Saturday, January 28, 2012

Spa Girl answers a question on liquid vs. gel collagen


One Spa Girl asked...

I have a question for you about collagen product absorption. I was told that a gel collagen won't penetrate deeply into the skin, it has to be a liquid form.  What are your thoughts?  I would also like to know about Retinoids.

Retinoid is of course vitamin A which helps in unclogging pores, boosting collagen helping to reduce fine lines, and speeds up cell turnover.  You will also notice clearer softer and brighter skin tone.  I have a prescription from my dermatologists which I use twice a week and I really have noticed a difference.  In photos dating back several years the difference is day and night.  My skin looks younger, definitely less wrinkles and brighter.

There are three prescription-strength retinoids that I am familiar with: tretinoin (brands include Atralin, Avita, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin). You should however check with your dermatologist if you decide to go this route.

Liquid vs. gel collagen...

Liquid collagen has become a popular dietary supplement helping promote weight loss, nail and hair growth and strengthen ligaments & bones. It is also used for to promote younger more youthful looking skin.

Liquid collagen contains amino acids, proteins and vitamins and is used to reduce the breakdown of collagen. It's composition is glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine. From my research, liquid collagen comes in both a liquid form and a gel form, and can be given as a shot. The liquid form of the collagen is absorbed into the blood stream more quickly than the gel form. The gel is rubbed into and absorbed by the skin, which reaches the deepest layers of the skin and provides higher levels of protein.

Needless to say as we age, natural collagen decreases, however the body has the ability to rebuild itself with proper nutrition and diet. Adding more vitamin C (which helps the body manufacture collagen and increases antioxidant protection) or glucosamine in a daily diet helps promote collagen formation naturally.

I also found this...

Another commonly-used cell-stimulant is a substance that combines Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide, usually found under its patented name Matrixyl 3000. In addition to aiding in the repair of aging tissue, Matrixyl 3000 supports the skin’s ‘framework’, making it stronger and more elastic. However, no anti-aging product would be complete without using Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a substance that is vital in attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, effectively ‘plumping’ it out from within. HA has the ability to hold more than 1000 times its weight in water and because it is such an essential lubricant, it is often also included in joint pain products. Adding moisture to aging, dehydrated skin will have a rejuvenating effect, making the skin appear healthy and youthful.
More information can be found at: http://www.totalbeautyanswers.com/wrinklecream

And lastly, as I have written about in previous blogs, the best preventative step for skin care and fewer wrinkles is sunscreen, sunscreen, suncreen.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Spa Girl checks into the AquaTerre Spa


Continuing my love affair with  Vancouver Island, we spent a relaxing week during my winter break exploring the island which was often shrouded in a magical mist. 
One of our overnights was at the Pacific Shores Resort & Spa located on the shores of the Georgia Straight, at Nanoose Bay.   

The AquaTerre Spa  at Pacific Shores offers a variety of treatments to select from.  They were fully booked with spa goers using their spa stocking stuffers.  

Treatments range in price from $45.oo for a 40 minute Essential Manicure to $150.00 for a 1.5 hour Pure Balance--massage with chakra balancing.  The Spa also offers three outstanding Spa Packages ranging in price from $245.oo for a 3.5 hour Quick pick me up to a 7 hour Pure Bliss package at $535.00.

The spa kindly fit me in for a Radiance Renewal facial (30 minutes/$65) using a lovely line of Guinot skin care products.  Guinot was the first to manufacture skin care products containing 56 active biological ingredients essential to cellular life. My skin was radiant and had a youthful glow after only 30 minutes, I can only imagine how I would have looked after an hour+ in the hands of this master esthetician!
Their story... 
Founded in France over forty years ago by Rene Guinot, a well-known chemist, the collection of skincare products, now known throughout the world as Guinot Paris, began with a focused approach to treating the skin with the now well-known Hydradermie treatment. From this beginning concept moved ahead with products compatible with those used in spa treatment made available for clients’ use at home.
Benefits of Guinot skin care products: 
·   Proven history: Founded in France over forty years ago by Rene Guinot, a well-known chemist
·   Based on natural ingredients: Guinot skin care products are a natural botanical based skin care line
·   Active ingredients: Each formula is packed with active ingredients and botanical extracts from fruit and plant sources
·   Customized for your needs: Guinot skin care products provide custom formulations based on specific skin care needs to treat and prevent skin problems and disorders
·   Anti-aging capabilities: With its unique combination of 56 biological active ingredients in all "Longue Vie" products


·       Indoor ozonated pool, sauna & hot tub
·       Outdoor heated thermal pools
·       24-hour outdoor hot tub overlooking the ocean
·       Fitness Centre
·       Complimentary kayaks
·       Botanical gardens

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Spa Girl says Happy New Year--May 2012 be kind to all of us...



As I slide comfortably into the New Year I have been reflecting on all that took place in 2011--so many things to be thankful for and the delight & wonder that is all around us.  I am also remembering those who I have loved and have lost. 


We can get so caught up in our own busyness and overlook the magic of each day or the import of those who lives have touched ours.   I dedicate this blog post to two of my remarkable friends who touched my life profoundly.

My Dear Friend Sandy Wiseman
1944 - 2011
The remarkable Indigo Sweetwater
1952 - 2011
May 2012 be kind to all of us and my wish is that everyone will take the much needed time throughout this new year to pamper yourself, go to the spa and create a home-sanctuary.  After all, it is all about taking care of yourself!

In this spirit I came home today and slide into a nice effervesce steam bath.  Such a treat! With mist whirling around my head and aromatherapy oils filling the air with such calm and tranquillity it was a pleasure to relax and enjoy a few moments for myself.


When it is extra-ordinarily busy and I am feeling stressed I often pull out of my library a little gem of a book--50 Ways to Pamper Yourself-- by Stephanie Tourles.  I received this book several years ago from the parents of a good friend and I love it.  There are so many practical tips (great suggestions we all know) but forget to do.

One of my favourite tips is simply "If it feels good, do it".

  • Sing all day long--children do.
  • Skip everywhere you go. 
  • Give your feet a vacation.
  • And for those spending their holidays in the sun...Collect colourful seashells on the beach. 
To Celebrate the New Year, here is a Sensual Oil Blend for the "oh so relaxing" soak...





Mix together 3/4 cup jojoba oil with 1/4 teaspoon each of sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver.  Store in dark glass bottle away from heat and light.  Add 2 teaspoons to the bath while the tub is running and be careful when climbing in.

Happy New Year Everyone...