importance of Using Professional Skin Care Products

Why use professional skin care?

Why use professional skin care? Why not just head down to the local drugstore, and pick up something cheap? Why spend money on something that just goes down the drain?

These are common questions that clients ask when they come into a spa for a facial. But, if you’re coming in to a spa for a facial, why aren’t you ready to make a commitment to good skin at home? Why spend money on a facial if you return home and use not-so-great products on your skin?

This blog discusses why using professional products are beneficial to your skin and busts through some myths about professional products.

1. Professional skin care is way more expensive

Not true! Professional skin products are comparable to say, Lancôme or Clinique; and sometimes, even less expensive. Plus, on average, you’re getting 70% more active ingredients in professional products than drugstore and department store brands. See our price comparison chart on one of our professional products, Phytomer, and major department store brands…

2. Department store brands are better known and reputable

Ok, so if your idea of being reputable is spending research dollars on the next glitzy ad campaign containing your favourite celebrity, then department store brands are more reputable. The reason why these brands are so well known is for a number of reasons:

a. Hire expensive celebrities and models to promote their product. This is called “Referent Power” and is a powerful marketing tool. By law, when these spokes models promote these products they have to use them, but only for the duration of the ad campaign or commercial you’re watching.

b. Money that is accumulated from the sales of these products is put into the next ad campaign for the product, not back into the product as research and advancement techniques. Marketing behind these lines has more money spent on it than research and development of the products you’re using on your face.

And let’s face it, if your favourite celebrity shows up on your TV with perfect skin using the said product, why aren’t you going to use it to achieve her skin? These ad campaigns work wonders.

3. Why don’t we hear about professional skin care more often?

Professional skin care companies do not put money into their marketing campaigns like department store brands do. They put the money made from sales of their products into years of research and new technologies. And then, of course they do put some money into marketing; but you will see this when you enter the salon or spa that it is sold in.

4. Why are professional brands like Phytomer and Guinot sold in spa only?

When a brand is sold in a spa or salon, it is guaranteed to be of a professional grade brand, meaning it contains higher quality ingredients and more active ingredients and need professionally trained skin care therapists to use them and educate their clients on them.

Selling professional lines in spa only means that there is a better quality control over the product as well; they are not mass produced like drugstore brands and department store brands are; they are produced in numbers compared to past years and sales trends.

This also means that you will not receive a product that has been sitting in a warehouse for five years, your professional products are fresh and of high quality.

The most important thing you should consider when using products for yourself is how you feel about the product. You should use products that you believe in, are happy with the results and deliver results to you.

When you visit a spa for a facial, listen to your esthetician about the skin care she recommends to you; she’s not just trying to make commission off of selling you something, she’s educating you about which products, from her professional experience and opinion of your skin, are right for you. She should offer you brochures and as much information about the line she is recommending to you as you want or need.

Remember: she’s not trying to force information down your throat and getting you to buy buy buy! She’s trying to help you make the best possible choice in professional skin care for you and your needs.

Come into Le Petit Spa for a complimentary skin consultation to receive education and advice about what type of products would be best for your skin. These complimentary services are available seven days a week; contact Le Petit Spa today…

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

Back Facials for Brides - Backless Dress? Consider a Back Facial

Bridal Services – Back Facial

What is it? Why is it important?

Spa menus of today usually contain a “Back Facial”. What is a Back Facial? Why is it important before your wedding day?

A Back Facial is just like a facial for your face: It cleanses, tones, exfoliates, gets rid of impurities in your skin, and moisturizes your skin for a flawless finish.

The reasons why they are so important for your wedding day are:

1. Breakouts on your back? This facial will help to get rid of impurities in your pores that create pimples and uneven skin.

2. Backless dress? This facial will help to rid your back of dead skin build up, breakouts and clogged pores so you can show off your back in all it’s glory!

3. Honeymoon? Keep your back flawless for bikini clad days spent with your new hubby on a tropical beach.

Below, the steps of the Le Petit Spa Back Facial are explained:

1. Cleanse – to rid your back of dirt and other breakout causing impurities.

2. Tone – the finishing part of your cleansing step – would you use a shampoo without conditioner? I don’t’ think so! A toner returns your skin to its natural Ph level after cleansing with water, removes trace elements left from your tap water, and prepares your skin for the next step.

