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
• 
  
• - 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.

 

Fake Lashes

This may seem trivial but applying fake lashes is an art. First of all, deciding what type of lashes to wear is crucial. If you are going for more of a natural look then I would recommend individual lashes :)

They come in different sizes: Short, Medium & Long. Now using individual eyelashes can actually give you quite a dramatic look depending on how many you apply and the length. Personally these are my favourite type of lashes because they don't weigh down your eye lids causing 'lazy eye'. Just remember, with individual eye lashes, you want to apply them after you curl your eyelashes and after you have applied your mascara. If you don't then the mascara wand could possibly pull the lashes off. When gluing the lashes, make sure you let the glue get tacky first by letting it set for a few moments before applying it to your lash line. This allows them to adhere better and prevents them for falling off or turning sideways while the glue is drying. 

Strip lashes are always fun :) There are so many different styles for different occasions. 

These tend to be a little more challenging to apply but it gets easier with practice ;)

First of all, you want to measure the lashes to your eye lid to see if they are the right length. If they are too long across the lid (inner corner to outer corner), I would suggest trimming off some of the inner lashes. Apply strip lashes after your eye make up is done and your lashes have been curled. Once they have been applied and the glue has dried then you may apply mascara, although you don't have to put on mascara if the lashes are already quite bold. Now remember, these lashes can be heavy if you're not used to wearing them, so I would advise against wearing them for the first time at events such as weddings, particularly if you are in the bridal party. No one wants to be the bridesmaid with their eyes half open in all the photos. 

Products tested on animals

I'd like to thank my roommate for bringing this to my attention. 

Here is a great link to PETA.org if you want to research some of your favourite products and see if they test on animals. 

http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/caring-consumer.aspx

I was shocked to see Johnson and Johnson, Procter and Gamble & L'Oreal on the list of companies still testing on animals. Over the years, scientists have created modern tests that do not harm animals and are actually more accurate when product testing because they use human cell culture and tissue studies to mimic the bodies natural properties to see if there is in fact a reaction.

It saddens me to say that MAC cosmetics is part of the list that still tests on animals. I would think that a company that does so much for HIV/AIDS research and community outreach would have a cruelty free approach to their products as well. Hopefully when enough attention is brought to this issue, they will change their ways. With that being said, MAC is actually a branch of the Estee Lauder umbrella company, so ultimately it's in the control of Estee Lauder. I just know how many women have at least one MAC product in their make up bag and as a make up artist; I too promote their products, but not anymore.

Some of the skin care products that I recommend, such as Dermalogica, are not on the PETA website, but if you go to the Dermalogica website, they state the have never taken part in animal testing.                     http://www.dermalogica.com/ca/about/our_mission.html

ProDerm is another product line that I endorse and they state "products are perfume-free, paraben-free, contain no alcohol or mineral oil and have not been tested on animals."                                                                                 

http://www.pro-derm.com/en/


Environ states "No preservatives are added during manufacturing process and the final products are never tested on animals."                     
http://www.environ.co.za/for-professionals


Priori States "No, the products are not tested on Animals. All clinical testing is performed on human subject volunteers."
 http://www.prioriskincare.com/aha/faq.html


                                                                                                                               ~ Ariell XoXo