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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April Service Promotion at Le Petit Spa

April Service Promotion of the Month

Le Petit Spa is featuring their Teen Facial service for the month of April at a promotional price of $60 ($70)

This facial will create a smooth, flawless complexion clear of blackheads, impurities and imperfections.

The Teen Facial at Le Petit Spa kills bacteria growth in the skin responsible for the growth of acne with a anti bacterial seaweed extract. A professional extraction of pimples and blackheads allows the skin to heal without any harmful effects.

A professional facial consisting of proper cleansing, toning, exfoliation, extractions of impurities and a final treatment cream to create skin that is has balanced oil secretions, hydrated and flawless.

Why is it important to have professional extractions done?

When you “pick” your zits at home, your fingers transfer bacteria from the zit to other areas of your face - creating the perfect setting for another pimple to flare up. An esthetician

An esthetician can remove blackheads and pimples from your skin, without even touching it or causing harm to your skin. They use an extractor that applies gentle pressure to the pore opening, and causes any dirt or trapped bacteria in the pore to come out - easy as butter! Very little pressure on the skin means no damage or tears in the surface of the skin.

Why have a facial once per month?

When we are young, our skin renews itself every 28 days; therefore, 28 days after your facial it will be the skin on the surface of your face that would have benefited the most from your facial service. Facial services also draw out impurities deep inside your skin, so ten to fourteen days after your facial you may experience a breakout - which is normal, your skin is just getting rid of a build up of impurities.

To maintain the results of your facial 28 days ago, you should continue a home care regime to deliver the same benefits of your facial to your skin between visits to the spa. A facial once per month will balance secretions, maintain optimal hydration levels in your skin and keep skin clean and healthy looking.

Which facial products are right for me?

It is difficult to decide on which products are right for your specific skin. With all of the choices out there, picking the right one is more difficult than ever. Le Petit Spa offers complimentary skin type analysis to help determine which products are right for your specific skin’s needs and concerns. Contact Le Petit Spa today to book your complimentary skin type analysis.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about further exclusive in spa promotions, daily and monthly service promotions and new product launches. Have beauty questions? Email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future edition of this blog!

"Count Down to Prom" Your Prom Makeup Bag Made Simple!

Your Prom Makeup Bag Made Simple.

Everything you need to keep your perfect look looking perfect!

Prom is probably going to be the second busiest formal day next to your wedding day. The frantic running around to get your hair done, you makeup done, pictures taken and all the formalities can leave even the most polished prom queen looking (and feeling) a little frazzled.

Make sure you’re ready for the big day by putting together an “emergency bag” to carry around with in your purse during prom:

1. Bobbie Pins: Your updo looks perfect now - but after a couple of hours of running here to there can cause your perfect updo to turn into a mess! Carry a few extra bobbie pins in your purse just incase.

2. Oil Blotting Papers: Excess oil on your skin will cause your makeup to come off half way through the day. Use oil blotting papers to absorb the excess oil whenever you feel you need it. I recommended Jane Iredale Oil Blotting Sheets which are made from 100% natural rice paper and work wonders in absorbing excess oil mid day.

3. Pressed Powder: This will also help to control oil during the day and keep you makeup in its place! Not to mention, it will make you complexion look for unified and flawless over your foundation. I like Jane Iredale Pressed Minerals - they come in an array of shades that match any skin tone and look completely flawless, plus they don’t clog pores and cause irritation.

4. Lipstick or Lipgloss: Whichever one you choose, keep it in your purse for touch ups. You’ll loose a lot of your color from all of the kisses you’ll be giving to proud relatives; plus, a lipgloss will keep your lips moisturized and looking plump. Jane Iredale Pure Gloss for Lips or Pure Moist Lip color use organic vegetable based oils, so they’re healthy for you and the environment.

5. Blush or Bronzer - Keep your cheek bones highlighted with blush or bronzer. Not only will they complete your look, but your cheek bones will stand out in photos.