3. Exfoliation – This removes build up of dead skin cells that are dulling your skin and clogging pores. This also helps your masque and moisturizer to better penetrate your skin later on.

4. Extractions – Ok, this is the worst part of the facial – but a necessary one. Extractions (or removal) of impurities that are clogging your pores (black heads and pimples) will help prevent future breakouts and keep your skin looking clear for your wedding day.

5. Massage – The absolute best part of the Back Facial. This step helps to improve circulation, ridding your body of toxins and helping to heal blemishes and breakouts faster. Not to mention, you’ll be left completely relaxed and all your pre-wedding worries will be gone!

6. Masque – Masques contain about 70% active ingredients and deliver visible, immediate results. This is the treatment step of your facial. Your esthetician will pick a masque that will deliver the best active ingredients for your skin condition (oiliness, dryness). This is left on for about 10 minutes to deliver maximum results.

7. Treatment Cream – The final step of your facial. Your esthetician will pick a moisturizer specifically with your skin in mind. This will continue to deliver ingredients and results to your skin hours after you leave the spa. It is important to moisturize your skin to balance your skin and keep it comfortable and happy.

Come in for a complimentary skin care analysis at Le Petit Spa. One of our skin care therapists will help you customize a home care regimen that’s best suited for your particular skin care concerns and needs. Contact Le Petit Spa today…

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

Eye Creams - How Important Are They and Why?

Did you know? The eye area is 4 times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face? Your eyes are the first area on your face to show the signs of ageing: puffiness, wrinkles and loss of firmness in this area always show their ugly signs first.

On average your face has about 20 layers of skin cells on the top layers of your skin. The eye area; however, only has about 12.

This means that not only should you use an eye cream that is specific for your eye area, but you should start to use it as soon as you hit 20 years of age!

Still think that eye creams are just another way for cosmetic companies to grab more of your hard earned cash? Think again!

Your eye contour area is the most fragile area on your face. Eye creams are formulated differently for this area as it can not handle heavy creams. Eye creams contain smaller molecules so they can penetrate the fine, delicate skin in this area and not clog pores. This is why, eye creams, on average are a little more expensive, but are definitely worth their weight in gold!

Did you also know? That on average, only one out of three blood vessels in your eye contour area work? Resulting in, you guessed it: Bags under the eye, dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles!

The eye contour area lacks in circulation due to this fact, therefore toxins, excess fluids and poor circulation (dark circles) quickly can develop. Of course, genetics also play a part in dark circles and how well your circulatory system works.

This is why, when you look for an eye cream to purchase, it should stimulate microcirculation to improve the look of dark circles and puffiness; but be weary of any creams that promise to get rid of these as these are mainly genetic.

However, if your dark circles and puffiness are due to not getting your full 8 hours of sleep the night before because you were out partying with the girls, eye creams can help speed up the recovery time of dark circles and puffiness, and if you didn’t experience these before your long night, you can get rid of them.

So, as a recap, eye contour creams are important because:

• The eye contour area does not contain any oil glands; therefore, the skin in your eye area dehydrates very quickly and cannot protect itself.This is why your eyes are always the first to show signs of your age!


• Circulation in your eye area is poor!The eye contour area is more prone to puffiness and dark circles


• The skin in your eye area is 4 times thinner than the rest of your skin! Regular moisturizers contain molecules that are too big for your eye area, hence white heads and blockages are common when using a regular moisturizer in this area.

Listed below are some eye creams that promote micro-circulation, helping to reduce puffiness and dark circles, and promote the youthful look of the eye contour area by reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles as well.:

1. Intense Youth Eye Cream from Phytomer – this advanced eye cream is for mature skin types only.

Ingredients:

o Ciliata (red algae) which provides strong anti-free radical action, protecting your skin from accelerated aging.
o Marine Spring Water: Firms eye area tissues, cohesion of the epidermis is strengthened; the skin is lifted and toned.
o Buckwheat Oil: Anti-puffiness and draining action, reduces the size of bags under the eyes.

