When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.
~Chinese Proverb
Friday Thought
January 29th, 2010Spokesmodels?
January 27th, 2010I have come across a few articles lately illustrating the unrealistic beauty standard that is set for us by the media and advertising.
I like to believe that physical beauty starts with health, both inside and out. And although everybody has an individual opinion regarding what looks beautiful to them, healthy glowing bright skin is a perfect foundation.
This is why the recent commercials for Loreal’s ”Visible Lift” line struck me as odd. It would be hard to argue that Linda Evangelista is not a beautiful woman, but her declaration that she regularly uses Botox makes her testimonial regarding ”anti-aging” skincare and make-up seem a little hollow.
“I’m 41, and it’s work being me,” she says in the magazine. “It’s a lot of upkeep. I’m pro-cosmetic procedure. I use Botox and I’m not afraid to say it.”
Here at Sano we believe that there is a place for all types of skincare, and that is true for cosmetic procedures and Botox treatments as well. We all want to feel our best and sometimes that involves more invasive procedures. But women are being mislead about the potential of “anti-aging” products and what “looking younger” really means. Although this realization is nothing new, it always disturbs me to see such obvious illustrations of the problem.
Beauty Sleep
January 25th, 2010Do something good for yourself while you sleep! This is your chance for deep, uninterrupted, uncompromised skincare. Here are my tips for best utilizing this time.
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Wash your face before you go to bed. Do a thorough job. Wash away all your makeup, and all the environmental pollution that accumulated on your skin over the course of the the day.
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Treat yourself to a treatment product. Whether this is a mask while you drink a cup of tea and read in bed, an exfoliating treatment that leaves your skin bright and new, or a deeply hydrating night cream while you sleep this is the time to use it. Enjoy it! Make it a ritual by taking the time for yourself.
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Hydrate. Don’t let the moisture from your skin escape while you rest. Take advantage of the fact that you aren’t putting on make-up and use a heavier cream, like a night-specific moisturizer. By the morning it will have all absorbed.
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Remember that for the whole night you are tucked a way in your peaceful room. The air is clean, your pillow case is soft and the energy that is used for many other body functions during the day can focus on tissue repair.
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In the morning, most people do not have to re-wash their skin. Unless your skin is quite oily, and you can feel the build up on your skin the best thing to do is simply rinse. Use a lukewarm to cool temperature water to avoid dehydrating your skin. Follow with a toner and moisturizer and any makeup you choose to wear.
Reader Question – Why is Smoking so Bad for My Skin?
January 15th, 2010If you need one more reason to quit smoking, here it is. Smoking is terrible for your skin.
The blood in our bodies transports oxygen and nutirents throughout our system and to our organs, the largest of which is our skin. When a person inhales tobacco smoke, highly toxic carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen that our blood should be absorbing from our breath and is delivered throughout the body in it’s place. Additionally the nicotine in cigarettes narrows the blood vessels in the outer most layers of skin. This impairs blood flow to the area resulting in an even further depletion of the oxygen (as well and many other nutrients) needed to keep skin cells healthy.
Tobacco smoke blocks the absorption of the essential nutrient Vitamin C in our bodies. Among it’s many functions, Vitamin C is responsible for the preservation of collagen in our skin. Damaged collagen leads to loss of tone and elasticity as well as deep wrinkling. Smoking also reduces the bodies supply of Vitamin A which helps the skin protect itself from sun damage and regulates the production of oil in the skin.
There is a cocktail of 4000+ chemicals in cigarette smoke that includes ammonia and arsenic. Inhaling these toxins forces our liver into overdrive in an effort to expel them. This compromises the livers ability to perform it’s normal functions which causes the skin to take on a yellow or gray cast.
Repeated puckering and squinting results in deep wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.
So, can the damage be reversed? Truthfully, if you have been a life long smoker, probably not completely. But healthy choices, including a quality skincare routine, can do a lot towards making skin look young and vibrant again. And remember, if you are a new smoker who had yet to see the effects of smoking on your skin, much of this damage can’t be seen until 10-20 years after beginning smoking. The choices we make, good or bad, have a cumulative effect on our skin. Making healthy choices today will help to insure you are looking your best tomorrow.
A Winter Special…Renew in the New Year!
January 11th, 2010Although the winter in Vermont is beautiful, the cold air and drying indoor heat is not kind to our skin. Deep winter is an important time to take steps to heal and protect our skin for the coming months. In the spirit of feeling refreshed and renewed in the New Year, I would like to encourage you all to do something good for yourself. And of course here at SANO, we want to help you do something good for your skin and your soul.
Decleor’s AromaExpert facials are designed to target specific skin concerns and can help nourish, detox, soothe and refresh. What a nice way to start a new decade!
Your skin may feel dull and dehydrated from cozying up by a warm fire. Decleor’s Expert Hydra Force mask uses apple pectin to soften and soothe itchy skin and orange powder as a source of vitamin C to add radiance. Perhaps your skin is feeling congested after many late nights and celebrations with family and friends. The Mate and Pure Expert mask uses tea tree to put an end to inflammation and breakouts, willow extract (which contains salicylic acid) to refine skin’s texture and white lotus flower to to purify by balancing bacterial flora. Or maybe being out on the mountain has left your skin red and overly sensitised. The Harmonie Extreme Expert mask calls on essential oils of chamomile, marjoram, lavender, neroli and rose to soothe and calm while kudzu extract works to block the mechanisms that trigger sensitivity reactions.
For the month of January come in and enjoy a free Expert Mask upgrade to any 1 hour facial, or take advantage of the free mask with an hour and half service and pay only $115 (a $20 savings!). The Expert Masks offer highly targeted and effective ingredients to address any skin concern. If you are not sure which mask or nourishing facial treatment is right for you don’t worry! A skin consultation is included in each facial service. Don’t forget we also offer free 10 minute skin consultations and are always happy to discuss personal skin questions in the store, on the phone or via e-mail.
Even in the cold and dry winter, your skin can look and feel it’s best! Call to discuss any questions you may have, and set up an appointment to renew and relax. Start your new year by doing something great for yourself.