Of course, the best possible makeup you could wear is a healthy skin. Below are some tips to get your skin looking gorgeous before grad and prom:

1. Drink Water! Drink at least 8 cups of water a day to hydrate your skin from the inside out and help to get rid of any built up toxins in your skin.

2. Healthy Diet: Avoid sugar at all costs and extremely fatty foods. These can up set your skin and cause blemishes. Focus on eating a healthy diet of fruits, grains, vegetables, lean proteins and seafood not just around prom, but all the time! Of course, treats are unavoidable, just consume in moderation. What you feed your body on the inside is going to show it’s face on the outside so keep this in mind!

3. Clean pillow cases every couple of days to avoid sleeping on the same bacteria. This will prevent any further blemishes on your skin; as well, sleep with your hair off your face. Natural oil in your hair can also cause blemishes on your skin.

4. Clean your face with new face clothes every day especially if you do suffer from acne. Just because your face cloth gets wet during the cleansing process doesn’t mean it’s clean; it keeps bacteria from your face and stores it as a breeding ground for more bacteria. If you don’t suffer from acne, use the face cloth in the morning, then at night before bed and use a fresh one the next morning.

For more information on skin care for teens read more of our “Count Down to Prom” web blogs on our “Spa Talk” blog.

Have beauty questions? Ask me anything and everything to do with skin care, email me with your questions and I’ll post an answer on an edition of this blog!

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The Nitty Gritty of the Teen Facial - What are they? How does it work? And what happens?

The nitty gritty of teen facials - what are they? And how do they work?

One of the most relaxing, rewarding spa treatments available for teens today is clouded in questions like what happens and how is it done? And so on and so on…

Things really do not need to be that complicated. This blog demystifies the spa mystery known as “the Teen Facial”…

Arriving at a spa you’ve never been or, or arriving for a treatment that you’ve never had can be a little nerve wracking to say the least; especially when it’s a facial treatment: You’re in a small treatment room for a whole hour with a person you don’t even know! Mix that with not knowing what to expect, and a trip to the spa doesn’t seem so relaxing anymore.

I’ll get to know you, you get to know me!

When you first arrive at Le Petit Spa, you’ll be greeted with a friendly “hello” by the girls at the front desk. They will hand you a simple consultation form with some personal and not-so-personal questions for you to answer.

These are to do with allergies, medication you may be on, your desired results you want to achieve with your treatment, and any medical conditions (like low blood pressure) that may influence your treatment. After filling out the form, it is given to the esthetician who will be performing the treatment on you. These forms are kept completely confidential between you and the esthetician.

Let’s Get Naked!

Ok…before you start running for the door, let me explain. After you have checked in and filled out the form, you will be taken to the women’s (or men’s if you’re a man!) change room to get changed into a comfy, warm terry towel robe and a fuzzy pair of slippers. The change rooms are completely private! So don’t worry!

You will be instructed to remove jewellery, your pants, your shirt and your bra! WHAT? During your facial you will be under a heavy down duvet and if you keep your clothes on, you’ll get too hot! Plus, it allows you to relax a little more when you’re at a comfortable temperature.

Of course, these are only suggestions - do what feels comfortable for you! If you prefer to leave your clothes on, than please do! Just remember - there’s always a chance of product landing somewhere on your clothing - so it’s always better to remove to avoid ruining your favourite shirt!

Relax!

Before changing into your robe and slippers, you’ll be shown the “relaxation lounge”. This is where you can sit and enjoy cookies, chocolate and tea or water before and after your facial service. During your time in here, your esthetician is usually preparing any last minute details for your service and making sure everything is absolutely perfect just for you! So take your time, forget about your worries - you’re in good hands!

Come with me…

After everything is in place for your facial, your esthetician will come and get you from the relaxation lounge. She will introduce herself to you; show you the bathroom (in case you drank too much water in the lounge!) and lead you to your own private sanctuary - your very own private treatment room.

Your Private Sanctuary Awaits!