Product applied once a day for 28 days to the eye area of 23 women with mature skin (shows visible signs of age, fine lines and wrinkles). Below, their satisfaction after 28 days:

• Eyes regained their sparkle and looked younger: 92%



• Deep wrinkles are diminished: 96%



• The eye contour area is smoothed and firmed: 100%



• Dark circles and puffiness are reduced: 91%

2. Eye Contour Long-Lasting Hydrating cream from Guinot – this ultra-moisturizing eye contour cream provides a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing loss of moisture and dehydration (fine lines and wrinkles).This eye contour cream is for skin types of 20 – 25 years (young skin)

Ingredients:

o Hydro-Liposomes deliver in-depth moisture to the heart of skin cells.
o Horse Chestnut decongests and firms skin
o Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant, slows natural aging process.

The earlier you start to use an eye cream the better: Women start to loose 1% of collagen a year after the age of 20; collagen is the fibre in our skin responsible for keeping our skin wrinkle free and “plump” looking.

Come in for a complimentary skin care analysis to receive a customized skin care program for your unique skin care concerns and needs...contact Le Petit Spa today.

Sign up for Le Petit Spa’s monthly newsletter to be the first to know about these kinds of products when they first arrive and for other exclusive offers and events. Have a beauty question or spa service question? Email me with your question and look for your answer in a future blog!

These products found on our partner website www.spaboutique.ca

Le Petit Spa - March Service Promotion

March Service Promotion at Le Petit Spa

This month, Le Petit Spa features their Signature Facial as the Monthly Service Promotion.

Featuring the Phytomer line of professional skin care products, this facial allows customization for each client; who doesn’t want their own unique professional facial made just for them?

Your Le Petit Spa Esthetician will first do a skin type analysis to expertly choose which Phytomer products are best suited for you (hydrating, oil balancing, anti-aging).

She will talk closely with you about your skin concerns, problems you may be experiencing or any specific issues you would like to address during your experience at Le Petit Spa.

The facial experience starts off with a relaxation back massage and moves into the initial steps of the facial: Cleansing, toning, exfoliation and steam are all done with products specifically picked out for your unique skin type / concerns.

Extractions are done (if necessary) a facial massage, and then your own personalized mask is applied and left to benefit your skin for up to 10 minutes. During your masqueing, a soothing and deeply relaxing hand massage is performed for you.

Your final treatment cream and eye cream is then applied to conclude your Le Petit Spa facial experience. Home care recommendations are then talked about with you.

Your Esthetician has worked closely with you and your skin for an hour now; she can best prescribe which products would work best for your skin and expertly give directions on how to use each product.

Home care is an important step in facial care; not just so you can say “I use professional products” but because the results from your facial will not last or benefit you if you return home and use products that are wrong for your skin; the money you spent on your facial just went down the drain – literally!

The biggest myth in the spa industry that I have come across is that professional skin care products sold in spas are much more expensive than say, department store brands like Lancôme and Clinique. NOT TRUE!!! Take a look at our past price comparison between our Phytomer skin care line and some major department store brands…

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

Star Treatment at Le Petit Spa

The Le Petit Spa Signature Facial Treatment

Looking for the star treatment in Vancouver? It’s found at Le Petit Spa in their Signature Facial treatment.

This facial is different for everybody. Using the professional product line, Phytomer, each product and step is customized specifically for your skin type, needs and concerns. You esthetician will first do a thorough skin analysis to determine which skin conditions (i.e. dryness, acne) you may or may not have. Based on your client consultation form, she will then discuss with you your specific concerns and what you would like to target during your service.

During your facial service, you’ll be tucked into a Le Petit Spa duvet while soft candle light and whispers of French Lavender dance in the air.

The Le Petit Spa Signature Facial Treatment starts off with a relaxation back massage and is followed by cleansing, toning, exfoliation of your skin, extractions (if needed), a facial massage, a treatment masque with hand massage while masqueing and a final treatment cream. Remember – all of these steps feature products that are picked out just for you! Now that’s the star treatment!

