Le Petit Spa - Nationally renowned Glycolic Facial gets facelift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Le Petit Spa - Youth Enhancing Facial

Le Petit Spa’s Youth Enhancing Facial features Phytomer products; a skin care line made in St. Malo, France which utilizes marine extracts and ingredients.

This anti-aging facial is 90 minutes long and features three different masques, all made to hydrate, firm and add youthful vitality to the skin and facial features.

1. Moisture Quench mask – boots moisture in the skin, firming and adding tone to the skin

2. Thermo - active Prestige Mask – self heating marine mud helps moisture quench mask to penetrate further into the skin, relaxing the skin and allowing product to further benefit skin

3. Aqua-lift mask – firms and lifts skin – ingredient of marine spring water adds anti-aging benefits to this mask, re-mineralizes and oxygenates the skin.

A relaxing back massage, facial massage and hand massage add to the relaxing benefits of this facial service.

A special sea mud mask is applied to the back which re-mineralizes and detoxifies your skin, further adding to the anti-aging effects of this specialized facial.

Your skin will look supple, fine lines and wrinkles will be diminished and you will be left with an overall sense of well being and vitality.

Gift Certificates for this specific facial are available, click here to find out more about Le Petit Spa gift certificates or gift cards.

For more information about Le Petit Spa’s facial services, click here. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in spa promotions, such as gift with purchase, monthly service promotions, weekly promotions and special events. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Melasma and the Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Melasma and the Benefits of Glycolic Acid

What is Melasma?

Melasma (sometimes referred to as Pregnancy Mask) is abnormal pigmentation that appears on the skin during pregnancy. Melasma is caused by the stimulation of the female hormone estrogen which causes the body to produce more melanin during pregnancy to protect itself while in the sun.


What does Melasma look like?

Melasma can appear on the cheeks, nose, lips and forehead, basically anywhere on the face that hits direct sun light. Melasma appears as dark discolorations on the skin and appears irregular in shape.

How can I treat Melasma?

Melasma usually develops gradually over the length of the pregnancy. Therefore; when using products to treat the appearance of Melasma, it will fade gradually.

One popular method that is safe to use while pregnant and during breastfeeding is Glycolic Acid.

Glycolic Acid is a natural hydroxy acid derived from fruits and sugar cane. It gently, but thoroughly, sloughs off dead skin cells, lightening superficial pigmentation such as Melasma.

There are no side effects from Glycolic Acid treatments and no need for down time (or recovery time).

Glycolic Acid treatments can be performed as a peel or a glycolic facial.

Glycolic Facials are a non invasive, natural way to remove unwanted pigmentation from the skin.
The glycolic facial treatment will usually consist of cleansing,toning,exfoliation(glycolic preparation)massage, mask, treatment serum and finishing cream.

Not sure if a glycolic facial is right for you? To book a free skin consultation or to find out more information on glycolic facials, click here.

Sign up for our monthly E-Newsletter for tips, specials and promotions or email me with a beauty question or concern and look for your answer in a future blog!

Some information for this blog found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melasma

Pigmentation and the Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Pigmentation and the Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid which is derived from the sugar cane plant, grapes, apples and other fruits. It exfoliates by removing the top layer of skin and aids in opening clogged pores. Clinical studies show it improves acne, scarring and skin pigmentation caused by sun damage.

Pigmentation (Melanocytes produce melanin (pigment). When these cells are damaged by the sun, they “burst” causing melanin to stay in the superficial layers of the skin, resulting in brown pigmentation.)This pigmentation can appear in many forms such as freckles, chloasma and age spots.

Pigmentation not only dulls the complexion, but also can add as much as a decade on to your look, making skin appear more weathered and older than it actually is!

Which Skin Treatments can help with Pigmentation?

Glycolic Acid gently exfoliates the outer most layer of the skin, the Stratum Corneum. It gradually lightens pigmentation by sloughing off layers of dead and sun damaged skin. Your skin then goes through a process called Phagocytosis, where the body absorbs the damaged pigment cells and disposes of them as waste matter.

Glycolic Acid Treatments can be found in peels or Glycolic Facials and are safe and non invasive. Clients who have Glycolic Treatments do not need recovery time and can continue with their day to day routines same day.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid Treatments:

• Reduced Scarring (such as scars from surgery or acne)

• Reduced Pigmentation (from sun damage, an SPF will prevent further sun damage)

• Increase in Collagen Production ( the skin goes into “repair” mode during a Glycolic treatment and produces more collagen to “protect” itself)

• Appearance of Fine lines and Wrinkles are reduced

• Improved skin texture

• Improved skin clarity

Where can I get information about Glycolic Treatments?

