Spa Girl says what could be better than Argan Oil & Organic Rose Essential Oil

Several years ago I purchased my own massage table and have the RMT come to my home. It is so consoling not to have to fight traffic coming and going and often am so relaxed by the end of my massage I fall asleep --such a pleasure!

During this time I have explored a number of massage oils and recently discovered a great product from the Yves Rocher line Botanical Beauty.

Rocher created Botanical Beauty 50 years ago in the attic of his family home in the heart of Bretagne, France.  Insisting on quality, the company manages every step in the production cycle, from harvesting all their own organically grown plants, to manufacturing the best ingredients in their  factories.  To ensure the best price point Yves Rocher also handles all distribution of their products by mail-order, through selected stores, beauty institutes and on-line.  And this Spa Girl is a big fan of on-line shopping.

The product is Oriental Massage Elixir, which nicely nourishes and restores the skin; and for someone with very dry skin (like me) it is ideal!  

This "magic" elixir is made from organic Argan Oil, which seems to be appearing in a number of product lines these days, and includes aromatic organic rose essential oil.  The fragrance is very subtle, and not overwhelming.

Argan Trees Morocco

Valued for possessing nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties Argan Oil, which is produced from the kernels of the argan tree, found in Morocco,  contains vitamin E, phenols, carotenes, squalene, and fatty acids.  

Research has found that Argan Oil is beneficial in the reduction of wrinkles, as a anti-aging agent, fight against acne, dry skin, as a  hair treatment, assists with hair growth, reduces stretch marks, heels cracked feet and psoriasis.

Argan oil has a myriad of benefits for beauty. 

Argan oil is an antioxidant– known as nature’s answer to botox, it is a Vitamin C and E packed oil perfect for combating free-radicals and works as an anti-aging.
Softens dry skin – Argan oils high concentration of vitamin E and essential fatty acids alleviates skin complications like dry skin or dry patches.
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles–Applying under the eye results in the reduced appearance of crinkly lines under the eye.
Reduces skin imperfections – with regular use Argan oil for skin has been shown to heal acne blemishes and prevent new breakouts.

Traditional method of producing Argan Oil

Yves Rocher

http://www.yvesrocher.ca/control/main?setLocale=en_CA&shopId=SEO_G&gclid=CPiwt8nA0bACFUEGRQodJxtdXw

Argan Oil | The Next Huge Thing or Beauty Scam?

http://www.reinventingaging.org/skin-care/argan-oil/argan-oil/

Is argan oil really as good as 'liquid gold' for skin?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/fashion-and-beauty/beauty/is-argan-oil-really-as-good-as-liquid-gold-for-skin/article4100165/

Spa Girl's lovely lemon facial cleanser

There are many products available to cleanse your face, however I prefer natures best, all natural and that means lemons!

Lemons are known for their anti-aging power and natural acidity, when combined with healthy probiotics from yogurt this DIY facial cleanser will clean and infuse your face with good bacteria. Lemons are also a stress-reducing super citrus fruit.

This is an ideal summer cleanser when repeating applications of sun screen and make up can build up.

Here is what you do... 1.5 tbsp plain organic yogurt / 1.5 tsp lemon juice / 2 drops essential lemon oil.    Mix all ingredients together. Dip a cotton facial pad in the mixture and remove make-up. Repeat as many times as needed using a new pad until all your make-up is removed.   This facial cleanse will not keep, so use it right away and discard any left over.

Enjoy!

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx

http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/eo_lemon.html

Spa Girl loves the sun but not sunburns--what to do?

I'm definitely a sun goddess, but I don't like sunburns and I definitely want to take care of my skin and not look like a prune as I age.

Ask anyone who knows even a little bit about taking care of your skin and they will tell you the sun is the worst offender when it comes to skin damage, wrinkles, skin cancer, premature aging skin, and the list goes on.

  

With the new regulations in place, and new products coming on stream, selecting a good product has become much more complicated and finding the "one" that suits your skin type and textual appeal is so important.  Having a top of the line product and not wearing it daily, just doesn't cut it. 