What’s different about this facial compared to other Le Petit Spa Facial treatments?

Other Le Petit Spa facial treatments are set protocols, therefore; when you come into Le Petit Spa for, let’s say, our Phytomer Hydrating Facial, we will use hydrating products only on you. The Signature Facial allows room for customization of products for different skin conditions, cheeks a little dry? But your nose and forehead are oily? We can treat both areas with different specialized products in the Signature Facial.

How long will the results last?

As your skin renews itself every 28 days, the full results will not show themselves until 28 days but immediately after your facial you will notice a difference. Your skin will be smoother, clarity is immediately improved, and conditions such as dryness or acne may be less apparent.

How do I keep the results I see from my facial?

Coming in for a facial every 28 days is a great way to care for your skin – but if you go home and wash your face with soap and water, and don’t moisturize, what’s the point? Using a proper home care routine with products specifically prescribed for your skin type is the best way to maintain the results from a facial. And guess what? Professional products are not anymore expensive than, let’s say, Lancôme, Clinique, or any other department/drugstore brand. Plus, they contain about 50 to 90% more active ingredients in them than drugstore brands contain.

Why do we hear more about department store brands than professional brands?

Professional skin care lines are only sold in salons and spas by professionals who have been educated and thoroughly trained in using them. It is a smaller, more targeted market than drugstore and department store brands reach out to. Department stores market their lines with flashy ad campaigns with expensive models and glitzy ads. Professional lines invest the money that they earn from sales of the line on research and development on the line. Department store lines invest the money earned on the next ad campaign.

Do I need to use the whole line to benefit?

Absolutely not! The three most important products you should use is a cleanser to properly rid your skin of dirt, excess oil and makeup, a toner to remove residue from your tap water or left over makeup and to prep the skin for the next manitory step: Moisturizer is crucial to skin health – even for oilier skin types. Moisture is crucial to skin health for a number of reasons:

• Helps retain skin’s moisture levels and prevents premature aging.
  


• Creates a healthy Ph balance
  


• When your skin is balanced it is moisturized where needed and, in combination skin, oil is controlled.

Your Le Petit Spa esthetician will be able to sit down with you and talk about any questions that you may have about your specific skin concerns, needs and problems. Skin consultations are complimentary and are available 7 days a week at Le Petit Spa.

What happens during a skin consultation?

You will be taken into your very own private treatment room where your esthetician will take a look at your skin under a magnifying lamp.

This helps her to see your skin at a very high level. Your pores, pigmentation, skin texture is very highly detailed under this lamp and allows her to make the best choice when it comes to which type of skin products you should be using. This skin consultation is confidential between you and your esthetician, so feel free to express any concerns that you have. Estheticians are there to help you with your skin concerns and help you feel comfortable with the choices that you have made.

To find out how to contact Le Petit Spa, click here. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about special events, monthly and daily promotions, and new product launches. Or email me with your beauty and/or spa questions and look for the answer in a future blog!

Daily Promotions revamped at Vancouvers Top Day Spa

Le Petit Spa Daily Service Promotions

Le Petit Spa has revamped their daily promotions. Featuring a different service each day of the week (except Saturdays), each day promises to pamper you in delight while receiving top-of-the-line day spa services in a trendy Vancouver neighbourhood.

Le Petit Spa has positioned themselves as one of the top three day spas in Vancouver three years in a row and consider themselves “Facial Specialists”. Offering high-end treatments, without the high - end prices has firmly positioned them as a reputable neighbourhood day spa for all your beauty needs.

Below, are the daily service promotions available at Le Petit Spa for all of Vancouver:

1. “Mani” Mondays – Come into Le Petit Spa on a Monday for a manicure service and purchase any OPI product to receive 15% off of the total of the two…Read more.

2. “Toes” Tuesdays – Come into Le Petit Spa on a Tuesday for a pedicure and purchase any footlogix product and receive 15% off of the total of the two…Read more.

3. “Wax” Wednesdays – Come into Le Petit Spa on a Wednesday for two or more waxing services and receive 50% off the lesser of the two…Read more.

