Protecting the Delicate Eye Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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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…

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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…

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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!

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...

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

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