Three decades in the making, new legislation has been put into place that requires a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect from the sun's radiation with both UVB (causes the skin to burn) and UVA (causes the skin to wrinkle). This legislation indicates sunscreen products must contain  both UVB and UVA with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.  The rules will also ban sunscreen manufacturers from claiming their products are waterproof or sweat proof because such claims are simply not true.

Sunscreen products represent a $680 million+ domestic market which continues to grow as the boomers age and with alarming increases in the number of skin-related cancer.

Check out my blog on the new legislation @ http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=223894942292236185#editor/target=post;postID=8895463941569528760

So what does all this mean...

SPF which stands for Sun Protection Factor provides a measurement for how long you can stay in the sun using a sunscreen  product before getting burned.  SPF measures protection from sunburn caused primarily by UVB rays, but it does not effectively measure how well a sunscreen protects you from UVA rays.  It is the UVA rays that are present year-round that are the leading cause premature skin aging, including fine lines, deep wrinkles and uneven skin tone. When considering a sunscreen it is important to select one that has a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection. 

  

But don't get fooled, SPF 30 isn't twice as strong as SPF 15. While SPF 15 filters out 93% of UVB, SPF 30 filters out 97%, and UVA protection  begins to break down the moment your skin is exposed to the sun making you more susceptible to skin damage, wrinkles and premature aging.

My dermatologist recommended  Neutrogena which includes Helioplex, the first sun protection to effectively combine the ingredients avobenzone and oxybenzone for the greatest protection from ultraviolet light because of its photostable qualities.  It was specifically engineered to help provide stabilization in order to prevent the sun from breaking down UVB/UVA's effectiveness.  Neutrogena® developed the Helioplex™ technology in 2005. It was first introduced in the company’s line of Ultra Sheer® Sunblocks with SPF 55. Helioplex™ .  It was also voted #1 in texture by Canadian Dermatologists, something that appeals to me.  I like a sunscreen that is light and absorbs quickly and is not "gooey" or "heavy" on my skin.

There are however many other sunscreen products, and more hitting the shelves, which are incorporating stabilizing solvents such as Hallbrite TQ which researchers have determined when combined with UVA and UVB, help maintain their effectiveness.

And indeed there are several natural, organic sunscreens and zinc oxides to check out before deciding which one is right for your skin type and comfort level. 

Enjoy your summer, stay informed and remember sunscreen is only one of the tools to help care for your precious skin! 

WebMD asks... Wondering what to wear this summer? Get the latest facts before you buy your next sunscreen.

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/whats-best-sunscreen

Neutrogena

http://www.neutrogena.com/category/sun/helioplex-+technology.do

Sunscreen: Helioplex vs. Mexoryl

http://www.vivawoman.net/2008/06/04/sunscreen-helioplex-vs-mexoryl/

Relax, rejuvenate, & restore

Spa Girl says thank you to all the women in our life

Happy Mother's Day to all those brave women who love us, protect us, support our dreams and care about our well being.

 

Mother's and women generally tend to look after everyone else's needs before they even think about themselves.

Today give the women in your life a gift that keeps on giving, a day at the SPA!

Going to the spa is such an amazing experience, especially for those of us who tend to pamper--sometimes around the clock--all those we love and care about.  We do it naturally, without hesitation, and when treated to a day for ourselves it feels like such a guilty pleasure.  Spa Girl say GET OVER IT, charge your own batteries and put going to the spa on your "to do" list each month.

Whether you opt for a massage, manicure, pedicure, or hundreds upon hundreds of glorious spa treatments, research tell us, being touched makes us feel good about ourselves.  And needless to say, when we feel good about ourselves--those we love and care about will reap the benefits!

Tracy O Connor one of 200 bloggers from around the world contributing content to PickTheBrain.com, a website dedicated to self improvement with a focus on personal productivity, motivation, and self education shares 6 reasons why you need to be touched.

