Category: 1 - SPA Ingredients

Is Your Sunblock Safe? 02/23/2010

Sunblocks are effective in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin but many of them can also pose dangers to the body. Many of the commercially-available sunblocks (yes, even popular, ones) contain ingredients that develop free radicals in the body and toxins that are known carcinogens.

You should avoid sunblocks with the following ingredients:

Octyl-dimethyl-PABA (OD-PABA)
Benzophenone-3 (Bp-3)
Homosalate (HMS)
Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC)
4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)
Dioxybenzone
Oxybenzone
Titanium Dioxide

You would be surprised at the number of sunblocks that contain these ingredients.

Entrust your skin only to safe products. Choose sunblocks with all-natural ingredients such as aloe vera and shea butter which is a very effective sunscreen

Benefits of Aloe on Sun burnt Skin 02/18/2010

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Staying out in the sun for too long means ouchy

Summer is just around the corner and for many sun worshipers out there, it means spending seemingly endless days of swimming and sun bathing. So you have your sunblock ready. Sometimes though, even the thorough application of sunblock is not enough to stop UV rays from getting through our skin. You know what it means when the sun's rays reaches our unprotected skin: painful, itchy and irritating sunburn. Fortunately for all of us, there is one plant that can help heal and soothe sun burnt skin and that plant is Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera cools the skin and helps moisturize it to promote healing. It contains a thick jelly like substance that is rich in anthraquinones or natural analgesics. This is what makes the plant effective against sunburn. This jelly-like substance inside Aloe Vera also contains vitamins A. C. E and amino acids which also helps to accelerate the healing process of the skin. Aloe vera is not only good in treating sun burnt skin, it is also effective in treating small cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other skin irritations.

The availability of aloe vera in gel and lotion forms make it possible for a greater number of people to conveniently experience the benefits of aloe vera. Just make sure that the aloe vera product that you will be using contains all natural ingredients that are not only effective but safe to the skin.

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is still better than cure. But sometimes even the most stringent measures are not enough to prevent the sun's rays from burning the skin. When that happens, it is comforting to know that you can rely on aloe vera.

SPA Ingredients' all-natural After-Sun Aloe Vera Gel can effectively soothe your skin after spending a long time under the sun. P250 for a 250ml bottle.

To protect your skin and prevent sunburn this summer, use our new all-natural Aloe Vera & Milk SPF 30 Sunblock in spritz bottle. P230 for a 100ml spritz bottle.

Click here to check out our Sunblock products.

Exfoliating Tools: Choosing Only The Best 07/24/2009

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Exfoliating is not just about rubbing your skin. It's also about finding the best exfoliating tools to do the right job for your skin. Take for example your heels and elbows where your skin is usually rough. These rough spots need more exfoliating action from the scrubbing medium to effectively clear out those dead skin cells.

Below are popular exfoliating tools that can suit your scrubbing needs:

Loofah & Gloves

> This is a mainstay tool that most bathrooms have. Moisten the loofah well so it will soften and apply a shower gel for easy scrubbing. While it is effective in scrubbing and removing the top layer of the epidermis, it is also a hotel for bacteria so always remember to thoroughly rinse it to wash off dirt and traces of soap. A better way of rinsing it is by running it under warm water and then hang the loofah to dry.

Pumice Stone

> Pumice is a light, porous lava ejected from a volcano. It is best used in rough spots like heels and elbows. It is also great for callouses.

Body Brush

> This can either be used dry or wet. When using it wet, moisten it well and use a shower gel for easier exfoliation. Dry brushing is also very beneficial for the skin not only because it removes layers of dead skin but it also tightens the skin to prevent premature aging, stimulates circulation, promotes movement of the lymphatic system, increases your level of stimulation, reduces skin infections and irritations and of course, it softens and smoothens your skin.

Buffing Sponge

> Sponges are best for dry and sensitive skin. Use with a gently cleanser and match it with gentle circular scrubbing motion.

Microdermabrasion

> Also known as Microderm, it is a cosmetology procedure used in most day spas and medical spas. Procedure is not very painful and does not require anaesthetic. There are several types of microdermabrasion like Crystal Microderm, Diamond Microderm and Home Microderm. It is designed not only to remove layers of dead skin cells but also to reduce scars, lesions, stretch marks, etc. This procedure is quite expensive and require frequent visits to take effect.

Exfoliation Creams

> These are creams, gels, polishes, body scrubs that contain grains or beads that gently exfoliates the skin. Always look at the ingredients of the scrub creams that you are buying because some of them might contain plastic micro beads that can cause harm to your skin and to our environment. Remember to choose products that contain only natural and organic ingredients so you can be sure that only the best products come in contact with your skin.