4. “Thursdays for Men” – Come into Le Petit Spa on a Thursday and receive a special deal to restore your energy and vitality…Read more.

5. “Facial Fridays” – Come into Le Petit Spa on a Friday and book either a Phytomer Hydrating Facial or the Phytomer Youth Enhancing Facial and receive either one for only $95 (regularly $110)…Read more.

6. "Signature Sundays" - Come into Le Petit Spa on a Sunday for Le Petit Spa's Signature Facial and receive 10% off the purchase of any skin care product or Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup purchase...Read more.

Each day is designed to deliver the best value in professional day spa services to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Be the first to know about Le Petit Spa’s monthly service promotions by signing up for our monthly newsletter featuring further exclusive promotions and in-spa promotions or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa - What is Microdermabrasion? Benefits and Skin Types

Microdermabrasion is one of the hottest corrective treatments on the market today!

Microdermabrasion is a method of exfoliation that uses a gentle flow of crystals to exfoliate the upper layer of your skin. This method of exfoliation is powerful enough to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles and scars left behind by acne, but is non-invasive and will not cause any trauma to your skin. There is no “down time” or recovery time needed after a treatment and you will be able to resume your daily tasks same day as treatment.

The benefits of a microdermabrasion treatment are:

Skin is exfoliated, leaving texture renewed and refined.
Pigmentation is lightened
Acne scars become less visible over time

Microdermabrasion has been used in physicians and dermatologists offices for years and is now starting to be used in day spas across the US and Canada.

What is the difference between professional microdermabrasion treatments and the systems sold in drug stores?

The microdermabrasion systems sold in drug stores are different in one very crucial way. When you receive a microdermabrasion treatment from a professional, the system uses micro-crystals that are gently blown onto your skin to exfoliate, then sucked away with a vacuum action that also removes black heads and other dead skin debris. The drug store systems that we are seeing more of now a days is manual, you have to do the scrubbing to get the exfoliating action.

The crystals used in the drug store brands are the same as professional use, but there is not vacuum action, therefore; dead skin debris and impurities such as black heads are left in and on your skin and may lead to further breakouts in the future.

Microdermabrasion is perfect for the following skin types and conditions:

· Mature skin – the skin is tightened and firm

• Thick or dull skin – oxygen is delivered to your skin, resulting in a better cell turnover for younger looking skin
  


• Anyone needing a throughout exfoliation
  


• Pigmentation or age spots – lightens brown spots
  


• Oily skin and problem skin* *excludes acneic skin – oil production is controlled, breakouts may decrease

Have questions about microdermabrasion? Email me with your beauty question and I'll answer your question in a future blog!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, special events, product launches, and daily and monthly service promotions.

Check out Le Petit Spa's daily facial promotions: Facial Fridays and Signature Sundays.

Le Petit Spa - Specialized Hydradermie Facial offered at Vancouvers #1 Day Spa

Special Machine aids in “Lifting” and “Plumping” Skin

The Tingle Means its Working

Le Petit Spa, nominated one of the top three day spas in Vancouver since its opening, is committed to providing clients with the best spa services available and is pleased to introduce their newest advanced facial, the Guinot Hydradermie Facial.

Perfect for anyone who feels that their skin needs a “lift”, this advanced intensive facial delivers serious anti aging results after just one visit. This treatment is designed to target the deepest levels of dehydration in the skin by using an advanced facial machine to gently massage and help penetrate specialized facial gels into the inner most layers of the skin.

Benefits of Guinot Hydradermie Facial:

· Boosts moisture content in deeper layers of the skin
· Diminishes the look of fine lines, wrinkles
· Drains toxins and excess fluid away from the skin
· Specialized products for neck and eye areas
· “Plumps” and revitalizes the look of your skin; results are visible after just one visit.


This facial lasts 90 minutes and is Le Petit Spa’s January Service Promotion at the introductory price of $105. (Regular-$120) Le Petit Spa is open 7 days a week and is located on the corner of Broadway and Alma in Kitsilano/Point Grey....Contact Le Petit Spa

Check out Le Petit Spa's daily facial promotions: Facial Fridays and Signature Sundays. Offering all of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland the best value in day spa facial services. Read more...