1. Feel connected to others. We are social beings, and although we all fall in different places on the introversion – extroversion scale, we all need to have that sense of connection to other members of our tribe. While some of that connection can come from having conversations with others, touch also plays an important role in human communication. 

2. Reduce anxiety. Simply touching another person can make us feel more secure and less anxious. It can make us feel grounded and safe and not so all alone. It’s not just children who could use a warm, reassuring hug to make things a little better, so if you’re feeling like a bundle of nerves, go ahead and ask for a hug. 

3. Bonding. Touch is one of the ways romantic partners bond with each other and parents bond with their children. When partners and families get busy and let touch go out the window, they’ll often find that they don’t feel as close and relationships suffer. Regular touch is one of the ways that we continually renew our bonds with those we love. 

4. Lowers your blood pressure. Studies have shown that those that get regular touch often have lower blood pressure than those that don’t. Even having a pet can have beneficial effects! Touch can also slow the heart rate and help speed recovery times from illness and surgery. 

5. Improve your outlook. It’s harder to get into a pessimistic funk when you feel the confidence of being connected to others. Touch can make people feel more optimistic and positive and less cynical and suspicious. A positive, trusting attitude towards others can reduce tension in our daily lives and improve our relationships. 

6. Give us the sensory input that we crave. Scientists are just discovering how truly important it is to exercise all our physical senses for proper brain and emotional development. All the various kinds of touch from butterfly kisses to deep tissue massage send our brains the physical inputs it needs to make sense of the world. So, along with touching other people and pets, make time to explore different textures and touch sensations such as letting cool sand run through your fingers or taking a warm relaxing bath. 

Don’t let yourself get too busy that you starve yourself of touch. It’s important for your physical, mental and emotional well being to touch others and let others touch you.

We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth—Virginia Satir, family therapist

"Extensive research by the University of Miami's Touch Research Institute has revealed that human touch has wide-ranging physical and emotional benefits for people of all age groups. In the Institute's experiments, touch lessened pain, improved pulmonary function, increased growth in infants, lowered blood glucose and improved immune function."

http://www.livestrong.com/article/186495-importance-of-human-touch/

PickTheBrain.com, a website dedicated to self improvement with a focus on personal productivity, motivation, and self education.

http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/

New York Times: Evidence That Little Touches Do Mean So Much

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/23mind.html

http://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/02/science/the-experience-of-touch-research-points-to-a-critical-role.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

Complementary Healthcare Information Service - UK

http://www.chisuk.org.uk/articles/result.php?key=63

Spa Girl shares her own life experience...

Celebrating Christmas on Vancouver Island, 2011

I have been pondering this post for some time. As someone whose career often puts me in the public spotlight--I am the Executive Director of an art museum--I carefully protect my privacy and don't often share my more persona lexperiences.

Writing this blog has really changed the way I interact. Doing research for the SpaGirl blog--research is a passion--and sharing this information with my virtual readershiphas been a wonderful `public` experience, and I have learned so much, not only about myself, but the vast and often complex world of alternative health care, which of course includes the spa industry.

My Mom, me & my two sisters

My mom, as I have written in many of my posts, was a woman ahead of her time and a firm believer in alternative health care, so my own interest has come very naturally. However in 2007 it also became critical to my own overall well-being.

As someone who rarely got sick it came as a immense shock, when in 2007, I was diagnosed with leukemia. It was indeed a turning point in my life and in coming to terms with a "new normal".

I had no recourse other than traditional therapies, but the moment I was able to leave the hospital, and with the blessing and sage advice of my wonderful medical team (both traditional and alternative) I began looking at all the alternatives to compliment the traditional treatment I was receiving. I do however want to mention that while in the hospital I was offered, and did participate in, a 'heavenly' aromatherapy inhalation program. This exciting mix of traditional and non-traditional medicine is something, I believe, should and will continue to develop.

