10 Tips for Less Stress, Sounder Sleep and Better Skin
by Skincare-news.com team
Chances are that at this time of year, your to-do lists (and shopping lists!) are growing longer. Will you ever get it all done? Spending time completing these tasks (or even just thinking about them) can carve out a major chunk of your shut-eye schedule. No wonder “65 percent of Americans are losing sleep due to stress,” reports the Better Sleep Council. Fortunately, some simple tweaks can reduce your stress, pamper your skin and help you sleep. Here are 10 helpful hints.
Soak away stress.
Are your muscles sore after a long workout or a stressful day at the office? Many people opt for a relaxing bath to physically and psychologically promote relaxation at the end of a long day. A bath feels good and tells your body to start getting ready for sleep mode.
Relieve tension with Molton Brown Unwind Atoll Crystal Bath Soak to ease tired muscles, flush out toxins and make your skin look and feel better.
Enjoy Pevonia Nymphea Bath Salts with Essential Oils "Anti-Stress," which contains lavender and tangerine essential oils for a fragrant, relaxing soak.
Sip a cup of Thalgo Serenity Infusion Tea as you soak in the tub. Savor the orange flavor, which boosts relaxation and encourages restful sleep. In addition, this tea may be beneficial for the nervous and digestive systems.
Infuse your room with sleep-promoting scents.
Aromatherapy and scent may be the ticket to that ever-elusive dreamland. Specifically, Brandon Peters, M.D., writes on About that lavender, sandalwood and jasmine essential oils are known for their restful properties. Keep in mind, though, that sense of smell is subjective, so pick a scent that you personally find pleasing, relaxing and calming.
Open a box of Molton Brown Sleep Cedrus Room Aroma Rocks, which contains rocks slathered in sweet-smelling sap and essential oils to produce relaxation.
Spritz L'Occitane Lavender Harvest Organic Sweet Dreams Mist anywhere you want — your sheets, pillowcase or bedroom. The organic mist is free of harsh chemicals and promotes a restful, peaceful environment.
Massage from head to toe.
Maybe your feet are hurting after standing in the checkout line. Perhaps your shoulders are feeling the strain from the extra weightlifting reps you did at the gym. Or you could have a stress headache from that report that needed to be done ASAP. Stress and pain can make sleep more difficult. However, massage can be beneficial because it “helps to reduce stress, improve circulation, release tension, lower heart rate and blood pressure and possibly even strengthen the immune system. These relaxing effects may therefore make massage a helpful aid in restoring restful sleep,” writes Virgil D. Wooten, M.D., on HowStuffWorks.
Apply Molton Brown Sleep Cedrus Temple Soother along your forehead, temples and pulse points using your middle fingers. Gently massage the hydrating balm in, and inhale the orange and lavender scents.
Relieve headaches, mental stress and tension by massaging in Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Calm Mind, featuring lavender and peppermint.
Apply Thalgo Aromaceane Relax, with lavender and magnolia, to the tired parts of the body. Also, this product contains fucus concentrate to defend skin from harmful, damaging free radicals. It’s perfect for foot massages or for the bath.
Rub on Ole Henriksen Muscle Comfort Lotion. The cooling lavender, geranium and peppermint oil formula relaxes tired, aching muscles, and minimizes fluid build-up. Plus, it hydrates skin.
Take your vitamins.
Certain ingredients — like GABA and melatonin — found in oral vitamins and dietary supplements are thought to have a muscle-relaxing effect and may improve sleep quality. In turn, better sleep can lead to greater skin repair capabilities, a better-looking complexion with fewer wrinkles and dark circles and less overall dullness.
Murad Sleep Reform Supplements contain vitamins A, B, C, fish oil, GABA, glucosamine, melatonin, zinc and natural extracts. Taken before bedtime, two tablets can help you fall asleep and boost your body’s renewal processes. However, check with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
Exercise to stave off stress.
When we feel overwhelmed or stressed, many of us take a walk or hit the gym. Exercise is a terrific way to help calm and clear your mind, relieving stress. Simply taking a walk for 20 minutes a day “can help keep stress hormones from interfering with your sleep,” reports iVillage. In addition, exercise “can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Just try to avoid exercising too close to your bedtime, because it can have the opposite effect and actually make it harder to fall asleep. So finish your workout at least several hours before you hit the sack.
Enter the quiet zone.