When you arrive in your treatment room you will see a bed, a sink…a counter…and not much else! She will confirm your service “You are here today for the Teen Facial service, which is about an hour” and she then will instruct you that she will step out of the room, you may hang your gown up on the back of the door (when she is out of the room) and you are to climb into your treatment bed, under the duvet. There will be a heating pad on the bed - if it is too warm let her know! She wants you to be comfortable during your service.

After she leaves the room for you to change, she will re-enter after a few minutes making sure she has given you privacy to un-robe and get under the covers. Remember! It’s only a suggestion that you remove the robe - if you don’t feel comfortable being naked under the covers you may keep the robe on!

During your facial service you will be under the covers the whole time! At no time will your esthetician be able to see more than your collar bone, neck and face (and maybe your arms if you decide to keep them out).

Consultation - The nitty gritty of your skin!

Your esthetician re-enters the room and gets to work right away! She will begin by sitting down and going over any concerns she may have from your consultation form, “I see that you have low blood pressure, do you get dizzy when you lay down for too long?”…

She will also ask you what you’ve been using on your skin at home, what your skin care habits are, and what you want to achieve from having a facial service today.

This is your chance to ask a professional skin care therapist any questions you may have - and you thought only movie stars got this kind of treatment!

After your every question is answered, she will explain all steps of the Teen facial to you in detail from beginning to end - ask her more questions - that’s what she’s there for!

Cool cotton compresses are then gently placed over your eyes to protect them from the magnifying lamp.

Magnifying Lamp? Yikes!

Yep, this can be intimidating for even the most experienced spa princess! A magnifying lamp magnifies (duh!) your skin so that the esthetician can see things in and on your skin that may not be visible to the naked eye (like blackheads, pimples, zits, brown spots).

This also helps her make a decision as to what skin care products are going to work best for your skin needs and concerns. You may feel her poke (gently), prod, and squeeze your face (gently of course!) but she needs to examine your skin on a very close, intimate level - she’s not judging you, this is her job to figure your skin out!

Goodbye for a little while!

Your esthetician will then ask if you have any more questions. If not, she’s outta there! Just kidding! She will leave the room only for a few minutes to go and get the products she has decided to use on your skin.

Return of the …

Skin care therapist! Exciting eh? She has the products for your facial in hand and she’s ready to go! Are you? One last chance for any questions before your facial begins. Of course, you may ask questions at any time, but it’s kinda hard to relax when your mind is racing with questions, so ask now!

So there you have it! That’s what happens before your Teen Facial at Le Petit Spa…but what happens during? Read about the in-depth steps of our teen facial and what happens during, plus some useful tips on keeping your skin clear of pimples at home on our “Count Down to Prom” spa blog…

Want more beauty and skin care tips? Have more questions about what goes on in a day spa? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to find out about monthly service promotions (like the teen facial, on promotion for April) and special events.

Or, email me with your questions and I'll post a reply in a future edition of this blog!

"Count Down to Prom!" Gift Card Ideas to make Prom Easy!

The perfect gift for prom

Looking for the perfect gift for the Teen graduating this year in your life? Le Petit Spa offers solutions for any teen this prom year and a number of services and gift cards to help her or him get ready for Prom!

Whether its services you’re looking for to get ready for prom, or services to enjoy after prom, Le Petit Spa offers affordable solutions.

Teen Facial Gift Card $74.20 (includes tax)

A more clarified, glowing, smooth complexion is achieved; oil secretions are balanced and the skin is comfortable. The Le Petit Spa Teen Facial uses the Phytomer Oligopur line from France. Oligopur uses a seaweed extract that actually inhibits the growth of bacteria in the skin. Once the bacteria can’t grow like usual - acne and breakouts are stopped in their tracks!

This facial includes:

• Cleanse
  
• Tone
  
• Exfoliation of the Skin


• Extractions of impurities such as blackheads and pimples.
  
• Masque
  
• Treatment Day Cream.

Or customize a gift card for your special teen! Suggested combinations of services to use before Prom:

1. Teen Facial and Makeup Lesson.

Your Teen will learn the fundamentals of proper skin care and makeup application with this package specifically for use one month before Prom and Graduation. This facial will start the healing process of blemishes and breakouts before prom. A mineral makeup application will show your teen how to properly apply makeup and choose shades that will compliment her skin tone, color and unique style.

