You’re going on a holiday, and it’s time to get excited! But don’t forget to pack up your skincare so your skin stays happy too. Staying on your regular routine is difficult so let’s adapt it into a simpler routine based on where you’re headed, and customize your skincare accordingly. The Top Five Travel Challenges for Your Skin Your skin is used to a certain amount of pampering that is hard to maintain on holiday. The top five challenges are the disruptions, and dryness of traveling to your destination, the climate change like temperature fluctuations and humidity upon your arrival, the lack of sleep, the change in diet, and the drop in water consumption. Dos and Don’ts Before you start traveling, use an exfoliant to clear any and all dead skin cells which may clog your pores enroute to your holiday destination. Avoid eating salty foods the day before you leave. And drink lots of water. Since skincare at home doesn’t depend on weight, and size remember to switch over to travel size from your favourite trusted brands to help keep both to a minimum. Once you’re on your way, continue to drink water as planes, trains, and hotels can contribute to drying out your skin. Try infusing it with fruit beforehand for an extra dose of antioxidants. Additionally, do remember to care for your lips. Use a soothing lip balm, reapply often, and nourish them with Vitamin E. Do not rub at your skin unnecessarily, or touch it with unclean hands. Avoid caffeine and excess sugar. Do not squint at screens in poor lighting, and check that your prescription is up date for reading glasses if using. Do bring and use a hydration mask, and a trustworthy hand cream. Do consider the Eminence Rosehip Triple C & E Firming oil with Gua Sha available at Glow Spa to soothe, firm and protect your skin. Must-have Skincare for Cold Holidays Winter getaways for skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, skating, tubing, hot-tubbing, and all other cold fun within Canada or other snowy destinations includes both extreme weather and windchill outside, and sitting by a blazing fire inside. Glow Spa suggests being prepared to protect, and soothe your skin for both extremes, using the Dermalogica, Hydration on-the-go Kit. It has a daily calming oat-based exfoliant, hydration serum, and smoothing cream which saves your skin on cold temperature holidays. The Eminence Limited Edition Masque Trio would also suit this type of trip. It includes 3, 15ml masques including Eight Greens Phyto masque, Strawberry Rhubarb masque and Bamboo Age Corrective masque. The extra attention, and hydration will definitely be appreciated by your skin. Indoors, use nourishing products to help skin recover daily. Avoid washing your face with excessively hot water, as warmer temperatures will soothe instead of shock. A serum or boost of hydration on surfaces of skin exposed directly to weather can aid in both replenishing, and repair. Hyaluronic acid which holds more skin are a great addition to your travel bag, as well as sheet masks. Save your Skin on Hot Holidays Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise, each week, or hiking through the rainforest, these are skincare items you need to save your skin from the sun, and heat. Importantly, take good care not to burn your skin, as it can cause short term stress, and long- lasting damage. Wear sunscreen and follow the instructions on the packaging. Be sure to use an SPF rating higher than 30, and use a body product on your body, and a separate sunscreen on the delicate skin of your face. You will need to thoroughly wash your face morning and night to remove all sweat, sunscreen, and makeup. The Dermalogica Discover Healthy Skin Kit available at Glow Spa is considered by Glow Spa staff to be the one you need for hot destinations. There is a Pre-cleanse included which is excellent for removing impurities on your skin, followed by a Special Cleansing gel. Your skin will be rejuvenated by its exfoliant, and moisturizing cream. Luckily, the kit holds about a month’s worth of product so you definitely won’t run short. It's also a great way to try this line of skincare if a hot destination isn’t in your near future. Remember to sip water throughout the day, seek out shade when you can, wear a hat, and protect your eyesight and delicate skin around them, with sunglasses. Rest & Recover to Maintain your Glow Get past the stresses of traveling home by getting back into your regular skincare routine as quickly as possible. Alternate a purifying mask to detox skin, with an exfoliator to battle any clogged pores over the next few weeks. Hang on to your holiday GLOW by resting your skin with extra sleep, and helping in its recovery by using deeply nourishing products. Remember the Glow Spa staff are here for you, and happy to discuss your skincare options for your next trip away.

