The Relationship between Skincare & Nutrition

How what we eat affects our skin…

It all starts in the gut, what we put into and onto our bodies not only affects our gut but stagnates and can increase toxins in the liver, therefore congesting our skin.  Using everyday products that contain chemicals and synthetic fragrances for example, like our body wash, shampoo, and what we choose to wash our clothes in, down to our pretty smelling perfumes and colognes. These can all imbalance our hormones and disrupt our gut flora, which is where our good bacteria lives. When out of balance by poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, and eating foods that can cause inflammation, like gluten, dairy, sugar and processed foods on a daily basis can not only disrupt gut flora, they can alter our skins own microbiome by producing oily or dry skin with blemishes, pimples, blackheads and cystic acne.

By improving our diet, starting with plenty of filtered water, eight glasses a day up to 2 L would be a good habit of getting into. Carry your water bottle with you everywhere you go, just like you do your cell phone, but this is healthier.  Start in the mornings by eating plenty of fruit and veggies, add into your day with each meal, and ensure you're taking the proper supplements to improve the health of our skin, such as Vitamin A found in green leafy vegetables, beef liver, sweet potato and carrots, cantaloupe, and mango. Fruits high in Vitamin A are the orange ones! Vitamin A also encourages cell production, and stimulates fibroblasts! These cells are responsible for developing tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy, it also improves problematic skin like acne by helping to normalize oil production, and help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation (brown spots). So whether you get it from food or your topical skincare, the protective, nourishing properties of vitamin A are very beneficial to help skin look and feel great.

Vitamin E, found in dry-roasted sunflower seeds, almonds, kiwifruit, tomatoes, and spinach, supports our immune function and reduces inflammation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant! It helps protect cells from damage and is also a fat-soluble vitamin which means that your body stores and uses it when needed. So on your next spinach salad throw on some sunflower seeds and almonds to get your daily dose of vitamin E.

Another skin-boosting and brightening supplement is vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid = Vit C Royalty).

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, its properties play a role in collagen synthesis which makes vitamin C a vital molecule for the skin, dramatically brightening and evening skin tone and white and sweet potatoes, and red peppers. Some fruits containing vitamin C are mangoes, strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi - keep a bowl of fresh fruits in the kitchen to grab on the go! Snack on and get your vitamin C!

See you at the Spa!

Carrie Scarlett, Certified Esthetician + CHNC

Seasonal Qi Changes, Transition Confidently into Autumn!

In these early days of September, when there is a distinct nip in the early morning air, nature is gently beginning the shift from summer, to late summer, and finally to autumn.  It is a time when nature is telling our bodies to slow down, and really look internally at what is going on.  Are you able to feel that natural desire to be introspective?  It can be challenging though, as September is also, for many people, the busiest time of the year!  How can we try to slow down, listen to what our environment is telling us, and make the most of this beautiful transition time for our bodies, mind, and spirit?!

To begin, when we look at Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, autumn is the time most closely related to our lungs and large intestine.  The lungs are largely connected with our immune system, so now is a great time to boost them, before we head into winter.  When we are in constant connection with our bodies, these changes are instinctual...but again, being such a busy time of year, not everyone can hear their bodies request for a diet shift or a change to the exercise routine.  This is the time of year to really fill our reserves, in all aspects of life, so we can make it through the long, sometimes super long, and cold winter!

When we talk about the lungs and large intestines, which become extra vulnerable at this time of year, we look at grief, sadness and the ability to move on from situations that make us sad.    The lung is responsible for allowing new to enter our lives, while the large intestine will allow old to leave us.  When our lung qi is healthy and flowing smoothly, as it should, we feel confidant, and capable of accepting life situations as they are.  We can avoid getting stuck trying to change difficult times, and spend our time more usefully accepting what we cannot change.  When our large intestine's qi is flowing smoothly, we can relax fully, and release what is no longer serving us.  Children starting a new school year in autumn is really great, as it exercises this symbol of new beginnings.  This can also be why some people feel sad during this time, because of the ending of summer.  These particular emotions are heightened during this time, so how do we make sure our qi is flowing?!