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Le Petit Spa - Winter Skin Dry and Flaky

Clients have started coming into the spa complaining of dry, flaky skin thanks to our recent snow fall. Have you noticed your skin has changed along with the weather? Follow these tips below on how to prevent the weather from wreaking havoc on your skin:

1. Moisturize! – It’s repetitive, I know, but this is the best thing you could possibly do for your skin, not just in the winter, but throughout the year. Not only will it help prevent dry, flaky patches from developing, but it also maintains the collagen content in your skin, helping with anti-aging. My choice: Guinot Hydrazone: Moisturizing day/night cream for all skin types. Containing advanced ingredients such as hydro-liposomes, this duo – action moisturizing cream protects the outer layer of the skin, helping to lock moisture in and “floods” the skin with moisturizing ingredients.

2. Cleanse – You can’t have perfect skin just by moisturizing. You have to cleanse your skin properly in order to keep it free of blemishes and build up of blemish causing impurities. Applying a moisturizer over skin that has not been cleansed properly will only cause problems and build up of dead skin cells. My favourite winter cleanser is Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk. This gentle milk cleanser leaves your skin velvety soft and hydrated, but is effective enough to remove all makeup.

3. Tone – Toning your skin can help your moisturizer and serum penetrate into your skin better because it helps to remove any residue left over from tap water or your cleanser (or a combination of both). Toners also help to return your skin to a healthy Ph level after cleansing. Phytomer Hydracontinue: Comforting Toning Lotion moisturizes your skin and removes any cleanser residue, perfect for winter months.

4. Exfoliate – Why exfoliate when you have dry, flaky skin? Because it helps to remove the build up of the skin that won’t exfoliate on its own(the flakes you see). These flakes of dry skin that remain on your skin prevent your moisturizer and other skin care products from penetrating to their maximum depth into your skin, causing the dryness to seep deeper and deeper. Phytomer Peeling Vegetal Exfoliant utilizes papaya extract to gently dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of you skin to smooth and refine the texture of your skin.

If you find that after taking all of these steps to ensure that your skin doesn’t dry out due to the change in weather that you're still faced with dry skin, then other, more specialized treatments can be taken:

1. Serums – deliver, on average, about 70% active ingredients to your skin. These can be used day/ night on a daily basis, or as an intensive treatment at times of the year when your skin is faced with specific concerns.

2. Masques – These treatment “powerhouses” deliver optimal results from ingredients to your skin. Found in many different types of formulas, some can be slept with over night, and some remain on the skin for up to 15 minutes to deliver maximum benefits to your skin. These usually are used as an intensive treatment as well, once per week for maintenance of your skin, or up to twice a week if your skin is going through a change due to the weather, or if you are treating a skin condition such as dryness or acne.

My favourite serums: Phytomer Hydracontinue: hydra-nourishing serum, which helps to boost the effectiveness of your other skin care products by 3 xs! and Guinot’s Serum Hydra Beaute: intensive treatment moisturizer concentrate contains Shea butter, Vitamin E, and trace elements which deliver essential minerals and elements vital to healthy skin.

For more information about these products, skin care, or if you would like a complimentary skin care consultation to find out which skin care products are right for your specific skin type, click here.

Check out our daily facial promotions, Facial Fridays and Signature Sundays at Le Petit Spa. These two days give Vancouver the best value for facial services in the Lower mainland and Vancouver!

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

Purchase mentioned products at our partner website www.spaboutique.ca

Le Petit Spa - Do I need a toner?

Do I need a toner?

One of the most popular questions in skin care is: Do I need to use a toner? What is the purpose of a toner? For years toners have had a bad rep due to the fact that in previous years their main function was to dry out the skin. Today’s toners are more advanced and specialized for many skin types and concerns.

Why use a toner if I don’t have oily skin?

Toners aren’t just for helping with excess oil. They help return your skin to its natural Ph level after using water or a cleanser to clean your skin. They also help to remove residue left over from makeup, your cleanser or water residue.

Which kind of toner is right for me?