Ready for a skin revolution? Time to try something new? Start by giving your skin a fabulous facial focusing the delicate skin, so desperate in need of special care, and extra attention. The skin is thinner, and works hard at being extremely mobile, transitioning between, and conveying all of our emotional ups and downs. In addition, every-day, all-day, our faces are exposed to the elements, the fluctuating seasonal temperatures, poor air conditions, and pollution, and can leave skin looking stressed. Skin’s Super Power Luckily, skin has a super power, an ability to sense, via peripheral thermoreceptors, temperature change, and can then respond with thermoregulation, the mechanism of temperature fluctuation, which effectively means our skin can sense and respond to temperature change. Heat dilates blood vessels, thereby increasing skin’s blood flow improving circulation, and skin will also respond to cold temperatures by constricting blood vessels, which naturally tightens our skin. What is a Fire and Ice Facial? A Fire and Ice facial uses our skin’s super power of responding to temperature to its full advantage, helping alleviate tension, and a stressed appearance. Not only does it de-toxify, deeply cleanse, aid in circulation, but unclogs pores, tightens skin, and reduces fine lines. Skin is brighter, accompanied with an overall smoother, softer, fresher appearance, while helping to even out skin tone. The Fire and Ice facial is considered one of the most effective facials for achieving skin’s special glow, making it a popular choice for special occasions. The Fire The fire, or heat, in this facial can be simulated by product ingredients as well as temperature. Skin responds by opening pores, making exfoliation more efficient and aiding in deep absorption of product. Circulation improves, and blood flow increases, allowing oxygen and nutrients to move easily through blood vessels. As skin relaxes, and muscle tension eases, the appearance of fine lines is improved. Skin looks radiant, healthy, and bright. The Ice After the heat treatment, a cold treatment dilates blood vessels, shrinking pores which tightens the skin, and reduces inflammation. Cold can be temperature driven such as by ice cubes or cold compress, or simulated by product ingredients, both feeling therapeutic and refreshing, to give your skin the “just-woke-up-happy-feeling.” Fire and Ice Facial The Fire and Ice facial is an Eminence treatment, utilizing the spicy ingredients of cinnamon, paprika and nettle to produce the feeling of warmth. It is a sensory delight, designed to soothe, and relax your skin, while the following ice is a stimulating, cooling sensation achieved with peppermint, cucumber, and menthol. Facials are a boost in taking care of your skin, and help with combating the effects of daily life, and aiding in minimizing the appearance of aging. At Glow Spa, book yourself in to enjoy the experience of both fire, and ice.

You take excellent care of your skin with morning and evening routines, nourishing products, and by drinking lots of water. Don’t let your hard work go to waste. Take the time to protect your soft, silky, glowing skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun, pollution, and environmental conditions, by regularly applying sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be your best friend. It protects your skin and helps delay aging at the same time. What is Sunscreen, and Why Do You Need It? Sunscreen is a product used to lessen the damage UV rays can cause your skin. Without it, the sun can burn your skin, making it feel sore, angry, and crispy textured. It can also cause peeling, or worse yet, blisters, and charring. Consistent sun damage can cause skin cancers and accelerate aging. In the years before SPF was invented, people used different products to protect themselves. Ancient Greeks, for example, used olive oil (modern day technology identifies this roughly as a protection of SPF 8.) Indigenous people in North America used pine needles and sunflower oil to protect their skin, Hawaiians used coconut oil, while sailors on the open seas wore hats, long sleeves, and pants to cover their skin to protect it. SPF was invented and began selling commercially pre-1950, and is now widely available worldwide in many formulas, brands, and types. What Makes a Good Sunscreen? As time has gone on, sunscreens keep getting better and better. They are created for, and suitable for, any and all skin types. With a regular routine and reapplication according to the instructions on product labels, they literally save your skin. There is yet no such thing as one hundred percent waterproof sunscreen although some are water resistant, so be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating. SPF ratings now come as high as 50, and most people tend to use this. Remember, sunscreen should not be mixed. Do not use expired products as they can put your skin at risk for sunburns. Avoid your eyes, mouth, and open sores. Let’s Compare Mineral and Chemical Sunscreen Mineral sunscreen, also referred to as physical sunscreen, is a physical shield which lies on top of your skin to protect it from the sun. It is a barrier that