• Teen Facial $70
  
• Makeup Lesson$60
  
• Total: $137.80 (includes tax)

2. Body Bronzing, Eyelash Extensions and Express Manicure and Pedicure.

Specifically to be used one week or a few days before prom or graduation, this combination of services will add the finishing touches for your teens dream prom look. Body Bronzing one week before prom or grad will allow the color to set and achieve a natural look, eyelash extensions a week before will allow your teen to get used to them, and an express manicure and pedicure will add the finishing touches to her hands and feet.

• Body Bronzing $50
  
• Eyelash Extensions$60
  
• Express Mani $25
  
• Express Pedicure $38
  
• Total: $183.38 (includes tax)

3. Manicure, Pedicure, Makeup Application, Eyelash Extensions.

Specifically for use on the day of prom, a makeup application, eyelash extension and finishing touches on the hands and feet will complete the perfect prom and grad look.

• Makeup Application $45
  
• Eyelash Extensions $60
  
• Classic Pedicure $58
  
• Classic Manicure $35
  
• Total: $209.88 (includes tax)

These packages can be conveniently put on to a Le Petit Spa Gift Card.

To learn more about Teen Skin care and Le Petit Spa teen spa packages, visit our teen spa services webpage.

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

"Count Down to Prom" Makeup and Finishing Touches for Prom!

Mineral Makeup Applications and Lessons

The perfect dress, the perfect accessories and the perfect makeup for your skin tone and features will make your ultimate prom look!

Finding a makeup that looks completely natural and matches your skin texture and tone is hard - especially if you pick one out at the drugstore. The harsh fluorescent lighting can change the look of bottled foundation - making it a completely different color when you get it home to try it on.

Having a professional makeup artist apply your makeup and design a unique look for you is a dream come true at Le Petit Spa.

One of our estheticians will work with you to design a look and pick out the perfect shades for your skin color and texture.

Although the best possible makeup you can wear is healthy skin, using a texture and type of makeup that is right for your skin also makes a huge difference in the way it lays on your skin.

Below are some tips you can follow at home to achieve smooth flawless skin and create a makeup look that looks completely natural:

1. Exfoliate - Exfoliating your skin will remove any build up of dry skin and also a build up of dead skin cells. Removing these will create a smooth palette for your foundation or powder. When your skin is smooth, your makeup will blend easier and go on smoother. I recommend Phytomer Peeling Vegetal Exfoliant $41.00 .This gentle exfoliant uses papaya extract to “eat” dead skin cells and are removed when you rinse the exfoliant off. It has a creamy texture and is applied like a mask. No tingling and is safe for even the most sensitive skin! Can be used up to 3 x per week.

2. Moisturize - Even unbalanced teen skin needs moisture. Not moisturizing enough can create dry spots in areas and oiliness in others. Having moisturized skin will also create a smooth, even palette for your makeup as there will not be any flaky, dead skin for the makeup to get caught in. I recommend Phytomer Oligopur Shine Control Moisturizing Fluid (for combo skin types), Oligopur Balanced Emulsion (for combo to oily skin) and Purifying Acne Control Fluid (for teen skin experiencing acne) - all $45.00. These moisturizers are formulated to control oil (to help makeup stay longer) but to moisturize areas where needed to balance your skin.

3. Makeup - Makeup contains all sorts of chemicals that upset your skin’s natural balance. Did you know? While cancer rates continue to decline in males, cancer rates in females continue to rise? Why? What do females do differently that our male counterparts don’t? Researchers are now starting to believe that using makeup that contains parabens (preservatives) and ingredients such as petroleum (an oil based lubricant used in lipstick and lipgloss cosmetics) are causing the continual rise in cancer rates in females. Not to mention that using heavy makeup on teen skin usually makes acne much worse instead of just covering it up.

Le Petit Spa uses a natural line of mineral cosmetics. What are minerals?