To learn more about Le Petit Spa’s MD Formulations Glycolic Facial Service, or to book an appointment, click here. If you would like more information about Le Petit Spa’s monthly specials and features, sign up for our e-newsletter to receive future tips, specials and promotions. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Glycolic Facial Treatment

The Glycolic Facial

This $75 facial is an hour of skin revealing bliss and utilizes up to 10 different products from the MD Formulations Glycolic Facial line. It starts with a botanical based cleanser and includes serums and treatment creams formulated for specific skin types, as well as the most important element , the glycolic preparation.

In strengths of 5 % – 20%, the glycolic preparation is placed on the skin and in under a minute begins to tingle. In 3-10 minutes the potion has worked its magic and reveals the fresh, bright, smooth skin that is hiding underneath.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an organic alpha hydroxy acid derived from fruit. It is non toxic and naturally occurs in our environment. A thorough exfoliator, it non-invasively removes the outer layers of thickened and damaged skin that can develop due to harsh environmental elements and sun damage. The deeper levels of the skin are penetrated which increases the rate of dead cell shedding revealing smoother and healthier skin.

How will this Facial Benefit me?

After this facial, skin production and collagen formation is enhanced and with prolonged use will improve dry skin, treat age spots, fade freckles caused by sun damage, improve oily and acne prone skin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.


Where can I find a spa that offers a Glycolic Facial?

Le Petit Spa, which is situated at 4- 3701 West Broadway (corner of Broadway and Alma), offers the MD Formulations Glycolic Facial as well as other Corrective Skin Care Facials.

Do you have skin concerns? Email me and look for the answer in a future blog!

Skin and Body Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a technique where the layer of mostly dead epidermal cells on the outer surface of the skin is removed to expose fresher mostly living cells. It takes at least a few days for a sizeable amount of dead cells to accumulate. For most people who decide to exfoliate, once or twice a week is sufficient. Popular exfoliation methods include alpha and beta hydroxy acids, enzyme peels, microdermabrasion and other products like scrubs, loofahs, creams, cleansers and masks .

Benefits of Exfoliation:

• Removes dead skin cells.
• Makes your skin softer and smoother, fresher and brighter
• Boosts your circulation and helps unclog pores.
• Accelerates the growth of new cells.
• Results in a more even tan
• New cells are better at absorbing moisture applied to the surface

Body Exfoliation Tips & Techniques:

1. Brush dry skin before showering. Use either a loofah, Plastic Exfoliating
   Gloves or a body exfoliating brush. Start at the soles of the feet and working up.
2. Get into the bath or shower and wet your entire body.
3. Apply exfoliant cleanser to your loofah or exfoliating brush or gloves.
   Choose exfoliating cleansers that contain ingredients such as oatmeal, ground almonds or even sea salt. The grainy texture exfoliates the skin- we recommend Ancient Secrets Body Scrub/ Salts
4. Scrub your body with it, using gentle, circular motions.
5. You can make your own exfoliating cleanser, if you prefer. Mix sea salt,
   olive oil and lemon juice together, or mix ground almonds and powdered milk.
6. Use a washcloth for mild exfoliation.
7. Rub rough spots, such as heels, with a pumice stone or stick.
8. Be sure to use body moisturizers at least once every day. We recommend
   Ancient Secrets Body Lotions.
9. For a bit of pampering, try a Spa Body Scrub or Body Wrap service

Note: Some products are more abrasive than others. If your skin is sensitive, use as little friction as possible and stick to the least abrasive products.

Face Exfoliation: Keep in mind that the facial area is more sensitive than your body, do no use body scrubs on your face. Try Phytomer Gommage or MD Formulations products which host glycolic compounds for intensive exfoliation. For professional face exfoliation try a Spa Glycolic Facial.

Exfoliation and Self Tanning: Exfoliation is very important especially if you are going to apply self tanner. Be sure to exfoliate every bit of dead skin or you will notice streaks that are darker than others. Areas of concentration: Knees, elbows, feet and knuckles. For professional tanning results, try a Spa Guinot Body Bronzing service.

Foot Exfoliation: Get rid of dry cracked peeling feet and ragged, dry nails with a Spa Pedicure. After one visit, your dry skin will be gone and your feet will be ready to soak up the Spring and Summer weather.

For more information on the products and spa services in Vancouver, please visit www.lepetitspa.ca or www.spaboutique.ca. For more tips and special promotions, sign up for our newsletter on our home page.