Identify your needs: Do you have oily skin? Dry skin? Combo? Today’s toners are more specialized to combat your specific skin care needs. Not sure of your skin type? Come in to Le Petit Spa for a complementary skin care consultation, click here.

Read the three tips below to determine which toner is right for your skin:

Combo, Oily or Problem Skin:

Choose a toner that uses words such as “clarifying or absorbing”. These toners will help absorb and remove excess oil on the surface of your skin, prevent a build up of pore-clogging dirt and oil and calm breakouts and prevent future flare-ups. These toners will also minimize the appearance of pores. My pick: Phytomer Oligopur Purifying Toning Gel (250ml)

Normal to Dry Skin

Use a toner that contains moisturizing ingredients, and will leave your skin velvety soft and supple. I like Phytomer Hydracontinue: Comforting Toning Lotion (250ml). This toner moisturizes the upper layer of the skin, removing residue that may be left over from makeup or your cleanser, without removing essential moisture from your skin.

Specialized Toners

Specialized toners now are available for people looking for anti-aging effects, or for someone who wants simplified routines; there are toners that can be used as make-up removers and toners in one product.

Phytomer Eau Marine Alcohol-Free Tonic Lotion (50ml) is a toner that can be used as an eye makeup remover to remove water proof mascara and to refresh tone and cleanse the skin. It is recommended for combo and oily skin. This product also makes a great toner for men.

Phytomer Rosee Visage Face Dew (250ml) is a toner for all skin types that also doubles as both an eye makeup remover and refreshing toner for the skin. Its key active ingredient, Sorenia, relaxes the skin, causing other skin care products to work more effectively and penetrate deeper.

An anti-aging toner, such as Phytomer Ogenage: Toning Cleansing Emulsion (250ml) is specifically made for the often fragile mature skin client. This toner is a cleanser/toner and makeup remover in one highly professional product. This product has marine spring water, a highly anti-aging ingredient.

Check out our weekly facial promotions including Facial Fridays and Signature Sundays or our monthly promotions to get the best value for facials in and around Vancouver!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, gift with purchases, product or service launches and weekly and monthly service promotions. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Purchase any of the above mentioned products at: www.spaboutique.ca

Le Petit Spa - Body Bronzing Service - A holiday party must!

Le Petit Spa in Vancouver - Holiday Party Must - Body Bronzing Treatment

Getting ready for the holiday party season? The dress, the shoes, accessories all meticulously picked out, everything is perfect right down to the last detail, but wait! Standing in the mirror looking at yourself you suddenly realize that little black dress makes you look paler than the snow lying on the ground outside!

What is a girl to do?

Head down to Le Petit Spa for a Guinot Body Bronzing treatment! This service leaves your skin glowing from head to toe.

How does it work?

The Guinot Body Bronzing system works with your skin’s natural amino acids to gradually build a color that is perfect for your natural skin tone. Never too dark, orange or streaky!

Depending on your skin’s natural chemistry, the color will develop anywhere from half an hour to three hours, with the final color being fully developed within 8 hours.

How does the treatment work?

A Le Petit Spa esthetician will gently exfoliate your entire body to ensure that the tanning product does not streak. The Guinot Body Bronzing product is then applied to your body.

You will be told to bring loose fitting clothing; preferably black or dark in color to prevent any staining of your clothing.

For the remainder of the day you will not be allowed to shower or apply any products to your body; this may interfere with the way the product will develop color on your skin.

Your tan will last from 4 days to a week depending on your bodies’ natural chemistry and how you maintain it.

Benefits of a self tan treatment:

• No damaging effects from the sun
• Safe, natural color
• Moisturizing benefits from product
• Can be used all year long!

Tips to help your tan last longer:

• Exfoliate only once per week – exfoliating too much will remove your tan much faster
• Moisturize – every day to prevent your skin from shedding too much skin, making your tan slough off much quicker.
• Shower or bathe only once per day – this can cause your tan to go literally down the drain!

Interested in a Guinot Body Bronzing service? Click here to find out how to book your appointment.