Minerals are crushed rock, sediment and any other mineral or rock substance naturally found in the earth that contains pigment. They are crushed and made into “Mineral Cosmetics”. This line of Mineral Cosmetics “Jane Iredale” contains no chemicals, preservatives, or talcs that are going to interfere with your skin’s natural metabolic functions (such as breathing).

Jane Iredale Minerals also contain a natural SPF of 18 and 20 depending on the base you choose to wear. And because women’s skin starts to age at the age of 15 now, an SPF of at least 15 should be wore every day.

Le Petit Spa offers complimentary makeup consultations. An esthetician will work with you to design a look that is perfect for your features and look.

Want to learn more about makeup? Need tips on how to apply eyeliner? Book a Le Petit Spa makeup lesson and receive a special incentive for prom on Jane Iredale mineral makeup…

To receive further exclusive promotions such as our monthly service promotion, special events or new product or service launches sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Have beauty questions? Want to know what a Teen Facial is? Email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future edition of this blog!

"Count Down to Prom" As Seen on Paris Hilton, Make Beautiful Eyelashes Yours for Prom!

Eyelash Extensions for Prom

What is all of young, trendy Hollywood batting their eyelashes at? Nothing in particular, but they have all caught on to the hottest trend to come out of the makeup industry in years!

Eyelash Extensions are carefully applied individual lashes that are glued onto your existing, natural eyelashes. They last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks and come in a range of styles to suit your own unique mood:

Natural - This look adds definition to your eyes and perfectly frames them; but look totally natural.

Dramatic - Think J Lo or Paris Hilton; these two lovely ladies wear them thick, long and with confidence for that “Bambi doe-eyed look”. Perfect for weddings or Prom, or any special occasion.

Extending - For those of us that received the “short end of the stick” literally! These long, feathery eyelashes extend your not-so-long natural eyelashes to give you a look as though you’re wearing mascara - but won’t be!

Eyelashes are the perfect way to enhance your eyes and make them “pop” for your graduation ceremonies and Prom. Applied after your makeup application, eyelash extensions complete your perfect prom look.

Le Petit Spa offers a student discount to clients who receive eyelash extensions or any other spa service for teens at Le Petit Spa.

Have beauty questions? Wonder what a Teen Facial is and does? Email me with your questions and look for your answer in a future edition of this blog! Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about further exclusive promotions at Le Petit Spa.

"Count Down To Prom" The Perfect Accessory for Your Big Night

Manicures and pedicures for prom

Perfectly manicured hands are the perfect accessory for Prom! Nothing will have your hands looking better than a Le Petit Spa manicure treatment.

A sea salt lavender scrub, a relaxing lavender treatment massage and all the grooming to get your hands in perfect shape for your big day.

For a classic manicure look, try a French Manicure. These manicures feature white tips and a sheer color of either pink or a natural nude tone.

Did you know? Brittle, peeling or splitting nails can be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency? At no time in our lives is eating a healthy diet more important that in our teen years. Our bodies change so much in these years that getting the right vitamins and minerals in your diet is a crucial element to developing and growing properly.

New at Le Petit Spa this spring Bio Sculpture gel nails. The safest gel nails system in the world and the first to receive a five star safety rating because of the lack of chemical fumes, odour and dust, and they are a nail strengthening treatment for your natural nails underneath!

These gel nails come in 65 different colors, as well as French Manicure looks. They will not smear, smudge or chip and they can be applied on both hands and feet and last for weeks! For no fuse prom hands and feet, Le Petit Spa’s new gel nail service is the way to go!

Did you know? As we grow older, the sweat glands in our feet start to dry up? This is why, especially in the winter, your feet and skin may feel a little dryer than in the summer. A pedicure service by a professional allows you to keep tabs on your feet and make sure everything is normal.

Teens commonly pick up warts and/ or fungus on their feet and can’t figure out why. Some causes of these foot ailments:

• Walking barefoot at the pool or school gym - warts drop “roots” that can be picked up by feet by simply stepping in the wrong spot.
  