If you have any additional beauty or skin care questions e-mail us and look for your answer in a future blog.

Hyperpigmentation

Pigmentation refers to the synthesis and distribution of melanin for the absorption of free radicals and protection from UV radiation. The amount of melanin that reaches the skin's surface gives the skin its colour. Hyperpigmentation is a pigmentation disorder caused by the local increase and/or uneven distribution of melanin. The causes of hyperpigmentation include sun exposure, acne, friction and hormonal imbalances caused by contraception, pregnancy and stress. Excessive colour is mostly an accumulation of pigment in the stratum coneum. Pigmentation usually improves and/or is eliminated through surface exfoliation, which then allows the use of glycolic acid to lighten and even eliminate dark spots by removing superficial excessive pigmentation. Bleaching agents also accelerate the depigmenting process. It is important to note that although exfoliation effectively treats hyperpigmentation in the epidermis, it does not if the discolouration is in the dermis. Only pigment that is located in the epidermis moves towards the surface and can be exfoliated. Dermal pigmentation can only be treated with deep peals and laser resurfacing. Visit www.lepetitspa.ca for more information or visit the spa for a complimentary skin care consultation or to book a glycolic facial.

The Hazards of the Sun

Q: What are the differences between UV, UVA and UVB radiation?

A: Ultraviolet light is light that we cannot see as it has a wavelength shorter than the visible light that we can see. It is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC has the shortest wavelength and cannot get through the ozone layer to reach us. UVA and UVB have both been linked to skin cancer, including malignant and melanoma. Both sunbathing and using sun beds increases your skin's exposure to ultraviolet light and so increases your risk of skin cancer in addition to damaging your skin’s current condition. More specifically, UV radiation results in the following damage to the skin:

UV Radiation:
-reduces the skin’s antioxidant potential
-impairs the skin’s immune system, lowering resistence to skin disease
-can damage and/or destroy cellular membranes and/or DNA

UVA:
-favours the destruction of collagen and elastin
-causes skin wrinkling and sagging
-is present in amounts 100 times greater than UVB

UVB:
-damages and/or destroys epidermal appearance and structure
-causes the skin to burn
-leads to skin cancer
-increases hyperpigmentation

The best defence against the sun is to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 as well as to limit your time in the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun is most powerful. Visit http://www.lepetitspa.ca/ for more information on sun care protection or visit the spa to sample our high-quality sunscreen or our sunless tanning lotion which gives the appearance of a golden tan minus the risks to you skin!

Exfoliation Tips from Le Petit Spa's Estheticians

Exfoliation is important for all areas of the body in order to make your skin ready for the summer months:

Face: Exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells which will help your products (including your sunscreen) penetrate deeper into the epidermis and become more effective
Le Petit Spa staff favourite: Phytomer Peeling Vegetal exfoliant for sensitive skin

Body: Exfoliate prior to applying your self tanner for an even and natural glow
Le Petit Spa staff favourite: Sothys Pre-Tan Exfoliating Care and Satin Self-Tanning Spray

Bikini Area: Exfoliating regularly will help prevent ingrown hairs and promotes smoother skin
Le Petit Spa staff favourite: PFB Vanish roll-on exfoliator and moisturizer

Questions or comments, please email us at : info@lepetitspa.ca and we'll post it on our weblog.

Visit our home page http://www.lepetitspa.ca/and sign up for our Newsletter/Promo updates and we'll thank you by entering you into a draw for a massage at Le Petit Spa, Vancouver, BC!

Hyperpigmentation - color corrective makeup

Hyperpigmentation- Hyperpigmentation is another prevalent reason for clients to request color corrective makeup. These irregular dark patches can result from pregnancy, birthmarks, freckles, age spots, melasma or chloasma. no matter the cause, clients want it to disappear. Color corrective estheticians can assist them in achieving this temporarily with mineral makeup, as well as permanently with treatments such as microdermabrasion and laser. When selecting a dark spot corrector, keep in mind that warm tones reflect light away to make skin imperfections less noticeable. Opt for mineral yellows, gold's, apricots, and oranges. Blend the selected brightening tone onto the dark areas by pressing and patting. Once the darkness is obscured, lightly layer the entire face with a color that matches the neck. the sun protection properties provided by mineral makeup offer the added bonus of further preventing the exacerbation of most brown discolorations.

Questions or comments, please email us at : info@lepetitspa.ca and we'll post it on our weblog.

Visit our home page http://www.lepetitspa.ca/and sign up for our Newsletter/Promo updates and we'll thank you by entering you into a draw for a massage at Le Petit Spa, Vancouver, BC!