A great way to celebrate this time of year, and to ensure we don't become stagnant is to purge our homes!  It is a great time to clean out clothes you didn't touch this summer, and to literally make space for something new!  It is also a great time to be outside and breathe, completely filling the lungs, only to then totally empty the lungs again.  It is such a simple way of accepting the continual taking in of new, and releasing of old.  Deep breathing also helps move the qi through the lungs and the lung meridian!  And finally, the ultimate act of letting go...sleep!  There is no better way to relax and fill our energy reserves than cozying up on the couch for a short nap, or going to bed 30-60 minutes earlier than you normally would.  Rest is so important, and one of the areas that is often neglected during this time of year.  

Some really cool ways to figure out if your lung or large intestine may be in need for a little acupuncture tune up?

·      you wake up before your alarm, somewhere between 3:00-5:00am (lung) or from 5:00-7:00am (large intestine)

·      breathing issues - asthma, shortness of breath

·      frequent illness

·      loose stools or constipation

·      water retention

·      sinus problems

·      spontaneous sweating or absence of sweating

·      skin condition primarily located on cheeks (lung) or corners of mouth to chin (large intestine)

·      allergies

·      gas and/or bloating

One of the best ways to correct any imbalance in the body, including those of the lung and large intestine is through acupuncture and an evolving diet!  Here are some support foods that are great for this time of year:

·      apples

·      sweet potato

·      garlic

·      pears

·      chestnuts

·      warm soups and stews

·      cooked veggies

·      parsnips

·      olives

·      limes and lemons

·      adzuki and navi beans

If we can set aside time to shift our lifestyle, specifically at season changes, we will be sure to feel better, physically and mentally.  Even for people who don't have acupuncture regularly, seasonal changes are a great time to have a re-balancing session or two.  With a few meaningful adjustments, we can ensure our body is able to adapt and we can head into the coming season with full energy reserves and a motivated clear mind!   

See you at the Spa!

Dr. Amy Nykoluk, R.Ac

Acne-Puncture, Your Acne Solution Treatment Plan

For those of you who may not yet know, Traditional Chinese Medicine is where it's at! As a firm believer in TCM treatments, I recommend Dr. Amy to anyone, regardless of individual symptoms! In this case, we're talking about acne. Acne is typically brought upon when our inner-workings and gut lining are upset or imbalanced, and the body takes it out on our skin — thus creating a blemished complexion. That's where acupuncture comes in, a fantastic fit into any Acne Solution treatment plan! By linking these tiny needles to specific points throughout the body, your DTCM can begin to treat the underlying causes of your breakouts. Perfect.

Acupuncture treatments have been successful in regulating our hormones and soothing irritated gut linings — all of which play a role in the health of our skin. External benefits for the skin: acupuncture can clear heat (reduce redness), drain dampness (reduce cystic acne), and nourish your yin (to help soothe dryness). Our cosmetic acupuncture treatments, such as our Rejuvenating Acupuncture Facial, or Gua Sha Stone Facial, can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness in the face, as well as reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and sunspots… customized with natural products suited to YOUR skin, sold!

Although our TCM Facials do not include extractions, pairing an acupuncture body needling with the ACNE SOLUTION FACIAL is the ultimate way to COMBAT that stubborn acne! Byeeeee. So here's what the (ASF) includes;

The Acne Solution Facial | $149 - 60 minutes (includes 4 treatment Enhancements, facial valued at $200!) Because we care about the people, we've priced it at $149, so you're essentially getting those few add-ons for FREE!)

1. Pre-Cleanse - Oil-based pre-cleansing is a remarkable way to gommage the skin. Gommage comes from the French word meaning 'to erase'. A classic exfoliation method, currently in the beauty spotlight, for its ability to leave the surfaces of the skin smooth and soft, while also treating and hydrating at the same time.

2. Balancing Cleanser - to cleanse away all the impurities that the pre-cleanse has loosened up for us! Also preps the skin for activators and products to penetrate more effectively.