• Nail fungus - these develop by an excess of moisture, getting bacteria trapped under the nail, and too long of toe nails BUT these can also develop by cutting the nail too short. The nail is protection for your toes; cutting them too short leaves the door wide open for bacteria and types of fungi to enter your toe area.

A Le Petit Spa pedicure treatment is a professional way to learn how to properly maintain your toe nails and feet so that you can properly care for them at home.

Pedicures at Le Petit Spa came in an array of unique colors, but if you’re really looking for something different try a Le Petit Spa Nail Art Pedicure. Featuring unique designs specifically for you and your toes, a Nail Art pedicure is the only accessory you need for prom!

Le Petit Spa offers a student discount for all Spa services for Teens at Le Petit Spa.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about new products, services, special events, in-spa promotions or monthly service promotions. Have beauty questions? Need to know what a Teen Facial exactly is? Email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

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

Hair removal for Teens at Le Petit Spa

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

Waxing vs. Shaving

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

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

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

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


• Waxing creates smooth, soft skin.


• Less hair grows back each time you wax.


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


• No need to shave everyday.

What is Threading?

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

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

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

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

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

"Count Down To Prom" Le Petit Spa Makes it Easy!

An easier way for the teens and tweens of Vancouver to enjoy teen spa services, Le Petit Spa offers a student discount of 10% when valid BC student ID is shown.

Le Petit Spa’s “Spa for Teens” offers a variety of treatments for all teens to get ready for prom, a special occasion or just for fun!

Below, the Le Petit Spa “Spa for Teens” list of spa services.

Le Petit Spa Teen Facial

Using products that actually inhibit the growth of bacteria in the skin, this facial will clarify skin, remove impurities such as blackheads and pustules (zits) and leave skin comfortable and balanced.

The Le Petit Spa Teen Facial follows a classic European facial including the following steps:

Cleanse - Removes makeup, excess oil and bacteria

Tone - Completes the cleansing step. Removes residue left by cleanser or water, trace elements left by tap water that build up over time causing skin Ph level to change, and returns skin to a balanced Ph level.

Exfoliate - This is the beginning of the deep cleansing portion. Exfoliating your skin removes the layer of dead skin cells, unblocking pores and allowing any impurities to be easily removed in the next step. Exfoliating oily skin or problem skin on a regular basis will also, overtime, help control oil production and balance secretions.

Extractions - A Le Petit Spa esthetician will carefully and gently put pressure around each pore with a professional implement that is used to extract blackheads and other impurities that get stuck in the skin. This allows breakouts to heal and clear up faster, revealing a more unified complexion.

Masque - The active treatment portion of the facial. A facial masque delivers, on average, 70% active ingredients into the skin to give instant results. Whether it’s to control acne, deliver extra hydration to the skin, a masque gives instant results.

Moisturizer - It’s important to moisturize all skin types, even oily skin. When the skin is lacking in moisture, the skin will pump up oil production to protect itself. A moisturizer will prevent your skin from pumping up oil production and causing any breakouts from excess oil.

The Teen Facial at Le Petit Spa uses a moisturizer that controls oil where needed, but moisturizes skin where lacking in hydration, never too think, creamy or heavy. The light gel texture of these products will leave your skin fresh and clean feeling.

Le Petit Spa Teen Pedicure

A pedicure featuring a sea salt scrub, a relaxing massage and an application of the hottest shades of the season from OPI, this pedicure will leave your toes feeling and looking like “a perfect 10”. A Le Petit Spa esthetician will shape and trim your toe nails, nip any dead skin from the cuticle area and buff the bottoms of your feet to create feet worthy of any spa teen diva.

Want something to really make your toes unique and all about you? Consider a Le Petit Spa Nail Art Pedicure. We’ll give your toes a unique nail art design on top of your polish to make your toes really stand out!

Guinot Body Bronzing

We all know tanning is horrible for your skin, not to mention your health: skin cancer rates of nearly tripled in woman aged 18 to 29 since the 70’s. Why do we do it? Because tanned skin looks absolutely gorgeous! No doubt about it! But there are safe alternatives.