contains natural minerals like zinc oxide, and titanium oxide, and blocks the sun’s UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. It is effective immediately and is better tolerated by sensitive skin. While older versions of mineral sunscreen tended to leave a white film, or white cast on the skin, it has greatly improved over time. Mineral sunscreen also lasts longer in direct sunlight, though will need to be reapplied as per product directions, generally after two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Chemical sunscreen can include the chemicals octinoxate and avobenzone, which absorb and convert UV rays to heat energy before releasing them from your body. Chemical sunscreen can cause skin irritation to those with sensitivities, and need to be reapplied as necessary, according to box directions. Sunscreen for the Face goes on the Face There are various formulas of sunscreen, targeting both the face and body. The differences in the products rely on the texture and thickness of the sunscreen. Skin on the face is more sensitive and can react differently than the skin on your body. Pores on the face can be blocked more easily and are fragile. Sunscreen for the face also deals with shininess, how compatible it is with makeup, and is usually on the thinner side so it doesn’t feel too thick or gloopy. Always apply sunscreen pre-makeup applications. There is a higher oil content in most body sunscreens and the product tends to be thicker. The UV filt are generally the same, although product size is different with the body product typically coming in a larger container because you use more at a time. Regardless if you are applying sunscreen to your face or body, consistent re-application is crucial to protecting your skin. After-Sun Care Let’s take care of skin after too much sun by using an aloe vera gel or comparable product which will feel cooling, calming, and nourishing. After sun-products should allow the heat from your skin to pass through the product. Avoid products that lock in moisture and avoid heavily fragranced or chemical products which may irritate your skin. In the event you burn yourself, take the time to baby your scorched skin. Use cold compresses and drink lots of water. Do not peel or pop any blisters that may form. Extra Tips and Tricks When applying sunscreen, rubbing in by hand is an effective way of knowing you covered all of your exposed skin. If using spray on sunscreen, take the time to apply the product evenly. Remember to apply sunscreen to the following most commonly forgotten areas: backs of your hands, the sides and back of your neck, your upper chest, your lips, the tops of your ears, and the tops of your feet. If you’re using lightening products to brighten your skin, be sure to apply sunscreen diligently, or you risk the sun counteracting your desired effect and darkening your skin. Any exfoliation on the face or body, whether manual or chemical, removes dead skin cells and exposes fresh, smooth skin in need of protection from the sun. You can also cover up your skin instead of using sunscreen, by wearing long sleeves, pants, and hats. Alternatively, seek shade instead of direct sun. For those who love the look of sun-kissed skin, consider makeup as an alternative to tanning. Tanning is your skin’s reaction to UV rays, and there are countless bronzer brands and formulas that achieve the sun-kissed look without the accompanying damage. You can also consider using readily available self-tanning products. Your skin is at risk, so make the commitment to doing your best with frequent applications, and an SPF rating of 30 plus. Sunscreen may not be sexy, but it will be your best friend, both protecting and preserving your glowing, soft, silky, smooth skin. Discover the latest sunscreens available at Glow Spa.

Having a facial treatment gives you oh, so glowing, healthy, fabulous looking skin. Part of the fabulousness is the facial massage, which has a long history of boosting circulation, relieving tension, and stimulating the skin, resulting in that much coveted glow. How does a Facial Massage Work? There are many types of facial massages, and they all have similarities which greatly benefit the overall health of your skin. Facial tension contributes to many aspects of the aging process. We often clench our jaws, wrinkle our foreheads, and crunch our eyes, squinting at screens, and creating or deepening existing fine lines and wrinkles. You hold a lot more tension in your face than you realize. Relaxation during a facial treatment, and the gentle releasing of tension in your face through a facial massage, softens the lines and goes a long way in reducing stress. A facial massage works on the pressure points in your face, including the eyebrows, jaw, and neck. This helps what is going on with the muscles beneath the skin, just as much as it does with the elasticity of the skin itself. Benefits of doing a Facial Massage during a Facial Treatment Facial massages are done with oils or lotions. They warm-up the skin, which helps with the absorption of creams and masks. A facial massage includes the skin on the face from the jawline to the forehead, temples, and cheeks. The slow