All the bright lights and noise from our TVs, cell phones, laptops, iPods and other devices have a stimulating effect. That is, they tell our brains and bodies that it’s time to be alert and active, not relaxed and sleeping. So keep these items out of your bedroom. Turn them off and power down for an hour before going to bed. This helps you transition from a wakeful state to a restful one. Then, when you go to bed, make sure your bedroom is truly a restful, quiet zone. Ideally, it should be dark, cool and noise-free.
Pass on the caffeine.
Sodas, coffee, tea and energy drinks are all sources of stimulating caffeine. You probably drink a few of these throughout the day to give you an energy boost. Some people gulp caffeinated drinks attempting to relieve their stress, but “caffeine can actually exacerbate stress levels and significantly affect the amount and quality of sleep you get,” writes Elizabeth Scott, MS, About’s guide to stress management. Unfortunately, even after you finish your drink, that caffeine stays in your body for several hours, and can prevent you from falling asleep. Your best bet? Skip caffeinated beverages starting about four to eight hours before bed.
Sleep on your back.
Love sleeping on your stomach? Unfortunately, this means burying your face in the pillow, which can cause permanent lines over time. But sleeping on your back can help you avoid these telltale signs of aging.
Hydrate hands.
Your hands are one of the first areas to reveal your age. One way to keep hands looking younger and smoother is by slathering on a rich hand cream at night. To boost the benefits, wear gloves to bed to seal in the ultra-moisturizing hand treatment. Choose creams with soothing scents that promote relaxation. This way you’ll not only wake up with better-looking hands but also sleep soundly.
Jurlique Lavender Hand Cream features lavender, calendula and viola to hydrate and smooth the skin.
Avene Cold Cream Hand Cream is an ultra-rich formula that heals and softens dry, rough hands.
The special fabric behind H20 Plus Moisture Therapy Gloves helps skin seal in the heat for superior hydration. Apply any rich cream and then put on these gloves for softer, more supple hands.
Bliss All You Need Glove Set contains the Glamour Gloves, a pair of gloves soaked in grapeseed and ceramide for maximum moisture, and the Glamour Glove Gel, which soothes and hydrates the skin.
Bring out the beauty treatments.
Take advantage of the night-time and your sleep cycle by applying beauty treatments that improve your skin. Before bed, Dr. Peters suggests applying petroleum jelly to your face to seal in moisture, eye cream to pacify puffy eyes (he writes that at night-time, makeup won’t hamper absorption) and nourishing hair masks to condition tresses. Evening is also a great time to apply hydrating masks to your face. Applying these beauty treatments not only enhances your skin but also relaxes it. Once you add these treatments to your routine, your mind and body will automatically know it’s time for rest.
Formulated with three fatty acids, (http://www.skinstore.com/p-9595-klorane-intense-nutrition-repair-mask-with-mango-butter.aspx) Klorane Intense Nutrition Repair Mask with Mango Butter restores dry, damaged strands.
Dr. Brandt Lineless Eye Cream reduces lines and puffiness.
MD Forte Skin Rejuvenation Hydra-Masque exfoliates, refines and hydrates the skin. Leave it on for several minutes or over-night for maximum benefits.
Sothys Hydroptimale THI3 Mask bathes the skin in moisture.
No need to wrestle with stress and difficulty sleeping! Just making a few easy changes to your lifestyle and skin routine can have a major impact on your tension levels, allowing you to sleep easier and look and feel better.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Hand and Nail Care
All-natural care for your hands and nails
Because of our approach to wellness and natural beauty, we will only offer natural treatments for your nails. Men and women alike enjoy our luxurious and therapeutic treatments for the hands and nails. Our spa therapists have won top national awards for excellence in the application and design of nail enhancements.
Polish Change - $16
Classic Manicure - $23
French Manicure - $26
Spa manicure - $50
Paraffin Treatment - $18
Nail Enhancements
Nail Extensions - $72
(Acrylic & Fibreglass)
Nail Wraps & Overlays - $55
Nail Fill - $38
Maintenance Manicure - $27
Removal of Nail Extension - $43
New Nail Replacement - $7
Single Nail Repair/Patch - $5
For clients that prefer added strength to their nails, we offer Biosculpture UV gel enhancements services. Biosculpture is the only 5 star safety rated nail enhancement product in the world.
Biosculpture enhancements offer added length and strength with no lifting or cracking and are easily dissolved off the natural nail leaving natural nails free from damage.
