Category Archives: Skin Care

Why you should definitely be waxing your underarms

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treat-underarm-ingrown-hairs-1

 

During warm-weather months, it’s natural to want to show off more skin with spaghetti straps, sleeveless dresses and bathing suits. Therefore, underarms are considered an area that women are likely to shave every single day in the shower. Which is why switching to underarm waxing might be a great way to take care of unwanted hair without extra effort. Here are four great reasons to switch to waxing your underarms.

1. Save time – stop shaving every day. You can cut back on your shower time when you don’t have to reach for the razor on a daily basis. While most women shave their legs every few days, underarms are one area that typically gets shaved every day. But taking this step out of your shower time, you’re free to worry about one less thing each day—and spend those extra minutes (they add up, you know!) on more important things.

2. Reduce underarm skin discoloration. When you shave, you only remove the tops of hair strands. Meanwhile, hair roots stay beneath the skin’s surface. Not only does this mean that hairs grow back immediately (often showing above the skin again within one day), but it also means that the skin under your arms appears dark or discolored. When you wax, the entire hair is removed, leaving no trace behind. The appearance of your underarms looks natural to your own skin color.

3. Conditions the skin under your arms. Regular waxing means that the skin cells in the area where hair is removed is regularly conditioned. This is because dead skin cells from the surface of your skin are routinely removed, providing a more youthful and healthier appearance. Plus, when you visit Apothecary Wellness, our waxing services are always followed by a soothing treatment with vitamins and nutrients that are great for your skin and help inhibit hair re-growth. While daily shaving can be abrasive to the skin and result in ingrown hairs, waxing gets the job done without skin stress–for much softer and smoother underarms!

4. Never worry about throwing on a sleeveless outfit. In warmer months, women should have the freedom to throw on arm-baring apparel without worrying about whether they remembered to shave. With a regular waxing schedule, you’re always free to flaunt your underarms. Instead of worrying about it on a daily basis, you can wait weeks to think about your underarms again—then simply stop by for a quick and easy visit to your esthetician at Apothecary Wellness.

Click here to request an appointment with your esthetician

Click here to request an appointment with your esthetician

Biggs & Featherbelle Now at Apothecary Wellness

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We are proud to announce the arrival of Biggs & Featherbelle products to the Apothecary Wellness Boutique. We will be carrying select bar soaps, bath soaks, belly balms and lip balms.

This Baltimore based company creates wonderful handcrafted products with good-for-you ingredients. Please stop by and check out our selection. We will add more/new items in the coming months.

 

2nd Annual Skincare & Makeup Spring Cleaning Event

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Spring is on its way!  With the warmer days ahead our minds start to turn towards spring cleaning. But this shouldn’t just mean for our house. This is the time of year, for a body cleanse as well as a skincare & makeup cleanse by clearing out the toxic and expired products in your bathroom drawers.

Over the next few weeks we will feature some ideas and products that can help you clean up your body and your life.

So why not start the season off with cleaner and healthier products for your skin and body. You can start by making small changes, one product at a time. By gradually replacing your not-so-clean brands with safer (for you and the environment) products, you’ll contribute to your own well being and peace of mind.

Please join Apothecary Wellness in March and April for our

2nd Annual Skincare & Makeup Spring Cleaning Event

 

Bring in a product that is expired or “not-so-clean” and swap it out for one of our organic/holistic products and you’ll receive a 15% discount. We will properly dispose of the old products and recycle the packaging.

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health looked into the skin’s absorption rates of chemicals found in drinking water. It showed that the skin absorbed an average of 64% of total contaminant dosage.1 Other studies found the face to be several times more permeable than broad body surfaces and an absorption rate of 100% for underarms and genitalia.2 And another peer-reviewed study showed 100% absorption for synthetic fragrance ingredients.3

It is easy to see that what we use on our skin ends up inside our bodies. So it is important to pay close attention to the ingredients in our skin care products. If the products you use contain harmful ingredients such as harsh, toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances, those ingredients make their way into your body, your blood and lymphatic system.

Here’s the Dirty Dozen list of toxic ingredients to avoid. You can check out David Suzuki’s full report on his website here:

1. BHA and BHT
2. Coal tar dyes
3. DEA
4. Dibutyl phthalate
5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
6. Parabens
7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance)
8. PEG compounds
9. Petrolatum
10. Siloxanes
11. Sodium laureth sulfate
12. Triclosan

Unsure if your skin/body care product or makeup is “unclean” or just have questions about our holistic/organic products? Schedule a free* 15 min. skin care or makeup consultation when you book your next facial and speak to an expert. Our highly trained skin care therapists are here to assist you in choosing the right products for your skin.