pace of movement and the gentle touch, promotes positive energy in an upward sweeping motion, while pressure applied to the skin improves circulation and increases blood flow. What is a Gua Sha stone? A Gua Sha stone is one of the tools which can be used for facial massage. It is typically made out of a semi-precious stone, like rose quartz. A Gua Sha stone was originally used in an intense scraping action to encourage skin to heal itself, however, the newer trend is a much gentler approach, especially on the face. A Gua Sha stone varies in size and shape, should be well made, and easy to hold in your hand. A facial Gua Sha stone has small edges that are best for the jawline, forehead, cheeks, and around delicate eye area. Gua Sha Stone Benefits and Use During a facial, the Gua Sha stone is used on a clean face after applying a serum, face oil, or a moisturizer of choice, so skin is slippery. When used regularly, a Gua Sha stone can help with lymphatic drainage. A slow lymph system can cause swollen or puffy skin. Using the Gua Sha stone helps move fluids and increase circulation which in turn improves your glow. It also helps relax your stiff facial muscles, and facial tissues, tightens skin, and gives you an overall brighter complexion. Additional Tips, and Tricks The Gua Sha stone should always be kept clean, and dry before using. The stone should be held firmly with the flat part resting on your skin. Extra time can be spent on areas which would benefit, such as knots of tension in the face or neck. Morning usage will reduce puffiness, whereas night usage relaxes your face muscles before sleep. Use the Gua Sha stone three times a week for best results. In all seasons, facial treatments and facial massages at Glow Spa will boost your glow and leave you feeling fabulous.

Our eyes are the windows to our souls, and they see the beauty in the world around us, yet they are often overworked, and neglected. All day, every day, our eyes deserve to be treated as special as they are. What Makes the Skin around Eyes so Important? The skin around your eyes is different from the rest of your face. It is delicate, and should always be treated gently. The skin around your eyes is thin and the eye muscles move constantly as they help to convey emotions to others. The eyes, and the skin around them are perhaps the most communicative parts of ourselves, offering smiles, frowns, and a hundred other nuances. It is also affected by the environment we live in, both outdoors and indoors, and affected by our diet, water intake, and light. Where is the Eye Area? The eye area consists of the orbital bone, eyebrow, upper cheekbones, and out to the side where it joins the temple. The eyelid skin is also included in the eye area, and this skin is an even more fragile area. Dark Circles, Puffiness, and More Some of the concerns for eye-care include tired eyes, targeting dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Tired eyes can be a combination of factors, both external and internal, including overall stress and lack of sleep, in addition to straining your eyes from computers/screens/poor lighting, or the wrong eye prescription. Tired eyes can strain your eye area by squinting, and accelerating fine lines, and wrinkles. Dark circles extend downwards from the inner corner of eyes in a gray or purplish-black tone. If hereditary, an eye treatment with caffeine or vitamin K can help with circulation (greater blood flow in this area will improve the colour). Poor diet can also contribute to dark circles, lack of water, and a consistent lack of sleep. Excess alcohol can also enhance dark circles, so try to limit your daily intake. Puffiness, especially if it’s more than the eye area that is affected, can be reduced by lowering your salt intake to avoid water retention. Continue to drink your daily required amount of water by sipping throughout the day. Fine lines will noticeably improve with some TLC. Remember to pat gently and not rub the eyes aggressively. Wrinkles, especially crinkle, or smile lines, can be visually improved, or softened, with a regular eye care routine. Wrinkles occur naturally over time so the earlier you commit to taking regular care of this area, the better. Commit to Caring Twice daily action, equalling only a few minutes, can make an immediate difference in the appearance, texture, and feeling of the skin around your eyes. Here’s what to do: in the morning, wash your face as usual, then add an eye cream or gel under your eye, in the area near the outer corner of your eyes, and slightly downwards. Never pull or tug down, use a gentle finger to tap the product on quickly, using a pea-sized amount of product. Do not apply to your lashes. If your lashes are brittle, or hard, be sure all makeup is off, and look into purchasing a special lash conditioner which is sold in a mascara-like tube. At night, remove all makeup with a gentle cleansing product specific to eyes as they are less harsh and should not sting your eye. Pat dry, then apply eye cream or gel. Cream Versus Gel Take time to choose what is best for your skin, or ask Glow Spa staff for an assessment. Generally, eye cream is best for dry skin while eye gel is