The Guinot Body Bronzing treatment at Le Petit Spa offers a safe alternative to tanning. Using a sugar, DHA, that oxidizes to a brown tan when coming in contact with your skin’s own amino acids, this self tanning cream “tans” your skin to a natural looking, golden goddess tan, never orange, never too dark or streaky!

Teen Hair Removal Spa Treatments

Puberty is a challenging time for young women; there are so many changes that we go through in this time period. And an excess of body hair where previously there may not have been any can be embarrassing and make us all feel a little self conscience at one time or another.

Le Petit Spa offers a wide range of spa waxing services for teens. These include:

• Eyebrow shaping
  


• Underarm Waxing
  


• Arm waxing
  


• Bikini waxing

For a full list of waxing services offered at Le Petit Spa look at our waxing web page.

All of these spa services for teens are offered 7 days a week at Le Petit Spa. Show us your student ID and receive 10% off of your services with us (excluding packages and massage services).

Le Petit Spa offers complimentary skin type analysis to help you decide which type of products are right for you, to book your free skin type analysis, contact Le Petit Spa.

Have questions about skin care? Wonder what a glycolic facial is? We have a licensed esthetician on staff ready to answer your questions in this blog, email her and look for your answer in a future edition of this blog!

"Count Down to Prom!" One Month to Go...

Countdown to Prom!

One Month to go before your big night!

Prom and graduation is a special time in a young girl’s life. And it’s never too early to start thinking about your skin; after all, it is your body’s largest organ.

In your teens, your skin goes through an extreme period of change. New levels of hormones are introduced and this also causes breakouts along the forehead, jaw bone…well, basically anywhere they feel like showing their ugly heads!

You’ve got one month before prom and graduation to get your skin looking its absolute best for your special night!

This blog talks about the how to prevent breakouts and how to achieve clear, beautiful flawless looking skin.

What causes pimples?

Zits and pimples (correct name pustules) are an infection in your pilosebaceous unit (which consists of your pore, hair follicle, and an oil gland). Pustules are formed when dirt and bacteria become trapped in your skin, fester and become what’s known as a zit(infection).

What’s the best way to prevent zits and acne?

Cleansing your skin is the most important thing you can do to prevent future breakouts on your skin. Using a cleansing regime of a Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer (yes! Even moisturizer on oily skin!) will keep your skin perfectly balanced and clear of imperfections.

Why use a Cleanser, toner and moisturizer?

All three steps are equally important and here’s why:

Cleanser: properly removes makeup, excess oil and bacteria trapped on your skin that is responsible for causing breakouts. When bacteria and dirt get together and have a party on the surface of your skin, guess what happens? Zits are suddenly being given out as party favours!

Toner: There’s a lot of misconception about toners. Rumour has it they dry your skin out and prevent breakouts that way – Not true! In fact, there’s a toner out there for every skin type under the sun.

Toners complete the cleansing process by removing water residue, minerals that can upset your skin’s Ph level, and prepare your skin for the next step – moisturizer.

Moisturizers are important for all skin types - even oily skin! Know why? A moisturizer keeps your skin balanced – hydrated where needed, and balances oil where needed.

Tips for preventing breakouts at home:

1. Change bedding frequently – pillow cases should be changed every three days or so – sleep on one side – flip – sleep on the other – wash!

2. Don’t Touch! Your face, that is! Touching spreads bacteria and transfers more bacteria onto your skin causing pimples and zits to appear.

3. Don’t pick! (your zits and pimples) If you do not extract a pimple correctly, it can become more infected and spread the bacteria around your face, causing more zits to appear.

4. Don’t over wash your skin - Over washing your skin strips your skin of its natural oil barrier which helps protect your skin. When you over wash and strip this barrier off, your skin ups its oil production - causing more acne and problems for you in the long run. Wash only twice a day - morning and night to ensure you keep your skin happy.

What Does a Teen Facial involve?

A teen facial at any day spa will feature a line of products specifically formulated for teen skin.

Le Petit Spa uses Phytomer Oligopur line for oily, combination and problem skin and features this line in their Signature Teen Facial.