Click here to request an appointment with your esthetician

 *Consultation must be scheduled with a facial appointment to be complementary.

 

Footnotes

  1. Brown et al. The role of skin absorption as a route of exposure for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water. Am J Public Health. 1984 May; 74(5): 479–484.

  2. Kasting and Kretsos.Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2005;18:55-74

  3. Robinson et al. The Importance of Exposure Estimation in the Assessment of Skin Sensitization risk. Contact Dermatitis 2000; 42:251-259.

It’s all about Men

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Men’s Skin Care

A younger, healthier appearance is just as important to a man as it is to a woman, and maintaining the youthful quality of skin you had in your twenties, has become a symbol of success. A refreshing and welcomed trend seen in the recent years has been a spike in services and product usage among men. And these men are are seeing a great payoff in their complexions from taking just a few minutes a day to care for their skin.

Men’s skin is very different than a woman’s due to the fact that their skin is thicker. They also have oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Their skin can get pretty dirty and be prone to blackheads and clogged pores mostly on the nose and forehead area. The safest way for men to get pores cleaned out, get rid of dead skin cells and overall cleanse and rejuvenate their skin is with a professional facial treatment.

A monthly facial is a great way to keep a fresh and healthy complexion. Here at Apothecary Wellness, we have facial treatments especially targeted for men’s skin that include a blend of organic ingredients designed to gently exfoliate and resurface without any fluff. Taking one hour a month to wind down with a stress melting massage that targets pressure points on the face followed by aromatherapeutic hot towels to ease dirt from pores will revel not only great skin, but a new more relaxed you. Properly caring for your skin can be a great confidence boost, and is a small but powerful step to insure leaving a great first impression.

Men’s skin care products are easy to understand, have subtle scents, and are packed with ingredients that keep skin healthy and clear. A basic regimen can make skin appear smoother, younger and more evenly toned without much effort or time. Taking care of our complexion should be a priority to everyone no matter their gender, and is easier and less invasive than imagined.

According to a recent study conducted by The NPD Group Inc., a leading market research company, 9 in 10 men (ages 18 and older) are using some sort of grooming product, which can include facial and body skin care, shaving, hair care and fragrance.

While all of our facials are perfect for men here are some of the most male requested services:

Men’s Custom Organic Facial – basic deep cleansing facial which includes extractions of blackheads, massage, mask and hydration.

Plant Stem Cell Facial – advanced facial designed to stimulate new skin growth and slow cellular aging. With the combination of science and nature, you can discover a healthy natural way to fight the signs of aging.

AHA Fruit Pulp Treatment – stimulating facial to help clear clogged pores and remove dead skin. Increases blood flow and exfoliates while firming and toning the skin.

 

 

Grooming for Men

Whether you choose waxing as a competitive athletic advantage or as an essential element of your grooming, a clean and natural appearance leaves you confident in your image.

Throughout the globe, male waxing is increasing in popularity as men turn to skin care professionals in the fight against unwanted body hair. From wayward brows to hobbit toes and everything in between, guys have been shaving, creaming, tweezing and trimming unruly hair in the privacy of their own homes for years.

The fact remains, however, that all of these methods can be time-consuming and only provide smoothness for a few days before the dreaded itch of regrowth sets in.

Fortunately, waxing is a quick and easy way of temporarily removing unwanted body hair without the mess and fuss of creams or razors. And the results last longer typically about 1-2 weeks.

With repeated waxing, hair gradually becomes thinner because the roots are weakened, but the hair will grow back, albeit at longer intervals. So, if you want to lessen the hair that grows on your toes or chest without permanently abolishing it, this would be the ideal way to go.

Grooming services for men:

  • Brows – Instantly refine your look with maintained brows
  • Upper and lower arm – Emphasize your body building muscle definition
  • Hands & fingers
  • Chest
  • Upper back & shoulders
  • Full back
  • Back of neck
  • Feet & toes
  • Legs

Eyebrow & Eyelash Tinting

Eyebrow & eyelash tinting consists of dyeing the eyebrows and/or eyelashes a few shades darker than they naturally appear, in particular if your eyebrows lighten during summer or you naturally have blonde eyelashes and are in need of a stronger more masculine look. The process is relatively inexpensive, and it will last for up to 4 weeks. Nobody will be able to tell that you have groomed or tinted your brows or lashes; but people will notice a stronger more defined look on you.