3. Booster Stimulant - we use stimulants to get fresh blood flowing into the skin and to oxygenate and clear pores. Dis-encrusting the skin so that the extractions are a breeze!

4. Extractions - because blemishes underneath the skin need to come out! Sometimes we forget that just putting products on our face is not quite enough to completely heal a congested complexion. Although an at-home skincare regime will help to nourish and strengthen your skins overall health, we should still be thinking about the bacteria, dirt, and oils that get TRAPPED beneath those pores. Extractions should only be performed by a skin care professional because they know how to properly get things out without further damaging the integrity of your beautiful skin!

5. Masque(s) / Toner / Serum / SPF (daytime) / non-SPF Moisturizer (nighttime)

6. High-Frequency - THE BACTERIA KILLER! High-Freq is used to safely and gently oscillate and oxygenate using an electrical current. This helps to zap and eliminate toxins and acne-causing bacteria, encourage lymphatic drainage, exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve skin care product absorption. The contact between the device and your skin ignites the inert gas within the electrode (nerdy), which then produces electrical healing light energy and unstable oxygen - which instantly converts into purifying ozone! In other words, when mixed with the air outside of the electrode, the skin is then infused with rejuvenating oxygen molecules! #Science

AUGUST SPA SPECIAL - 20% off ANY Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment, AND 20% off The Acne Solution Facial. If you book two treatments together, we'll give you a $15 credit towards any spa product(s)! Now that's a deal :)

See you at the spa <3

Kyndle Doolan | Spa Director
The Natural Art of Skin Care

How to survive The Calgary Stampede 2019: A hangover guide for you and your skin

The Calgary Stampede has finally come ‘round again, the highlight of the Summer for most! We’re prepping our livers, and applying our self-tanner, dusting off cowboy boots and dry dusting our hair. It’s a week of junk (but amazingly delicious) food, booze, UV Rays, makeup, sweat, good times, and fun! That Nashville North tent sure gets steamy when the sun drops low, and I’m sure you haven’t thought twice about the Palm Bay that stranger over there just bought you.  It’s Summer… go ahead, live a little! But when you do, here are some tips and tricks to detox and remedy your hungover skin.

Detoxing Rule #1: WATER!

Hydration is the name of the hangover game. H2O – The powerhouse for our health. We know we need water daily for health and ultimately survival, to prevent kidney disease, but it also allows minerals and nutrients to dissolve and be accessible to reach different parts of the body.  But what does drinking WATER do for our skin, and what does not drinking WATER do to our skin? 

Our skin is an organ, and skin cells are composed mainly of H2O, just like any other cell in our body. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water optimizes skin cell function to create a more radiant overall complexion. Pairing drinking water with a proper skincare routine will ensure you’re looking flawless all Summer! 

Skin that is lacking water: will look dry, tight, cracked and flaky. Dry skin has less elasticity and is also more prone to wrinkling, acne, and an overall dull or sallow looking appearance. Some obvious symptoms of dehydration are dry lips and a dry inner nose, but can also show in the form of premature ageing lines+wrinkles, or pigmentation spots! As we age, our skin cell function naturally decreases; therefore, it’s important to drink water for optimal cell function and cell turnover. 

Hydrated skin: will appear plump and hydrated (but not over-oily), vitalized and not dull, acne is less aggravated, and little to no inflammation in the skin. Did you know that if your skin is at the proper hydration level, your makeup should adhere pretty perfectly? Check your skincare regime, ask our skincare professionals if you’re on the right products to optimize your hydration. Try the Lilikoi Mineral Defense SPF Makeup Primer from Eminence - I’m in love!  