Oligopur uses a marine algae that stops the bacteria growth responsible for causing breakouts in the skin. When bacteria does not have a suitable environment to grow in, it cannot fester and stay in the skin to become an infection (zit).

The Le Petit Spa Teen Facial includes these main steps:

Cleanse - to remove excess oil, dirt and makeup

Tone - to complete the cleansing process, return skin to its natural Ph level, and remove residue and minerals that can build up in skin from tap water.

Exfoliate - removes dead skin from blocking pores and allows impurities to be removed from skin in the next step.

Extractions - Using a metal tool called an “extractor”, the esthetician will gently put pressure around the opening of each pore and any impurities or dirt (black heads) will easily come out. This immediately gives your complexion new light and clarity.

Mask - The mask is a treatment that is for immediate results. Masks contain active ingredients to treat the skin of its problem (dryness, oiliness or a combination)

Moisturizer - To hydrate your skin where needed and to absorb oil where needed, a moisturizer will balance your skin’s oil secretions and help keep your skin perfectly balanced.

Considering booking a facial? When you want clear skin for a special occasion the best way to have one is in a series: One month before the occasion, two weeks before the occasion and then, if needed, a day or so before the occasion, here’s why:

One month to go:

Facials stimulate your skin on a deep level. Any bacteria that is trapped in your skin will come to the surface (as a pimple) after about 10 days or so.

When we’re young, our skin renews itself every 28 days; therefore, the full results of the facial will not show on the surface of your skin until the deepest layers of your skin have come to the top layer of skin (28 days after your facial)

Two Weeks Before:

Having a second facial two weeks after your first facial (and no less than 2 weeks before the occasion) will help clear any breakouts that resulted from your first facial. An esthetician will be able to extract any pimples or blackheads that have come to the surface of the skin after your first facial.

One week to 2 days before the occasion:

This facial will help to clear any last minute breakouts that you may be experiencing from your last facial or any that have just decided to show up to say “Hi”. If you’ve followed a series of treatments, your skin should be glowing with clarity and be free of most impurities.

If you’re unsure of which skin type you have, come into Le Petit Spa for a complimentary skin type analysis. A Le Petit Spa esthetician will be able to help you determine which skin type you have, and which products would be right for your skin types and problems.

She will also be able to answer any private questions you may have about your skin and how to take care of it.

Skin analysis’ are done in your own private treatment room and you have as much or as little time with the esthetician as you need to ask her your questions.

To contact Le Petit Spa to book a free skin type analysis, click here. If you have questions about beauty, makeup or skin care, or questions about spa services, email me and I’ll post your answer in a future edition of this blog!

Teens and Tweens at Le Petit Spa receive special rewards...

Student discount at Le Petit Spa for Teens and Tweens of today!

Students are some of the busiest people in today’s world. They need special attention and pampering just like everyone else.

When you show your student ID at Le Petit Spa, you receive 10% off facials, pedicures, manicures or other esthetic services (excluding massage/reflexology services)

Read on to discover the many services at Le Petit Spa to help you look your best while hitting the books:

1. Teen or Signature Facial

Depending on your age, skin type and skin conditions, one of our facial specialists will customize a facial exactly for your specific needs and skin concerns. Using one of our top-of-the-line skin care lines, Phytomer, your skin will be expertly taken care of, signs of breakouts and excess shine will be reduced, and you will receive a complimentary take-home sheet of recommended products that will help you keep the results of your facial at home. Read more…

2. Nail Art Pedicure

Who doesn’t like cute little toes! A Le Petit Spa Nail art pedicure will have your toes looking their absolute best. One of our estheticians will create a design specifically for you, for toes that scream “a perfect ten”. Read more…

3. Eyelash Extensions

For graduation, weddings, the school dance or any special occasion, a set of Le Petit Spa Eyelash Extensions will perfectly frame your eyes, giving them a “pop” that every young starlette is sporting in Hollywood these days. Read more…

For more information about any of these services, contact Le Petit Spa.

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