Click here to request an appointment with your esthetician

Clarisonic Skin Brush Review

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I don’t usually do reviews on skin care products that we don’t carry or use in the spa. I try to use this format (the blog) to educate our clients on the wonderful benefits of the products we’ve painstakingly researched and fully support and stand behind.

My reason for doing a review on Clarisonic is because I have observed changes in my client’s skin that use the brush, and some of the changes have not been beneficial to the health of their skin. And since Christmas has recently passed I’ve had a lot more clients ask my opinion about this product, since they received one for the holiday. Since my goal is to offer helpful skin care tips to allow you to become a smarter skin care consumer, I feel that this is important information to share.

 

What is Clarisonic?

Clarisonic is a skin care tool sold at specialty beauty stores that uses a soft, gentle brush that oscillates back and forth over the skin and claims to remove six times more makeup than cleansing by hand.

Despite being promoted as a tool that “removes six times more makeup than cleansing by hand”, to me, Clarisonic is really an exfoliating tool to physically lift off dry skin cells and, in the process, remove dirt and makeup.

My problem with Clarisonic is not necessarily the brush itself, because the exfoliating benefits can be beneficial to some people. I do have a serious concern with how often they recommend using it. They say it’s gentle enough to use twice daily, but it is my belief that this is way too much when combining with other exfoliating products you are probably already using.

While it may feel gentle enough to use twice a day, you have to understand exfoliation. Clarisonic, facial scrubs, acids, enzymes, wash cloths or whatever form you get your exfoliation in can cause skin damage and may lead to aging if used too frequently.

Over-exfoliation can cause dryness

Exfoliating too aggressively and too often can cause dryness and disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier. This allows moisture to seep out of the cells more easily, causing them to get dehydrated. Many of my clients who I see monthly for facial treatments started complaining of dryness and irritation when their skin had been so perfectly hydrated and balanced with their ilike, Naturopathica or Dr.Hauschka products. Come to find out, the dryness started to occur once they introduced the Clarisonic brush! I had already had my clients set up on an exfoliation routine based on their skin type and issues, but once they added in the Clarisonic, their skin was getting too much exfoliation and that’s why the dryness and irritation occurred.

Over-exfoliation can cause chronic inflammation

Exfoliating too aggressively and too often can create inflammation (even if not visible) setting off a response to create free radicals. A major cause of aging is chronic and prolonged inflammation, associated with tissue destruction, active inflammation and attempts at healing which is why it’s essential to eat foods high in antioxidants and use skin care products with stable antioxidants, like Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C).

Skin trauma is ok….occasionally

You don’t want to exfoliate to the point of destroying healthy cells. When you give the skin trauma, the skin goes into repair mode and stimulates cellular regeneration. This can be very beneficial to the skin, but if you create trauma too often by over-exfoliating, then it’s continually setting up a cascade of free radical damage that triggers premature aging.

Over-exfoliation can stimulate melanin activity resulting in increased skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation)

You must use caution with physical exfoliants like Clarisonic, washcloths and facial scrubs. For skin that is extremely reactive to stimulation (skin of color and for those prone to severe discoloration) you need to treat your skin gently to avoid post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation resulting in increased skin discoloration.

Clean skin is good…to a certain point

Since Clarisonic markets itslef as a cleansing tool to remove dirt and makeup, I’d like to make this point. You do want your skin hygienically clean, but not clean like you want your kitchen floor. There is a certain amount of good bacteria that the skin needs to keep it healthy and functioning well so you don’t want to strip it by over-using your Clarisonic brush. This is also why I suggest using non-drying, sulfate-free cleansers.

What’s the right amount of exfoliation?

Botanical AHA Peel ~ ilike organic skin care

This is the tricky question. As a Dr.Hauschka esthetician my answer is usually “less is more”, I find that the Cleansing Cream is enough for most people, however I do have clients that really do need an extra boost with exfoliation. So I suggest using a Glycolic acid serum applied to the skin once a week, or one of Naturopathica’s enzyme peels – again once a week. Ilike just came out with a Botanical AHA product that we are all loving. It’s gentle, yet effective and you only need to leave it on for a few minutes.

Now, if you tend to have dry/dehydrated skin you’ll want to use a hydrating serum to bathe those new cells in hydrating antioxidants.

