Are you prepared for an Emergency?

In light of Emergency Preparedness week (May 5th - May 11th), I thought it was appropriate to share some information about being prepared incase of an emergency. Since 1996 EP week has been encouraging Canadians to take these few steps to better prepare themselves in case of an emergency: 

• Knowledge of risks in your community. In BC, risks include: severe storms, earthquakes, landslides, floods, pandemics, riots (only when the Canucks make it to the playoffs :P), etc. 
• Develop a family emergency plan. Having an emergency plan in place will help to reduce stress and anxiety during and after an emergency situation. Your family emergency plan should include:
• A meeting place. At the time of a disaster your family may not be together so it is important to choose a meeting place. Choose a place that is easily accessible, preferably by foot and in an open area (bridges may be out and roads may be blocked). 
• An "out of area" emergency contact. After an earthquake or disaster, phone services may be limited. Arrange to have someone out of area (away from BC or US coastline) to be your family contact. Your out of area contact should have voicemail or an answering machine. Keep calls short and if possible, arrange a specific time to call back and check in. 
• Prepare emergency kits for you home, vehicle and work. Organize enough supplies to sustain you and your family for 72hrs. Include: Water, food, battery operated radio, flashlights, first aid kit, cash, medications, etc. 
• 4 liters of water per person per day - 2 for drinking, 2 for food prep and hygiene
• Stock your kit with a variety of packaged food, canned good and dried foods. If needed, include a manual can opener. 
• extra batteries for flashlights and radio
• If needed, include supplies for infants and pets. Diapers, formula, food and water for your pet.
• Extra clothing, blankets and personal items such as toilet paper, Handy wipes, soap, toothbrush, etc. 
• Important documents: Wills, insurance papers, medical records, credit card numbers, identification, etc.
• Pocket knife, cutlery, dishes, spare set of house and car keys, books, toys, family photo album, etc.

For more information, please visit these websites for great advice on how to be better prepared:

http://www.embc.gov.bc.ca/em/hazard_preparedness/Emergency_Contact_Card.pdf

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca

VITAMIN D: Natures Anti-Depressant

     Vitamin D is a nutrient found in very few foods, added to others and available as a supplement. It is fat soluble meaning it is essential for your health and stored in your liver but does not need to be replaced everyday like water soluble vitamins. It is produced endogenously (from within) when skin is directly exposed to the sun, and most people meet at least some of their vitamin D needs this way. Skin exposed to sunshine indoors through a window will not produce vitamin D. Cloudy days, shade, and having dark-colored skin also cut down on the amount of vitamin D the skin makes. 

     Despite the importance of the sun to vitamin D synthesis, it is prudent to limit exposure of skin to sunlight in order to lower the risk for skin cancer. When out in the sun for more than a few minutes, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more. Tanning beds also cause the skin to make vitamin D, but pose increased risks for skin cancer. 

    Research has suggested the Vitamin D is a neuroactive steriod, a chemical that is targeted by certain SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) antidepressants. A lack of Vitamin D can negatively affect the transport of Dopamine. This may explain the prevalence of depression in the winter, particularly in regions that receive less direct sunlight (Vancouver!!).

     Vitamin D is required for your body's use of calcium and phosphorous. It helps to form and maintain teeth and bones, and increases the amount of calcium that your small intestines absorbs. Vitamin D has other roles in the body including modulation of cell growth, neuromusclular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. Muscles need it to move and the immune system needs it to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Together with calcium it helps to protect older adults from osteoporosis. 

     Very few foods naturally have vitamin D. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in North American diets.

• Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are among the best sources. 
• Beef liver, cheese, and some egg yolks provide small amounts. 
• Mushrooms provide some vitamin D. 
• Almost all North American milk supply is fortified with vitamin D but foods made from milk, like cheese and ice cream, are usually not fortified. 
• Vitamin D is added to many breakfast cereals and to some brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine, and soy beverages; check the labels.

 

Product Profile: Aruhndara

I recently just started working part time in this cute little waxing studio called Bare Wax Bar in Vancouver. We specialize in waxing, facials and massage. This little hidden gem has phenomenal prices and I work with two other highly skilled estheticians who, like me, have an amazing reputation in Vancouver because of their waxing skills.

We all know how much I love Dermalogica, so it's a great fit that this is our main product line but I recently just got introduced to a skincare line that I had never heard of before: Aruhndara

Aruhndara is a natural and organic product line from Thailand. They use vitamin e as their natural preservative so the shelf life of an unopened product is about a year and once open 6 months (which when using skin care products regularly, is plenty of time to finish the product). They use a blend of Seven Thai flowers in all the products: Sacred Lotus, Sarapee, Bakula, Jasmine, Bunnag, Ylang Ylang and Champaka. 

Needless to say, these product smell absolutely AMAZING. I'm totally obsessed. Best for dehydrated, dry and mature skin types, or those who are looking for anti-aging and hydration. Aruhndara's philosophy is based on three core concepts: 1.) The Asian secret of beauty and youth 2.) Holistic Knowledge & 3.) Power of nature.  

There are 2 cleansers: 

Seven Pollen Face Cleansing oil - This cleansing oil is great for any skin type but specifically a drier, more mature skin. Oil attracts oil, so it's great for those who wear a little more make up and it's FANTASTIC at removing anything waterproof. 

Seven Pollen Face Cleansing Water - A unique, no foam formula leaving your skin purified and hydrated. Great for a combination skin or any one who is 'oil-phobic'

The only toner in the line - Seven Pollen Face Balancing essence. Anti oxidant Pomegranate water infused with the Seven Pollen extract, corrects pH imbalances in the skin improving moisture content and preps the skin for optimal absorption of moisturizers and serums.