Water Helps Prevent Hangovers: 

Alcohol is a diuretic and also causes the body to urinate more frequently; therefore, it makes you lose more water than you’re putting in, leading to dehydration. Dehydration in hangovers can cause things like dry mouth, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and thirst. Drinking a BIG glass of water before bed after a night on the booze benefits the body by replenishing water lost, allowing for our cells and organs to function correctly.  Proper cell and organ function is crucial to feeling better! Not only does alcohol dehydrate our systems, but those summery spirit drinks are also often packed with sugars and other additives that cause inflammation in both the body and in the skin. To counteract the negative effects of a night out, there’s a pretty simple solution: drink more water! Take a break from cocktails and replace them with plenty of water (lemon water for the best results). Water hydrates our skin from the inside out, while lemon juice will help with DETOXIFICATION. Try out a “Nutrl” flavour; they’re a canned vodka soda drink without all the carbs, sugars or sweeteners! 

Detoxifying Skincare Routine; 

See where you can fit one of these great detoxifying products into your current regime, or switch it up completely! Here are some Eminence Organics products rich in detoxifying ingredients like citrus, leafy greens, spices (paprika) and charcoal.

Morning Beauty Ritual

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, or my personal fave, the Konjac Sponge. The Konjac sponge is an excellent addition to a light morning-cleanse because it invigorates the skin while gently exfoliating, without stripping you of your natural, protective oils. Go on to apply your Toner, Serum, Moisturizer, and SPF! If you need SPF and plan to wear makeup for the day, the Lilikoi SPF Makeup Primer is your 2-in-1 go-to!

Overnight Skin Treatment

Cleanse with a more degreasing or exfoliating cleanser to wash away a day’s worth of bacteria, dirt and oil build-up. 

Exfoliate and refine the skin using the Stone Crop Fizzofoliant, which will oxygenate the skin, and allow better absorption for your other detox products! 

Toners are essential because they help fight free-radical damage, balance the pH, and prep the skin to better absorb ingredients from further products and treatments. The Stone Crop Hydrating Mist (for dry/hyper-pigmentation), the Sweet Red Rose Tonique (for dry/dehydrated skin), or the Lime Refresh Tonique (to minimize pores and balance sebum).

Masque –  Behold the Balancing Masque Duo - the left side contains an Activated Charcoal T-Zone Purifier, which is a highly porous and absorptive skincare ingredient, making it great for drawing out toxins, bacteria, dirt + oil, and other micro-particles that can get clogged within our pores. The right side is a Pomelo Cheek Hydration Mask, which revitalizes and hydrates the cheek areas, thus creating a perfectly balanced treatment! Two birds, one stone - good for your budget, which means more $$ spent on Rodeo tickets! 

Masque (alternative) Eight Greens Phyto Masque (HOT) contains Paprika, Omega 3’s, antioxidants, GREENS, and Honey! Paprika (the hot component of this masque) stimulates the skin to promote blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Stimulating the skin and using proper drainage techniques allow all the excess oils and dirt to be drained away, making way for better cell function. It also contains detoxifying greens, and Honey to moisturize and nourish the skin’s appearance. 

Serum - The Citrus + Kale Potent C+E Serum; Kale is one of many necessities for your skin. It contains Lutein which is related to Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A. We know that Retinol (Vitamin-A) gives us a boost of collagen and speeds up cell turnover, therefore helping to ward off stubborn wrinkles, even out skin tone, and keep the skin looking smooth and luminous

Moisturizer - The Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment wakes up devitalized skin, improves skin elasticity, and plumps using Jojoba spheres. Detoxify and protect the skin from environmental stressors using Eminence’s Microgreens Complex™. This lightweight cream prevents trans-epidermal water loss, and enhances the complexion.

Supplements you’ll need…

Vitamin B – Did you know drinking alcohol prevents the absorption of Vitamin B in the body? B1 and B6 are the most important of the Vitamin-B Complex because they are responsible for boosting energy levels, cell metabolism, brain and nerve function, and hormone and cholesterol production. Being Vitamin-B deficient brings on the hangover symptoms, so supplement these to help alleviate these irritating manifestations. 