Bio Sculpture Gels - $86
(tips)
Bio Sculpture Gel Overlays - $55
Gel Rebalance - $48+
(Fill)
Sculpting - $90
Colour Gel - $10+
Spa Packages
Our spa packages combine our most popular services and treatments and are designed to create truly decadent spa experiences. They range from total beauty makeovers to day-long spa retreats. Choose the package that best suits your own needs, or pamper that special someone with the gift of ultimate relaxation, beauty and renewal.
| Village Express - $235 | |
| Pedicure/Manicure/Youthful You/1 Hour Massage. | |
| Teen Day - $189 | |
| Make-up lesson/Hydra-Intense/manicure/eyebrow shaping | |
| Mother To Be - $260 | |
| Visible Lift/ Radiant Eyes/ Pedicure/1 Hour Massage | |
| Bridal Party - $230 | |
| Pure Energy/Radiant eyes/ eyelash tinting/pedicure/manicure | |
| Ultimate Spa Experience - $395 | |
| Radiant eyes/No Stress/Make-up application/manicure/pedicure/1 hour massage | |
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy by RMT
Customized for you; relaxation, deep tissue, pre/post natal, and sports massage.
| 1 Hour - $90 Hour and a Half - $140 |
Benefits of Massage
Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits. Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving you with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore you physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related area of the body.
| 1 Hour - $85 |
Benefits
- Relaxation and balance of tension.
- Improves circulation.
- Helps the body to normalize itself naturally.
- Prevention of disease, preventative health care.
Make Up Services
Upper Village Spa's professional makeup artists will teach you techniques to enhance your unique beauty. Experience a customized makeup lesson where you will learn how to apply makeup and emphasize your favorite features.
A complete line of concealer, foundations, powders, colour cosmetics, as well as custom brushes. We teach our philosophy of colour, technique, tools, and application.
Eyes Only - $25
Special Occasion /Bridal - $75
Lashes - $15
Lesson - $75
Beauty Check up - $65
About Upper Village Spa
Upper Village Spa is an award-winning spa located in the heart of trendy upper Forest Hill Village. Our intimate day spa is an oasis that is convenient to access from anywhere in the city. Once here, you can relax and be transported for an hour, or a whole spa day!
Award-winning service
Upper Village Spa has received numerous national accolades for excellence in the services we provide. Our spa therapists have received the very best training in the industry. To ensure you continued excellence, our team members continually update their knowledge and expertise with the industry’s leading health and beauty gurus.
A team approach
At Upper Village Spa we are a team. Please feel comfortable trying different estheticians/spa therapists during each visit. Every member of our team is a qualified professional dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service and making your spa experience pure bliss.
Our guarantee to you …
Our philosophy is to give you the ultimate spa experience. That’s why we offer an unconditional guarantee for each and every one of our unique services, treatments and professional beauty products.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A la Carte Services
We offer a number of specialized spa services for our discerning clientele, inluding eyelash extensions. Please call ahead as these services are in high demand!
| Eyelash Tint - $22 Eyebrow Tint - $15 | |
| Available in a range of colours, tinting defines eyelashes & eyebrows. Our professional esthetician's provide tinting for a natural look and a great alternative to mascara. | |
| Eyelash Perming - $55 | |
| No more curling your eyelashes prior to mascara application, no more smudges, smears or runs causing embarassment. This service opens up your eyes to give definition and adds thickness to the lashes. The results are excellent and long lasting giving you a beautiful natural curl. Worn by celebrities, the latest in innovative eyelash extention. Human hair eyelashes are soft to the touch and look very natural. They come in various sizes and colours and give added volume and length. Great service choice for a vacation or special function. | |
| Semi-Permanent Eyelashes - $95+ Semi-Permanent Eyelash Removal - $20 |
Ear Piercing - $15
(Price of earrings not included)
Hair Removal
Sugaring
Sugaring is an ancient method of hair removal which contains raw cane sugar and lemon. All ingredients are 100% natural with no added chemicals, no animal testing and no harmful side effects caused by allergic reactions. It is water soluble and due to the citric acid in the lemon, it does not build up residue on the skin, thus preventing the formation of ingrown hairs. The anti-bacterial properties of the sugar make it safe to use and does not cause skin irritation.
Regular use of sugar will see the hair grown in softer and finer while slowing down the growth. Sugaring weakens the root making it easier to remove the hair with each treatment. Most people find that sugaring is less painful than waxing.
Créme Wax
Our crème wax is the #1 selling professional hair removal wax in the beauty industry, due to the qualities of its formulas. Our wax contains shea butter and is perfect for the most sensitive skin. Crème wax conditions the skin when applied and leaves the skin silky smooth.