Sandy Wiseman

A wonderful writer and one of my very dear friends, who lost her battle with cancer started a blog a months into her own treatment. Sandy asked everyone she knew going through their own struggle to write about their personal experiences and to make suggestions for those who were just learning about their own diagnosis's. Always the first one to volunteer, lend a hand and connect people, it was one of her ways of giving back, helping others as they considered all their own treatment options.

This is what I posted October, 2010...

The day I learned I had leukemia was a major turning point in my life. As I write this, I am working on the second obstacle of this journey; the day my doctors tell me the chronic graft vs. host disease (cGVHD) I’ve developed from my stem cell transplant is vanishing.

Relay for Life, 2011

Until then, I strive to enjoy every day of my life and feel extremely grateful and remarkably humble to have come this far. There are days where I don’t feel 100 per cent and know I may be managing this disease for many years to come, as it may never go away. But rising to this challenge is all about “moving forward.” The day after my diagnosis I made the decision I’d “get on with it” after all, what choice did I have, and that’s what I've been doing ever since.

I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) November 7, 2007, admitted to Vancouver General Hospital, Nov. 11 and under went chemotherapy treatments and a bone marrow transplant before pleading with my doctors to let me come home to Kamloops to accept an Honorary Doctorate from Thompson Rivers University, June, 2008.

Being home, after almost eight months living in a different city, I was surrounded by an amazing support system of friends and family which was wonderful. However, I am still connected via email, Skype and regular visits to my dedicated doctors at VGH. They insist I be a major part of my treatment and offer the best support as we work to over come various hurdles of living with my sister’s stem cells; she and I were a 10 of 10 match giving me a great prognosis for success. Kudos go to Beth (who travelled from Vermont) and was my caregiver for 11 months. We attended workshops at Inspire Health, a great organization based in Vancouver that offers advice on alternative treatments as well as dispensing loads of hope and laughter; walked with friends; changed my diet to more vegetables and fruit and less meats and sugar.

Trying different health related modalities is tricky when you’re fighting Leukemia/cGVHD as you cannot do anything that will boost the immune system, which is being suppressed so it won't attack your own body. I've learned to take more (highly controlled) medication than I have in my entire life. I continue to meditate as I have done for years; I do regular massage work and many other spa treatments, and joined some friends for a six-week healing session using a number of stress-releasing and breathing techniques. My principal doctor, who I run everything by first often smiles at me and says, "well of all my patients, you do ask some of the most interesting and odd questions", while another keeps asking if I am taking my vitamin D.

Learning to relax and release stress has been a big part of the work I’ve done while managing my disease. As someone who had a very busy career in the arts, making jewellery, and writing CV's. for friends proved fun and relaxing but also “productive" during my seventeen months of medical leave. I also started writing a blog “Spa Girl” that incorporates my love of researching ways to relax, rejuvenate and restore oneself, and I love it.

My 30+ year career has been a large part of my life and I’m pleased to be back to work as the Executive Director of the Kamloops Art Gallery. Working in the not for profit sector, one that I believe in so strongly, is another motivator to “move forward.” And the understanding and supportive board members, gallery staff and arts community in general have become a part of my support team.

For anyone facing cancer, I would encourage them to never give up, even on those days that are over-whelming and you feel like you have just had enough. Don't be afraid to ask for help, something that has taken me time to become more comfortable with, and embrace and learn from the many challenges and opportunities that come with having a life-threatening disease.

From the start I Iearned the only way to deal with having leukemia, while perhaps cliché, was to live life one day at a time, one hurdle at a time, try to enjoy every moment and keep the goal of complete recovery firmly planted in front of me.

April is Cancer month. Participate in a run, a walk, make a donation, support a friend. We can find a cure, but we must do it collectively and on the way, have a great deal of fun!

Spa Girl

CanadianCancer Society

http://www.cancer.ca/

AmericanCancer Society

http://www.cancer.org/

InspireHealth

http://www.inspirehealth.ca/

StandUp to Cancer

http://standup2cancer.org/

Just Stand Up(music video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF2gCxZneH4

LIVESTRONG.COM

http://www.livestrong.com/

Spa Girls recipe for Healthy Living

This is no April fools...healthy living in my world comes down to five important things--and today--a picture is worth a 1,000 words.  I'm off to the SPA!