designed for normal/combination skin. Both differ from face or body moisturizers by containing less concentration of product formula to lessen the risk of eye irritation. If your skin reacts to a product, it could mean there is an ingredient in the formula which triggers a reaction, such as perfume, or simply the concentration is too strong. Carrots and Cucumbers Carrots are extremely nutritious, bursting with beta carotene, vitamin K, and potassium. They also contain lutein (an antioxidant) which improves the overall health of your eyes. Incorporate them into your diet, along with cucumbers. Cucumbers are high in both hydration and antioxidants; leave the peel on and add them into salads, or eat raw. For a quick at home remedy for tired eyes use slices of cucumbers to cool, and hydrate. Chill the cucumbers, and don’t slice them too thin. Lay your head back and put one on each eye. Relax for ten to fifteen minutes, and once they’ve warmed from your body heat, flip them over. Twinkle in Your Eyes For work and play, eyes are using technology at an alarming rate. To avoid eye strain, do regular eye exercises and take frequent breaks from screens. Wearing protective eyewear and using eye drops can protect and relieve dry, itchy eyes. Avoid straining your eyes by squinting, and make sure your eye prescriptions are up to date by visiting an ophthalmologist. In addition to a regular routine, at times your eyes benefit from a little bit of extra attention. When there are sudden changes in health, heightened stress, travel, and seasonal changes, a simple jade roller ball, kept chilled in the fridge, and rolled over the eye area is soothing. Alternatively, try placing a cool cloth on your eyes and taking a five-minute rest by closing both eyes and breathing slowly for temporary relief. Twinkle in Your Eye Try Glow Spa’s Eye Rescue, a $70.00, thirty-minute eye treatment to rehydrate and replenish dry, thirsty skin or the Pro Power Eye Peel, a powerful and gentle eye peel featuring ingredients which encourage cell turnover. Use this concentrated eye patch to brighten the under-eye skin to hep even skin tone, and texture, and minimize the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles. The Pro Power Eye Peel can be added to any facial, or peel service for only $35.00! You only have one pair of eyes to last your whole life, so Glow Spa is ready to help you establish an excellent and easy eye-care routine.

Are you stumped on what gift to give someone special? Are you pressed for time but still want them to know how much you care? Look no further than a collection of self-care products, or a surprise gift certificate from Glow Spa. Here are some suggestions on themed self-care product packages, and also about how to enhance a gift certificate to create an even better surprise! 1 -. Themed baskets, like Glow Spa Bee by the Sea products, can be given with a jar of honey and honey spoon, or with edible honey products, such as honeycomb, or pollen for cooking. 2 - For someone recovering from an illness or a sudden change in their lives, giving a basket of natural foods with healing properties, alongside a gift card for self-care, is a meaningful gift. Foods can include traditional ones like fresh grapes, teas, and honey, or specialty teas. 3 - For quick and easy gifts, choose a manicure or pedicure specific gift certificate, and pair it with a hand or foot cream, scrub brush, loofah, and a soaking bowl. 4 - Gift cards with travel size lotions and cleansers, paired with a sheet mask, are great for both holidays and hospital visits. 5 - Seasonal shower products, or bath oils, accompanied with a candle, or home oil and fragrance is a winner alongside a gift certificate. 6 - Give the gift certificate with flowers, either with or without a vase. Bouquets of flowers, or a single rose with a gift card is an attractive gift. Make it even more special by using the language of flowers. Specific flowers symbolise specific emotions and intentions. For example, red tulips represent true love, pink roses convey happiness, and yellow roses symbolise friendship and joy. By using the symbolic language of flowers, your gift becomes even more thoughtful 7 - A fun way to present a gift card is by putting together products using a colour theme. Fun and fresh food like oranges, or a bag of rainbow gumballs, can be a centrepiece or pop in a pair of fun socks with a pedicure gift card. 8 - The new Eminence strawberry-rhubarb products at Glow Spa can be accompanied with jams, biscuits, and Yorkshire’s new tea, Malty Biscuit which tastes just like tea and biscuits. 9 - A self-care journal and a new pen with a gift certificate for an afternoon at GlowSpa is a thoughtful gift for someone you care for. 10 –Wrap a self-care gift card with comforting blanket, a soft robe, or a reusable hot water bottle cover to cuddle in bed for a special surprise. By giving a Glow Spa gift card you can share your favourite service, spa product, choose something you think they would like to try, or purchase something they already love.  Whether it’s a birthday gift, anniversary, Christmas gift, or simply “just because” the gift of self-care makes everyone feel extra special!