Hard Wax
Our hard wax imported from France is extremely gentle and is removed without a strip. It is designed to encapsulate the hair in the wax. This advanced formula prevents ingrown hairs and prolongs the amount of time it takes for re-growth to occur.
 |
Waxing combinations available. |
Common Questions About Microdermabrasion
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a scientific method, using fine, inert (micro) crystals to progressively abrade the skin’s surface. It is used for skin resurfacing and treating a range of skin abnormalities. This treatment is helping men and women experience remarkable improvements in their skin texture, regardless of skin colour.
With our microdermabrasion skin treatment program, you can see immediate improvements in your skin’s appearance. This unique approach removes dead and flaking skin cells and stimulates the production of fresh, young skin cells and collagen.
How Does Microdermabrasion Work and What Results Can I Expect?
Micro-crystals are vacuumed through a delicate hand piece, which is held at a precise angle to the skin, producing a skin- polishing peel. In as little as 30-40 minutes, this gentle abrasion technique efficiently produces satisfying results. Treatments are applied through a course of weekly sessions. Microdermabrasion enhances the skin’s condition by stimulating collagen production and does what no other available non-surgical treatment can do in combating the signs of aging skin. Most importantly, it is safe to use on all skin types and colours.
Age spots and fine wrinkles are reduced, pores are unclogged, acne is diminished, collagen is stimulated and a more uniform tone is evident. Most clients report that their skin is visibly softer, tighter, smoother and younger-looking, even right after the first treatment.
How Soon Will I See Results?
You will notice an immediate improvement after your first treatment. Your skin will have a fresh pink glow and smoother texture. Improvements continue throughout your treatment.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Although fantastic results are achieved with the first session, a minimum of six treatments is recommended for long-lasting results. These treatments are usually performed every two weeks. After the six sessions, you should receive treatments once a month to maintain your youthful-looking skin.
Who Should Consider Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabraion is right for all skin types and for anyone interested in minimizing the appearance of: scarring, fine lines, pigmentation problems, uneven skin tones, dull, lifeless and sun damaged skin. Microdermabrasion is not recommended to anyone who has taken the acne drug Accutane within the past six months because there is a risk of creating scar or injury in someone who has taken Accutane.
Following your microdermabrasion treatment your esthetician will apply sunscreen following the procedure. You can resume your daily activities immediately after your microdermabrasion treatment. It is recommended you avoid sun exposure on the treated area for at least 24 hours.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is the new “lunch time” approach to skin resurfacing. It stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen. This highly effective treatment is used to reduce and gradually remove fine lines and wrinkles, enlarge pores, brown spots, dull or uneven skin tone and texture a hyper pigmentation.
You will have immediate results after just one treatment. A minimum of 6 treatments is recommended to achieve the best results. The treatments take between 35 and 45 minutes.
| Microdermabrasion - $160 (single treatment) | |
Facial Care
We have carefully selected the finest lines of facial care products for our high quaility facial care services. Our leading products prolong the benefits of the services you recieve at Upper Village Spa. Your Experienced esthetician will provide a recommendation tailored to the individual needs of your skin type.
Dr. Baumann Cosmetics products provide your skin with substances that it naturally produces. In other words, you are caring for your skin with skin!
Combining high performance with the best natural products,
Dr Baumann's products contain no animal ingredients, nor are they tested on animals. For naturally beautiful and healthy skin, the products also contain no chemical preservatives or mineral oils.
| No Stress - $90 | |
Take time out to regain your inner peace and balance. | |
| Hydra Intense - $100 | |
A "moisture surge" for a dehydrated skin. | |
| Visible Lift- $110 | |
A lifting treatment for a firmer, toned, younger looking skin. | |
| Deep Peel - $145 | |
Peel your way to a younger, problem free great looking skin. | |
| Pure Energy - $120 | |
An energy boost for tired skin | |
| Youthful You - $120 | |
A luxurious, spoiling anti-aging treatment for a youthful more beautiful skin. | |
| Radiant Eyes - $55 | |
Let your eyes be a reflection of youth and beauty. | |
| So Pure Acne Clear - $90 | |
A deep clearing treatment for acne skin. | |
| Sun Repair - $150 | |
An intense treatment for sun damaged skin. | |
| Star Glamour - $150 | |
Designed to make you feel like a star. | |
| Rosacea Calm - $110 | |
Gentle treatment for sensitive cuperose and rosacea skin. | |
| Detox - $145 | |
A healing experience for fatigues skin. | |
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