To Peel or Not to Peel?

One of the reasons so many women look older than their age is because they don't exfoliate properly or regularly. Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are one of the most efficient ways to address numerous conditions of the skin including  the aging process (including fine lines and wrinkles), enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and pigmentation and scar tissue.. In spa clinical treatments are done once a week for four-six weeks (depending on the condition of the skin) this short protocol is a fantastic way to jumpstart your skin on its road to vitality. You will notice your skin will be softer, your pores will be refined and the color, texture and tone will improve. Your make up will go on smoother, your skin will be more responsive to treatment products and you will have an instant glow. While doing the clinical protocol clients need to be using an at-home AHA cream/gel. Daily sunscreen is recommended during treatment and suntan beds should be avoided.

Please advise your skincare professional if you are on medication -- topical or oral -- prior to getting treatments.

Can I Exfoliate Daily?

We at Skindulgence believe exfoliation is one of the most crucial steps in maintaining healthy skin. Exfoliation removes dead cells to reveal brighter, cleaner skin. It can help people with oily skin because it reduces sebum activity. It also reduces the barrier between your beneficial skincare products and the active skin cells. Once you get used to routine exfoliation it can become addictive but don’t go overboard!

      Daily exfoliation isn’t good for your skin. It takes a few days for skin

cells to die... by rubbing at your skin every day you’re actually irritating and removing fresh skin cells. It can also go beyond healthy sebum control… your skin can become quite tight and dry.

      In general, you should exfoliate 1 or 2 times a week. We recommend using an exfoliating face mask (like GM Collin's Exfozyme -- it's one of our top products!) instead of a harsh, granular scrub which can irritate your skin. Be sure to apply a nourishing lotion (and all other beneficial products) post-exfoliation to help hydrate and protect new skin cells.

How To: Love your Legs

When the sun comes up and the temperature rises so do the hemlines... Pants become shorts and demure dresses are tossed to the side in favour of flirty skirts. But not all of us love our legs. Whether it's skin discoloration, dryness, razor burn, pale skin, sallow skin, or cellulite there are a number of reasons why we reach for stuffy stockings or sweat out the heat in covering clothing. With a few quick tips and a little confidence you can toss your tights and the ankle-length skirts and hop into the fun little summer dress you've been dying to wear!

1) Get rid of your baggage. Dead skin and prickly hairs can make legs look and feel rough. Exfoliation and hair removal are the fastest ways to get smooth skin -- plus you can kill two birds with one stone by waxing! The warm wax picks up dead skin cells as well as the hairs, revealing fresh, silky skin.

2) Saturate your stems. Hydrating lotions are your best friend. If you're blessed with naturally tanned skin a shimmering lotion can accentuate muscle definition. For the rest of us, an even application of sunless tanner (if you're very pale a gradual tanner is best) followed by shimmering lotion can keep legs looking sunkissed and radiant. By the way -- Tans can help hide any bruises, spider veins or skin discoloration! It can also help conceal cellulite.

4) Gear up your gams. If you're smooth, tanned and glowing but still feel a little insecure why not try a fun anklet? It will take the attention off your legs and can jazz up simple shoes.

Don't forget, the perfect accompaniment to lovely legs are foxy feet. A pedicure polishes off any look!

Tips for Smooth Skin

Getting smooth radiant skin can be hard to achieve but with our tips and a little effort you'll be soft and luminous in no time!
1) Smooth skin starts from the inside out. A majority of women are plagued by cellulite and as you age your skin loses elasticity. That's where Lipomassage comes in. Lipomassage is designed to tighten sagging skin, reduce cellulite, release water retention and jump start lymphatic drainage and your circulatory system. To learn more about how Lipomassage can give you a slimmer, smoother body click here.

2) We've said it before and we'll say it again: Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Exfoliation is the key to smooth skin. It removes dead skin cells and flakiness while creating an even canvas for self-tanners (click here for our self tanner application tips). By removing all that dead skin you are removing a barrier between your fresh skin and whatever products you're applying to it. This maximizes the benefits of the active ingredients in your products so you get more bang for your buck.

3) Shaving is so passe -- waxing is where it's at. Waxing not only lasts longer than shaving, but when the hair grows in it isn't stubbly and hard because the hair has been pulled from the root. It also acts as an exfoliant because the warm wax grabs onto dead skin cells. For more tips on waxing click here.

4) The words 'Body Oil' bring up images of women sunbathing slathered in baby oil. GM Collin has reinvented our concepts of Body Oil with their fabulous Treating Oil. It enhances the skins elasticity and firmness while hydrating. Plus it's quick absorption leaves your skin looking dewy and feeling soft (not greasy or slimy like other oil-based products).

By diligently exfoliating and keeping the skin hydrated you can easily achieve and maintain beautiful, radiant skin!

Sincerely,
Skindulgence
Written by Paige Forgie

Shed Your Winter Skin

As Spring approaches and the heavy winter layers give way to pretty dresses, it is the perfect time to shed itchy, dry skin. Come in for a body exfoliation treatment to slough away dead skin and leave you feeling silky smooth! You can choose from a variety of scents like Exotic Mango, Mojito or Organic Green Tea Sea Salt. GM Collin also offers an amazing, organic, body care line to follow up and maintain at home. Clinically proven and working deep in the skin, there is an exfoliating gel, body oil, hydrating cream, lipofitness serum and firming cream. This product line is all organic, anti-aging, clinically proven, paraben free, alcohol free, fragrance free and will leave your skin asking for more!

We have also stocked up on our classic Flojos, There will be a new style to come later in the Spring! If you haven't tried these awesome flip-flops, come in and try a pair. Our clients rave about how great they are and you will love them too!

Sincerely,

Skindulgence

Facial Cleansing

From an early age most of us have learned to wash our faces before going to bed. Cleansing the face is important for removing make up and daily grime from our skin to keep it looking it's best. However very few people realise the importance of exfoliating the skin.

While cleansing is important for removing surface build up, exfoliating goes deeper into the skin to remove black head, dead skin cells and flakey skin. It helps brighten the complexion and smooth skin. Its most crucial role is unblocking pores to allow any products you may use to deeply penetrate your skin for maximum results. Think about it: if you apply a serum or lotion on top of a layer of dead skin, sebum and clogged pores what sort of benefits are you getting from your product? Most of the products potency is lost when trying to delve through this barrier.

Have you ever had dry, flakey skin and tried to apply a foundation or concealer on top of it? If you have you'll know that the final look is nowhere near as polished as it could or should be. Exfoliating is key to removing this skin and getting that smooth canvas you need for a flawless finish.

At Skindulgence our favourite exfoliant is Exfozyme, a gentle but powerful exfoliant that has customers raving. Even after one application of Exfozyme your skin will feel smooth and supple. Exfozyme works well for all skin types, whether you're oily, dry, combination or acne prone.

Sincerely,

Skindulgence

Written by Paige Forgie