Retinol has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most powerful formulas out there for your skin. It helps fight wrinkles, brighten dullness, lighten dark spots, and combat acne. Read on to find out how it can recharge your skincare routine. What is Retinol? Retinol is an over-the-counter skin care product which helps combat many skincare issues like acne, dullness, and wrinkles. It is a powerful, yet gentle, and efficient formula derived from vitamin A. Retinol should not be confused with retinoids which can only be prescribed by a dermatologist. Retinoids are generally given for severe acne, or to help with acne scarring. Always consult a dermatologist about retinoid use. And remember, the Glow Spa staff are always on hand to help you assess your skin, and recommend products best for you. Why Should You Use Retinol? There are many reasons to introduce and regularly use retinol in your skin care routine including brightening dullness, clearing acne, fading dark spots, reducing skin discolouration, and combatting fine linesand wrinkles. Remember, our bodies cannot produce vitamin A on their own. Be sure to give your body a boost by eating plant foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots, cantaloupe, and red bell peppers, or animal-sourced foods like fish and eggs. How Does Retinol Work? Retinol goes deeper than the surface layer of your skin. It targets the dermis, boosting production and collagen to create a fuller, plump effect, and help skin with texture and tone. Retinol also helps to unclog pores. If you find your pores are becoming more noticeable because they are becoming clogged with oilor dead skin,you may consider adding retinol into your skincare routine. When to Use Retinol in Your Routine? If you are new to using retinol, start by applying it every third day to monitor how your skin reacts. Redness, bumps, and flakinessare signs you may be using too much retinol, or using it too frequently. Increase use to every other day only if your skin adjusts well. Use small, controlled, pea-sized amounts when applying retinol because a little goes a long way. Retinol takes several weeks of regular use to starting showing its full power, so don’t worry if you don’t see i  mmediate, visible results. Apply retinol at night, and in this order - cleanse, tone, retinol, moisturizer, eye cream, and lip cream unless otherwise directed by Glow Spa staff. What You Need to Remember About Retinol While newer retinol formulas are more efficient, and gentle than in past products, there are several things you need to remember when using retinol, and none are as important as protecting your skin from light. Retinol makes skin lightsensitive, so you must always use retinol at night, and apply SPF in the morning to protect your skin. This is important to dowhether you’re going outside or not. An SPF of 40 or more is recommended. Retinol leaves your skin vulnerable to sun damage unless you protect it. Redness, itchiness, and peeling skin are other side effects of using retinol, though symptoms can be experienced after using too much product, or applying retinol too frequently. Other side effects can include stinging, swelling, or acne flare ups so be sure to follow the guidelines of the retinol product you are using. Discover the right retinol products for you at Glow Spa. The staff will make it easy to get you started with powerful retinol products to recharge your skincare routine.

Did you know your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it protects your internal self from the external environment, including toxins and pollutants, in the same way a shield would? Your skin protects you using an intricate, delicate balance of good bacteria which regulates your skin’s natural barrier. Meet Your Skin’s Microbiome The skin’s microbiome, also known as skin flora, has over 1000 types of microorganisms, including fungi, mites, and bacteria, living on your skin. They are harmless, and mostly beneficial, creating a mini ecosystem of bacteria which affects how the skin functions. The microbes, unseen, but there, play an important role in helping your immune system defend your body from the unhealthy bacteria you come in contact with every day. The microbes survive on the salt, water, and oil your skin releases to keep cool and lubricated. These microbes vary from your face, to under your arms and between your toes, producing vitamins, hormones, and chemicals which help to preserve not only your skin barrier, but your immune system, and your appearance. The Importance of Balance A healthy skin microbiome protects against irritants and locks moisture in. It helps support your skin’s protective barrier and prevents dryness, irritation, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, and other skin issues. Conversely, a skin microbiome which is struggling or compromised leads to an imbalance that will include a loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone, and can accelerate other signs of aging, cause additional skin problems, or worsen existing ones. If the skin microbiome is stripped of its microbes, or good bacteria is overtaken by bad bacteria, the balance is thrown off and can