Check out our monthly service promotions and weekly promotions page or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about events, tips, monthly in spa promotions or email me with a beauty question or concern and look for your answer in a future blog!

Winter Skin Care - Hyaluronic Acid

Winter Skin care tips: Hyaluronic Acid

A lot of skin care companies are producing products that contain an ingredient called Hyaluronic Acid.

But what is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance found in our connective tissue in our bodies. Its function is to cushion and lubricate body parts such as eyes and joints. Did you know? Hyaluronic Acid can hold 1000x its weight in water? This fact makes its hydrating effects quite eminent.

Hyaluronic Acid has been labelled by the media and press as “the key to the fountain of youth” because of its’ strong link between people who consume large amounts of Hyaluronic Acid in their diets and the length of which they live their lives.

The people studied absorbed high amounts of Hyaluronic Acid from their natural diets containing starchy root vegetables, not using **supplements of any kind.

What skincare products carry products that contain Hyaluronic Acid?

Some skincare companies with Hyaluronic Acid as an ingredient in their skincare products are Guinot, Skeyndor and Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics.

Who doesn’t want a complementary skincare consultation? To find out which products are right for you, or which skin type you have, click here.

To find out more about in spa promotions, events, daily and monthly service promotions, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, or , email me with your beauty concerns or questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

**this blog is for educational purposes only. When starting suppliments for therapeutic purposes consult your physician or health care provider.

Winter Skin Care - Hydrating Facial at Le Petit Spa

Phytomer Hydrating Facial at Le Petit Spa

In the winter, skin becomes more dehydrated due to changes in the weather. Cold air and wind outside, and dry heat indoors can wreak havoc on your skin.

Moisturizing your skin throughout the year is important, but especially important in the winter months. Moisturizing your skin protects it from drying out; therefore preventing flakiness, tightness, itchiness and irritation.

A good home care regime will help promote healthy skin and moisture levels, however; for an extra feel good pick-me-up, a Professional Hydrating Spa Facial will leave your skin velvety smooth, supple and plump with moisture.

Imagine yourself in a down duvet, warm and cozy on a cold, stormy winter’s day. Soft candle light embraces you as you sink into a relaxed and peaceful state of mind......

The Phytomer Hydrating Facial at Le Petit Spa uses moisturizing products that boosts the moisture content in your skin by 42% one hour after application. The use of three specific hydrating facial mask, serums and creams are all utilized in this intensive hydrating facial.


Below, the steps of the Phytomer Hydrating Facial are listed, along with benefits of each step.

Cleanse – Phytomer Hydrating Cleansing Milk. Gently Cleanses skin without stripping its moisture content.

Tone- Hydracontinue Comforting Toning Lotion – returns skin to a healthy Ph level while moisturizing.

Exfoliation – Gommage Marin – Removes the superficial layer of dead skin cells that dull your complexion. Removes impurities and leaves your skin with a glow.

Extractions – (if needed) A metal implement is used to apply pressure to each pore, gently extracting any impurities within. This step is non-invasive and does not cause damage to the skin.

Massage – Stimulates dry skin by increasing blood and lymph circulation (lymph is what nourishes and feeds our skin) Promotes overall feeling of well being.

First Two Masks – Phytomer Moisture Quench Mask is applied to the surface of the skin. Thermo-active Prestige mask is then applied over top of the first mask. This self heating marine mud mask causes the first mask to penetrate deeper into the inner layers of your skin. During this mask, you receive a soothing hand massage with Le Petit Spa’s Signature Hand Lotion.

Third Mask – This is the final mask; The Prestige Moisturizing Mask penetrates the skin and boosts the skins moisture content. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are diminished. The skin is plump and youthful looking.

Final Treatment Cream – this cream is chosen according to how dehydrated your skin is.

Not sure of what skin type you have? Come in for a complementary skin type analysis at Vancouver's Le Petit Spa and find out which skin products are right for your skin type.

Check out our weekly facial promotions, Facial Fridays or Signature Sundays.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and be the first to know about in-spa promotions, skin care tips, and monthly service promotions. Or email me with your skin care questions and concerns and look for your answers or tips in a future blog!