**Trivia: Did you know that plastic microbeads are also called Nurdles or Mermaid Tears. They are plastic resin pellets and is a major contributor to marine debris. Marine life is threatened with these nurdles because creatures like krill and other small fishes choke on these plastic pellets and die prematurely and instantaneously.

Salts & Sugars

> You can make your own salt or sugar scrub by mixing it with a healthy oil such as olive oil or virgin coconut oil.

Choose only the best ingredients for your exfoliating needs.

Choose SPA Ingredients. :)

Click here to check out our organic body scrubs or click here to see our luxurious Epsom salt scrubs.

Exfoliate: Doing It The Right Way 07/22/2009

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If you want to keep your skin looking radiant, healthy and youthful, you must exfoliate regularly. By removing the top layer of the dead skin cells, you are making room for your new cells which makes your skin appear smoother, softer and less wrinkled skin.

Here are some tips on how to properly exfoliate so you can achieve a healthy looking, clear skin:

> Before getting into the shower, gently dust off dry skin using a dry exfoliating brush, loofah or gloves. Start at the soles of your feet and work your way up.

> Get into the shower and moisten your skin.

> If you are using a scrubbing tool such as loofah, glove, washclothe or an exfoliating brush, be sure to use a body wash or gel with it to help you gently rub the exfoliating tool on your skin. You can also use exfoliating cleansers like body scrub creams that have micro beads inside, sugar or salt scrub preparations.

> Use gentle, circular motions while scrubbing

> Rub rough spots like heels and elbows with a heavier exfoliant like pumice stone. Remember to use a shower gel to make the surface more slippery.

> Apply a heavy lotion or body butter after exfoliating. Take note that exfoliating can dry your skin and you need to put back the moisture back in.

> Use body moisturizers at least once a day. Re-hydrating the skin is as important as exfoliating it.

> If you have a very sensitive skin, remember to choose the least abrasive exfoliating medium and use little friction as possible.

> Most important of all, DO NOT OVER EXFOLIATE. A gentle rubbing of the skin can easily remove the dead skin cells. Vigorous rubbing can cause more damage than good to your skin's health. Not only will you get minor abrasions and an extremely dry skin, you'll also risk bursting the delicate blood vessels in the skin and your skin may appear flushed. This condition, known as Telangiectasia, can be treated by laser surgery.

Exfoliating is not just for spa enthusiasts, it's for everyone who cares about their skin. Scrub regularly and make it a way of life!

Tomorrow's topic: Exfoliating mediums and tools! Know what they're for and what they're made of!

Exfoliate: Why You Should Do It Regularly 07/21/2009

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If you are an avid user of soap during bath time (which I hope you are), then you should be aware that you must not only cleanse your skin of dust, germs and other unwanted particles but you should also take time to remove the dead skin cells in your body through exfoliation.

Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface and has been practiced for many years to maintain the skin's beauty. Many have overlooked its importance and benefits to the body so let me explain how it can help your skin look and feel younger.

Process of Natural Skin Erosion:

When new skin cells form on the dermis, or the skin's lower layer, the older cells migrate to the surface of the skin and becomes acidic. It takes them 30 days to journey to the surface and simultaneously, they die and become saturated with a protein that protects the skin from outside elements, or better known as Keratin.

And through the aging process, especially for women who are on their post-menopausal stage, the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven thus resulting to a rough and dry character of the skin that eventually leads to wrinkle formation and development.

Importance of Exfoliation:

> Removes dead skin cells to reveal new, softer, clearer and glowing skin

> Helps in boosting blood circulation as you massage deep into your skin

> Promotes appearance of vibrant skin

> Prevents clogged pores

> Allows better absorption of moisturizers, body oils and other skin care products

So you see, exfoliating is a very important and vital part in cleaning our bodies. Not only does it clean out the old cells and make way for the new cells but it also aids in blood circulation and pore cleansing. While there are a lot of people who have overlooked the many benefits of exfoliating, there are those who overdo it by vigorously rubbing an exfoliant on their skin. This can be harmful for the skin as it can cause minor abrasions, irritations, etc. A gentle exfoliation done once or twice a week will prove to be very advantageous for your skin's wellness.

Watch out for tomorrow's exciting blog about How to Properly Exfoliate and know the correct way of using the different exfoliating tools and mediums!

Check out SPA Ingredients' Exfoliating Mediums by clicking here or here.

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