Let's Talk Spa

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


Tuesday, May 22, 2007

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive further exclusive news about new products and services, monthly in-spa promotions, our monthly service promotion and featured daily promotions.

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!

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

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.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive further additional promotions, news on in-spa product launches and events and monthly service promotions.

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!

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, May 10, 2007

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!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about our monthly service promotions, our featured daily promotions or special events!

Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, May 07, 2007

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.

Labels: , , , , , ,