Oat Facial Polish ~ Naturopathica

I also recommend using a gentle facial scrub which contains jojoba beads or very gentle scrubbing ingredients such as corn meal. Naturopathica’s Oat Facial polish or ilike’s Rosehip Exfoliator and Ultra Sensitive Exfoliating Mask are great options OR your Clarisonic brush 2 times a week—and that’s it. The idea here is that using a Glycolic Acid serum, Enzyme or AHA product will dissolve the dry skin cells while a physical exfoliant like a scrub or Clarisonic will lift off the dry skin cells. They both work differently but both are beneficial.

Please visit your esthetician to get recommendations on the proper exfoliating products for your skin type.

 

 

Bottom Line

Many people really like using the Clarisonic brush and I’m certainly not telling you not to use it (it’s great for the body). I simply want to inform you that using it twice daily, combined with other exfoliating products, may be harming your skin’s overall health.

And just for the record, I actually did try a Clarisonic brush on my skin. For me, it was too stimulating and caused some breakout activity so I’ll stick with mild facial scrubs for my physical exfoliation. But if you love it and it works for you, then by all means, use it!

Click here to request an appointment with your esthetician

Some information courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com

Feed Your Skin

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When it comes to nourishing and protecting your skin, what you eat is as important—if not more so—than what you put on it. Assuming you don’t smoke, a well-rounded, healthy diet that steers clear of many of the staples in the Standard American Diet should repay you with a fresh, glowing complexion that makes you look years younger than you are!

Controlling Free Radicals and Acne

Antioxidant-rich foods have the capacity of seeking out and destroying free radicals, which are unstable molecules that make their way through the body, stealing from our healthy cells in an effort to become complete. While they are naturally occurring in the body to some extent, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals.

Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if your diet is lacking antioxidants or free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Free radical damage accumulates with age and is a major contributor to wrinkles. By making sure your diet is chock full of the following nutrients, you can provide optimal support of healthy skin. If acne is something you struggle with, you may also benefit by cutting out high-glycemic foods like refined grains and processed sugar, as well as milk and vegetable oil; they can contribute to blemishes.

Omega-3s — Cold-water oily fish are loaded with anti-inflammatory EPA and DHA; look to mackerel, salmon, anchovies, and sardines for the best complexion benefits.

Vitamin A —Antioxidant-rich vitamin A is abundant in dark leafy vegetables and dark orange vegetables. Dark leafy greens are also high in fiber, which slows blood sugar production.


Vitamin C — Antioxidant-rich vitamin C is found in papaya, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, pineapple, Brussels sprouts, and of course, oranges and grapefruit.

Vitamin E — Antioxidant-rich vitamin E is found in sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, Swiss chard, dark leafy greens, papaya, asparagus, and bell peppers.

Selenium — Critical in the production of a glutathione, a substance that combats free radicals, you can find selenium in tuna, cod, halibut, shrimp, salmon, and turkey, barley, and lamb.

Antioxidants — You can’t go wrong by loading up on berries, green tea, and such purple and deep red foods as acai, pomegranates, purple carrots, black grapes, and beets. The latter contain anthocyanins, which help promote blood flow to the skin.

Fiber — Whole grains help combat inflammatory responses in your body that can trigger a breakout.

Zinc — Found in oysters, crab, lean meats, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds, zinc helps reduce oil production that can lead to acne.

 

Good Skin Foods: Check out these healthy recipes for glowing skin — http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/good_skin_foods_healthy_recipes_for_glowing_skin

Fact Seven: Rhythm is the key to health and vibrancy

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When rhythm is followed and nurtured, plants, animals and humans can live in healthy, natural balance. Throughout these seven weeks you’ve heard the words rhythm and balance often because of their importance when it comes to the health of your skin. So, what does rhythm have to do with skin care?

It’s vital to acknowledge that all of life and nature has rhythm and this doesn’t change when it comes to your skin. Elisabeth Sigmund, pioneering esthetician and co-founder of the Dr.Hauschka Skin Care brand, recognized the importance of our skin’s natural rhythms. Skin has a unique rhythm of constantly recreating and balancing itself in a 28 day cycle (very similar to the moons).  It’s also proven that rhythmic touch stimulates skin which is why Dr.Hauschka’s Press and Roll Method supports skin health by gently removing dirt and oil while rhythmically stimulating the skin.

Healthy rhythms create a state of balance, encouraging a return to skin health and bringing forth a radiant beauty. Rhythm is at the heart of Dr.Hauschka Skin Care. From Biodynamic growing and harvesting methods to the unique processing techniques, product formulation and signature treatments, rhythm remains the key.