Exfoliant: Seven Pollen Face Detox Mask Set - Mixing 8-10 pumps of Pollen honey concentrate (extreamly healing and nourishing for the skin) with the Seven Pollen Mask Powder. Apply to skin avoiding eyes and mouth for 10 - 15 minutes (or until dry - this will draw out impurities). Once dry, add water to moisten the product and gently rub off in circular motions. Use a warm towel to remove any residual product.

Seven Pollen Organic Face Serum - this beautiful, silky smooth, vitamin rich, nourishing serum is to die for! Left my skin feeling soft, hydrated and radiant. Lets not forget to mention the scent is just lovely.

Seven Pollen Organic Face Cream -  This super hydrating, anti-aging face creams' main attribute is germinated rice which helps to stimulate natural skin process of collagen and elastin regeneration. It protects and repairs the skin without leaving an oily residue.

I like these products for several reasons, first and foremost, they smell amazing! I know that in my experience, if a product smells good, I am more inclined to use it which makes me a little more diligent about my skin care regime. Second, I love this line because it is SIMPLE. There is nothing more annoying then having more then 3 steps to you skin care routine.  I get overwhelmed which too many products and I've been in this industry almost 9 years! And last but not least, this is a very effective line leaving my skin feeling clean, hydrated and nourished. 

There is a store located in Yaletown that sells these products exclusively and we are the only spa in Vancouver to use Aruhndara - Seven Pollen Face Spa Ritual facial. You can also follow the link below to read more about the products. 

http://www.aruhndara.com/ 

Benefits of Epsom Salts

Magnesium is used in our body to regulate over 325 enzymes and organized bodily functions such as muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and elimination of harmful toxins.  A diet high in fat, sugar, salt and protein actually works to speed up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies. Soaking in an epsom salt bath is one of the easiest ways to get a magnesium boost as it is easily absorbed by the skin.

Benefits of taking an epsom salt bath include:

- Improved heart and circulatory health (blood pressure, regulating heart contractions)

- Improved ability for the body to use insulin

• - Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances (This is highly recommended after a massage, particularly after a deep tissue massage)
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• - Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood
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• - Relieved stress
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• - Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps (Great post-workout)
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• - Improved oxygen use
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• - Improved absorption of nutrients
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• - Prevention or easing of migraine headaches

  Add two cups of Epsom salt and soak for at least 15 minutes. 

If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.

Understanding how your skin tans

     Ultraviolet light consists of two main components, UVA rays and UVB rays, both of which contribute differently to your tan. I remember them by UVA (age) and UVB (burn). UVA rays can damage your skin and you may not see the damage for years to come. UVA rays are longer and penetrate deeper into the dermis. UVB are what cause your skin to burn the quickest and are shorter in length.      

     Tanning occurs in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). When the skin is exposed to UVB rays, melanocytes (pigment producing cells) produce melanin which is responsible for your tan. When exposed to UVA rays the melanin oxidizes (darkens). When the skin darkens, it is its way of protecting itself from too much UV exposure. Your heredity dictates how much melanin your body's melanocytes naturally produce. The darker your skin is naturally the more melanin the melanocytes will be able to produce.
 
      A sunburn occurs when too much UV light reaches the skin and disrupts the tiny blood vessels near the skins surface (erythema).

Be sun smart and slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen :) There's no such thing as a healthy tan.

Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub

I made this scrub for my friends and family this christmas and it is HEAVEN! So simple and the best body scrub you will ever use.

2kg bag brown sugar
32oz Coconut oil
Vanilla essential oil
*The recipe yields 12 small mason jars

Directions: Warm coconut oil up in the microwave until soft, add to brown sugar in a bowl and mix well. Add vanilla essential oil while mixing until desired scent is achieved.

Coconut oil has a melting point of around 24 degrees Celsius and is usually solid at room temp. As it cools in the jar it will take on a solid consistency.

The best way to use is product is in the shower on wet skin. Turn off the shower and apply a generous amount of the scrub to damp skin all over the body except for the face. Turn on the shower and rinse. You do not need to wash this product off with soap, the coconut oil is EXTREMELY nourishing. ***Be sure to rinse out your shower/tub as it can become very slippery!***

Does your skin feel like it has the winter blues?

      It's that time of year again. The days seem so short and our skin is lacking a little TLC. Usually with the change of seasons you will see a change in your skin. I find that in the winter months my skin is a little bit on the drier side. I've taken enough Dermalogica classes to know that 'the key to hydration is exfoliation!'. So dust off your products that you have tucked away under your bathrroom sink and get back into your skin care regime :) Let's not forget about our bodies too...they usually get it the worst. Just remember, skin on your body is more tolerant then the skin on your face. DO NOT use body scrubs on the face...they are usually too harsh and we don't want to take that chance. Some of my favorite exfoliants for the face include Micropeel by ProDerm, Multivitamin Thermafoliant by Dermalogica (AgeSmart), Valmont Exfoliant revitalizing scrub and Phytomer peeling vegetal. For the body I like using body wash and the ultimate buffing cloth by Dermalocia or I make my own at home body scrubs usually white sugar and sweet almond oil.

      I love at home facials, not only are the beneficial but they are therapeutic! There's nothing better then giving your skin a good cleanse and exfoliation and then slapping on a nice hydrating mask while watching your favourite show, reading a book or even taking a bubble bath. Some other things to think about maybe incorporating into your routine for more hydration include using a hydrating serum or maybe switching to a cleansing milk rather then a foaming cleanser.

      Some other great tips for more hydrated skin: Limiting time spent in hot showers or baths. Avoid products that are drying to the skin (i.e. foaming cleansers, clay based masks, products containing alcohol etc). Invest in a humidifier for your room when you sleep at night. This will add extra moisture to the air. Drink plenty of water. Thats the best thing you can do for your skin and your body.