Massage

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage_types.htm

Exercise
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/your-exercise-routine-how-much-is-enough

Sleep
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/02/secrets-to-a-good-night-sleep.aspx

Eating well
http://www.eatingwell.com/

Meditation
http://www.how-to-meditate.org/

Spa Girl asks what's in your Shopping Bag?

You have most likely noticed I have been writing about food and vitamins this month.  Well there is a good reason! March is Nutrition Month in North America and there is nothing more satisfying than a well planned meal--especially if you share it with friends.  And let's face it, food is a major part of our day and so important to our overall well being.  What we eat directly impacts on how our bodies function, so why not make it fun, colourful, local, organic, and nutritious.

I am a foodie and will be the first to admit that I love Spa Cuisine!  However you can't eat out everyday, so knowing how and what to prepare at home is a critical part to good nutrition. Eating Well suggests "the best way to ensure you have everything you need to prepare delicious meals is to keep a well-stocked pantry. When you cook at home you can prepare healthy, nourishing food using quality, fresh ingredients—much better than prepared food that is often loaded with calories, fats, sodium and added sweeteners."

They have provided some great tips on How to Stock Your Pantry...

http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/healthy_cooking_101/how_to_stock_your_pantry

Spa Girl asks did you know?

·       Canadians spend about 70 minutes a day on eating, while the French spend about 135 minutes a day.
·       Milk is 87% water. The nutrients, like protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals are all found in the other 13%.
·       Only 11 per cent of the salt we eat is added by the salt shaker; over 75 per cent comes from processed and restaurant foods.·       Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium from foods.
·       Fluid needs vary depending on your age and gender. Teens and adults need anywhere between 8 and 13 cups of fluid each day. Water is great, but milk, juice, soup and anything else you drink also count as fluid.
·       Carbohydrate is stored as glycogen in muscles, where it is used as a source of quick energy. If you deplete your glycogen stores during long steady intense activity like marathon running, you will become fatigued and exhausted. The only way to refill muscle glycogen stores is by eating carbohydrate-rich foods.
·       Broccoli is a source of calcium. You can get 50 mg of calcium from a 3/4 cup (175 mL) portion. Adults aged 19–50 need 1000 mg of calcium every day.
·       Avocados are a super food, relatively high in fat and calories, but one of the best foods you can eat as they are packed full of nutrients, heart-healthy compounds and  disease-fighting antioxidants.

Enjoy a lifetime of good health by making nutritious choices where you live, work, and play. Use these useful tools and science-based information that you can trust. 

http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health.aspx  and learn more about your health

Assess Yourself

Assess your current lifestyle and eating habits. Find out if you are on track or if some changes are needed.
Learn more

Plan, Shop, Cook

From tips on meal planning to delicious new recipes to try, if you like to shop, cook and eat well we’ve got tips and ideas for you!
Learn more

Nutrition A-Z

Nutrition Month 2012 is dedicated to busting up popular food and nutrition myths by bringing truths to Canadians from dietitians, the food and nutrition experts.

http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-Month/Videos.aspx

Nutrition Month 2012: 25 Common Food Myths Bustedhttp://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/03/01/nutrition-month-2012_n_1310751.html

Use these 10 tips to learning more about where food comes from and how to get your family more involved in mealtime.

http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Nutrition-Month/Get-your-kids-in-the-kitchen-and-Celebrate-food…fr.aspx

For more information on how to become or where to find a Registered Dietitian near you, go to www.dietitians.ca

Sometimes all it takes to eat healthy is a well-stocked pantry. Here are 10 tricks that will save you time in the kitchen

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/cooking/10-time-saving-food-prep-ideas-for-healthy-eating

Sustainable Table celebrates local sustainable food, educates consumers on food-related issues and works to build community 

http://www.sustainabletable.org/about/