 

Fact Six: Not all Facials are created equal

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See, the key lies in balance and rhythm. A rhythmic, caring touch can guide you to balance and serenity from your skin to your mind.

Dr. Hauschka believes in supporting skin health by calming the mind and by stimulating the lymph flow to promote the skin’s self cleansing processes.  The combination of the unique botanical blends and preparations and the power of touch encourage this. A facial should support your skin’s natural processes of self-cleansing and renewal to bring forth the glow in you.

Schedule yours today!

 

Classic Facial Treatment
Not just extra time ~ Extra results!

The Classic Treatment begins with deep relaxation: a warm sage foot bath and gentle stretching movements for the neck, arms and hands. Lavender-infused compresses introduce you to a holistic facial that includes two mask treatments to nourish, nurture and renew. Soft brushes are used to stimulate the skin’s natural balancing and regenerative impulses. The result is a radiant complexion and a remarkable feeling of lightness and inner balance. This is an ideal treatment if you are seeking true relaxation and visible transformation.

With every Classic Treatment you will receive a 20% discount on all Dr.Hauschka retail items.
90 min.      $150

 

Cleansing Facial Treatment
The perfect facial to maintain a healthy glowing complexion

Reveal your radiance with this deep cleansing treatment. First, a warm sage foot bath draws energy and stress away from the head. The skin is relaxed and prepared for cleansing with warm aromatherapy compresses. Herb-infused steam softens pores, enabling the Cleansing Clay Mask to absorb excess oil. Gentle hand and brush strokes stimulate lymph movement bringing a decongestive impulse to the skin. Your skin feels fresh, clean and radiant.
90 min.        $135

 

Rejuvenating Facial Treatment
This is the facial that makes clients say “I Love my skin again!!”  True rejuvenation begins with a warm sage foot bath the aromatherapy compresses, an herbal steam bath and purifying clay mask encourage deep cleansing. Gentle lymph stimulation promotes a renewed sense of well being and a healthy, radiant complexion. A rhythmic conditioner, nourishing mask and soothing décolleté massage complete the treatment, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.
90 min.        $135

 

Clarifying Facial Treatment

For true transformation from ‘problem skin’ to ‘radiant skin’  This treatment is integral to restoring a healthy, radiant complexion. Aromatherapy compresses warm the skin before cleansing. Herbal steam softens and opens pores in preparation for the deep-cleansing clay mask, which absorbs excess oil. Blemishes and blackheads are visibly reduced. A rhythmic conditioner and appropriate day care complete this effective treatment. Your skin feels soothed, purified and radiant.
60 min.         $110

 

Relaxation Facial Treatment
Stress and tension melt away…awaken with renewed energy 

Relaxation begins with a warm sage foot bath and moisturizing treatment for the legs, feet, arms and hands. The face is cleansed following warm aromatherapy compresses. Gentle, rhythmical hand and brush strokes stimulate the movement of lymph. Next, your esthetician applies a nourishing mask specific to your skin condition followed by a décolleté massage. Stress and tension melt away, and you leave with renewed energy and a radiant complexion.
60 min.         $110

 

Fact Five: Your Skin is Smart

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It has the ability to care for itself by responding to changes in both your internal and external environments. And while your skin is intelligent, it can still use a little help when it comes to protection and support.

The key is to encourage and strengthen your skin’s natural processes, using products that allow the skin to cleanse, balance, and renew. Where other lines suppress and interfere with these natural rhythms. Dr.Hauschka does this by drawing upon centuries of herbal wisdom, combining traditional and modern science and technology, and by working with the skin holistically to help it achieve a natural, self-sufficient state.

The Dr.Hauschka approach to skin care results in the undeniable glow of true and lasting beauty.

Fact Four: Ingredients Matter…and quality ingredients matter most

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Dr. Hauschka uses the highest quality ingredients for the most effective products possible. Every ingredient has an important job and is selected for its particular effects as well as its interaction with the whole.

Dr.Hauschka pays close attention to detail right down the manufacturer. WALA Heilmittel has been studying and working with nurturing plant and mineral extracts since 1935 and has developed an in-depth understanding of them. The results of this research give us products that help to keep a toned, balanced, and radiant complexion.

The sourcing is healthy, ecologically, and socially responsible as well as in support of sustainable and ecologically sound practices. The ingredients are from biodynamic and organic sources. And forget the chemical additives because everything here is 100% natural, allowing ingredients qualities to shine (through your radiant skin).

 

Again, treat what goes on your skin like the food that goes in it.
You are important, you know.