lead to skin irritation. This makes the microbiome vulnerable, and damage can lead to further skin irritation and less protection from environmental factors. How to Support Your Skin’s Microbiome Your skin’s microbiome can be helped by avoiding or not overusing harsh ingredients in your skincare. Use microbiome friendly skincare to gently nourish, and help support your barrier instead. Be sure to wash your makeup off fully at night, as excess residue and oils can leave your skin battling bad bacteria build-up! Avoid antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers when unnecessary, such as at home. Wear natural fibers like cotton, or looser clothes, as most synthetics, and overly tight fabrics can interfere with your skin’s ability to sweat and produce good bacteria. Healthy Guts = Healthy You Don’t stop now! Help rebuild your microbiome from the inside out by boosting your gut microbiome. Deep inside you, in your digestive system, there is another microbiome, and this one supports your overall health and glowing skin too. Probiotics provide your digestive system with healthy bacteria aiding with digestion and inflammation. Focus on a healthy gut by adding probiotics into your diet through probiotic-rich food, like yogurt. They help the existing good bacteria in the gut thrive and multiply. Crazy about Kombucha Kombucha also helps balance your gut microbiome. It is a fermented tea, which has all the health benefits of regular tea plus probiotics. Kombucha is made by adding bacteria, yeast, and sugar to either black or green tea, then left to ferment for a week, or sometimes longer. Teas not only help keep your complexion clear and glowing on the outside, but boost immune systems and fight inflammation. This makes Kombucha an important ingredient in helping to support your digestive system and your skin’s microbiome. Help your skin get healthy with bacteria balance by reaching out to Glow Spa about microbiome friendly skincare products, and get ready to glow!

Season changes cause skin changes, and although summer doesn’t officially end until mid-September, your summer glow might be already starting to fade. Soft, moist skin becomes ashen, dull, and dry. Give your skin some TLC and preserve your summer glow with these techniques, and tips from Glow Spa. Sloughing-off Dead Skin Start by rejuvenating your skin with an exfoliator. This will help clear away those flaky, dead skin cells which can give a dull, grey tone to the surface of your skin. This process also helps healthy skin hidden underneath the uneven, dead skin to get the moisturizer it desperately needs. Consider a hyaluronic acid to exfoliate, or use a traditional scrub, but remember to use a body exfoliant for your body and a face exfoliant for your face. Renourish, and Repair After long days of summer sun, it’s time to rescue your skin. Aim to renourish, and repair your skin by adding in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, into your daily life. Topically, it can be included in a serum or moisturizer, and is essential for skin recovery while naturally boosting your skin’s radiance. At this time of year, you can begin layering oils with cream. Since oils are released naturally from your pores and are necessary for skin to function properly, they both nourish, fortify and strengthen skin. Oils can also replenish your skin’s hydration, and when applied with massaging techniques, oils aid in stimulating skin circulation. To massage, never pull in a downward direction. Use gentle fingers to massage along your jawline. Stroke gently around the eyes. Using both hands, massage forehead, and temples. Circular motions work well for cheeks, up and out towards ears. Try a few minutes before bed for a calming effect. Internal Glow Boosters Boost your glow from the inside out! Drinking enough water and adding glow boosting foods into your daily diet will increase your skin’s radiance. Major glow boosters which encourage healthy looking skin include carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, green tea, and avocados. Munching up to a cup of walnuts with blueberries (high in antioxidants) are also beneficial for overall skin health, and add-in precious oranges, grapefruits, or apples for the all-important Vitamin C. Get creative, and try combining what you need into a freshly squeezed juice. Apple, carrot, and ginger is a great way to get what you need for that glowing skin, whether you’re juicing or customizing at your local juice bar. Preserving Skin’s Summer Glow In the summer, sun protection is crucial for skin health, but don’t stop now! Post-summer sunscreen continues to be all-important. A regular twice daily skincare routine will keep skin soft and smooth, giving it a luminous, well cared for appearance. Remember, getting adequate sleep, managing stress or anxiety, eating nutritious snacks and meals, and drinking eight to ten cups of water a day all help rescue and recover your skin. Glowing skin looks dewy, feels amazingly refreshed, and silky soft to the touch. Get glowing today! Contact the glow experts at Glow Spa about products to use at home, and schedule your treatments to preserve your summer glow from head-to-toe!