Essential Omega’s – taking a couple of Omegas before going out, and again in the morning with breakfast will help line the stomach for protection and replenish your healthy fats. These healthy fats are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes and are a vital component of the skin’s natural moisture barrier. In addition to helping the skin retain moisture and absorb beneficial vitamins and minerals, a healthy lipid barrier keeps out irritants that can cause dryness and inflammation!

Vitamin-C – One of the most important vitamins to consider for the common hangover. It is a super-strong antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system. Drinking alcohol depletes the Ascorbic Acid levels in the body; Ascorbic acid helps speed up the metabolism of alcohol in the liver. Therefore, it’s important to replenish these levels for a fully functioning immune system: a never-ending, sometimes vicious circle during the highly-anticipated Stampede week. 

Massage Therapy - helps to get all those toxins stimulated, allowing lymphatic drainage techniques to carry them away! Book a Massage with our fully claimable therapist, Sandra, for your post-Stampede treatment to set your body back to its natural balance and full potential. 

Happy Stampeding my friends.

Written by;

Kyndle Doolan | Spa Director
The Natural Art of Skin Care 

What you need to know about how smoke and smog affects our skin

Calgary, being the urban city that it is, has some degree of air pollution already, but as of late, the increasing smoke from surrounding Alberta and BC wildfires is adding greatly to the issue.

So how does the skin react to this increase of air pollution?

For starters, smoke decreases the amount of clean, oxygenated blood that gets to the skin cells in order to feed and cleanse the tissue. The ash, micro-particles can clog up the pores, adding to the build-up of sweat, oil, old makeup, and dead skin cells. This can lead to everything from inflammation, to acne, along with a duller complexion.

That aside, a far more threatening problem is that of free radicals. These small pesky villains are present in all airborne pollution, such as smog and smoke. Free radicals are molecules with a single unpaired electron, which makes them both unstable and highly reactive. When introduced to your system, free radicals will seek out and steal electrons from molecules in healthy cells, such as skin cells. This process results in reduced collagen production, and is one of the leading causes to premature lines and wrinkles and therefore early signs of aging.

On the other side, we have antioxidants which are a group of beneficial nutrients – vitamins, minerals and enzymes – that can minimize and repair the damaged processes in cells by neutralizing the free radicals and help with repairing the skin cells.

Things that you can do to help fight against collagen damage caused by free radicals.

~ Wear NATURAL SPF to prevent against accumulative collagen damage from the sun.
~ Avoid long extensive time outdoors when it is increasingly smoggy or smoky.
~ Shower and wash away pollutants and dirt with a gentle natural cleanser every night.
~ Use antioxidant rich skincare suited to your skin type and situation.
~ Specifically use skincare that is high in Vitamin-C
~ Take daily Vitamins or multi-vitamins, minerals, and omegas.
~ Eat a balanced, whole food diet, especially greens which are high in antioxidants to fight against internal damages.
~ Try mineral-rich clay detox skin treatments 
~ Drink plenty of fresh water to flush the system
~ Get plenty of sleep to help balance and restore both your body and mind as a whole

Vitamin C (Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum)
This is an antioxidant powerhouse. Besides acting as a free-radical scavenger and an antioxidant powerhouse, Vitamin-C is necessary for the formation of collagen, and greatly assists with the overall appearance of our skin, and a reduction of lines and wrinkles. For the healthiest, most radiant looking skin, Vitamin-C is essential!

Vitamin E (Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum)
An extremely effective antioxidant that is naturally found in the body. This vitamin helps protect our collagen, and studies indicate that it can help improve the appearance of the skin.

Beta-carotene (Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque)
One of the safest forms of vitamin A (retinol). One molecule of beta-carotene can counteract a vast number of free radicals, and therefore is one of the most effective antioxidants for skincare.

Detoxifying Products + Minerals (Illuminate Fortify or Therapeutic Mask)  
These masks help remove impurities and restore balance to the skin.

For insight on your own personal skincare routine, drop by the spa or book a complimentary skin care analysis with one of our skin care professionals. 

See you at the spa!

Rachel Lamont | Owner and Holistic Medical Esthetician 
The Natural Art of Skin Care