3 Active ingredients found in the products I use during the treatments.
AHA – Glycolic Acid
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Glycolic acid, hydroxyacetic acid.
ORIGIN
Sugar cane, sugar beet. However, 99% of AHAs used in cosmetic products come from laboratory synthesis.
ACTION MODE
In lower concentrations (4% and -), AHAs act as hydration “magnets” (enhance hydration at the superficial layers of the skin). At concentrations greater than 4% and with a proper acid pH (3-4), AHAs can have an exfoliating action by degrading the links that tie cells together.
The most efficient and scientifically proven AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids.
INTERESTING FACT
AHAs may irritate the mucous membranes and skin. It is preferable to gradually build tolerance for AHAs.
ALLANTOIN
SCIENTIFIC NAME
(2,5-Dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl) urea, 5-ureidohydantoine.
ORIGIN
Of natural origin, allantoin is derived from the camphor plant. It can be synthesized in a laboratory.
ACTION MODE
Allantoin is famous for its hydrating, soothing and anti-irritating properties. It is a potent ingredient, even at lower concentrations (over 0.1%).
INTERESTING FACT
Allantoin is used for wound healing, burns and cutaneous ulcers. It aids in cell regeneration and granulation (skin repair step) of the skin.
Ingredient found in the cleansers…
SWEET ALMOND OIL
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Prunus dulcis.
ORIGIN
Derived from plant origin, sweet almond oil is extracted from the fruit of the almond tree, found in drier regions of Europe and California.
ACTION MODE
Sweet almond oil is used as a moisturizing ingredient in cosmetic formulations and as a vehicle in aromatherapy products. It does not leave greasy residues when topically applied. Rich in vitamin A, sweet almond oil is recommended for dry, mature skin.
INTERESTING FACT
People allergic to nuts should avoid the topical use of sweet almond oil.
Used as carrier oil for the Aromatherapy or Swedish massages…
SOME VITAMINS ARE ANTI-OXYDANTS
VITAMIN E
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Tocopherol, a-tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate.
ORIGIN
Vitamin, vegetable oil.
ACTION MODE
Recognized antioxidant properties, fights the signs of photoaging.
INTERESTING FACT
Liposoluble vitamin (soluble in oil). There are 8 forms of vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol and tocotrienols have been shown to be the best against free radicals.
VITAMIN A
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Retinoid, retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde.
ORIGIN
Vitamin.
ACTION MODE
Improves skin’s structure, effective against the sign of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, texture, hyperpigmentation, etc), and in the treatment of acne.
INTERESTING FACT
Unstable, photosensitizing (enhances sensitivity to sun light), may cause irritation. Use a sun protection on a daily basis when on a vitamin A treatment.
VITAMIN C
SCIENTIFIC NAME
L-ascorbic acid
ORIGIN
Vitamin.
ACTION MODE
Powerful antioxidant, decreases the signs of cutaneous aging.
INTERESTING FACT
Products containing L-ascorbic acid may be unstable but this forme of vitamin C is the most potent on the market.
Antioxydants
Definition
The antioxydants indicate chemical substances contained in our food such as the vitamins and trace elements.
Description
While reacting with the free radicals (Free radicals come from smoking, pollution, poisons, fried foods, and as a by-product of normal metabolism) responsible for the deterioration of the cells of the organization when they are in excess, the antioxydants are a means of fighting effectively against the ageing and the appearance of certain diseases. The antioxydants are in the vitamins C, E and A, like in trace elements (zinc, Sélénium) or in the Polyphenols (flavonoïdes and tannins in particular). Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, drink tea, coffee or wines to fill the tank in antioxydants.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Reflexology treatment
This whole body treatment was first introduced in the West by Dr. William Fitzgerald in 1913.
At this time Dr. Fitzgerald was a medical professional, working as an ear, nose and throat specialist and surgeon. However, when working with patients’ feet, the doctor noted that when he applied pressure to specific parts, it sometimes affected another portion of the body in a positive way. Working from this newfound theory, Dr. Fitzgerald created his first reflexology chart. He divided the body into ten vertical zones. The zones traced reflexes on the hands and feet, and noted that when pressure was applied to these “zones” other areas and organs of the body responded.
Today, a reflexology therapist will still apply acupressure and massage to the ears, hands and feet within these same zones. The client is said to benefit from improved circulation, detoxification, reduced tension and the body’s ability to heal itself. The Association of Reflexologists claims that this treatment method can be effective for back pain, migraines, infertility, arthritis and many other problems.
During a reflexology appointment, the therapist will ask you questions to determine your present condition. She or he will then apply pressure to the hands and feet - according to a reflexology foot map. Different spots will, theoretically, have an effect on different internal organs. So, you press on spot X on the sole of the foot, and healing takes place in, say, internal organ Y.
Reflexology tools are based on this same map that traces the reflexes in the human body. You can buy several popular tools to use at home, including:
Reflexology gloves - to massage the palms
Reflexology mats - for use in meditation and yoga
Reflexology socks - a reflexology foot chart printed on a sock
Reflexology kits - that often include a mix of foot and hand therapies
According to some reflexologists, stimulating nerve endings in these extremities has an effect on the whole body’s nervous system, which promotes healing. Others take a more mystical approach, believing that “life energy” can be blocked or put into imbalance, and reflexology corrects this.
We all know that having our feet massaged feels good - especially after a hard day of work. A good feeling can lead to endorphin release and decreased stress.
--> from "massagetherapies101.com"
At this time Dr. Fitzgerald was a medical professional, working as an ear, nose and throat specialist and surgeon. However, when working with patients’ feet, the doctor noted that when he applied pressure to specific parts, it sometimes affected another portion of the body in a positive way. Working from this newfound theory, Dr. Fitzgerald created his first reflexology chart. He divided the body into ten vertical zones. The zones traced reflexes on the hands and feet, and noted that when pressure was applied to these “zones” other areas and organs of the body responded.
Today, a reflexology therapist will still apply acupressure and massage to the ears, hands and feet within these same zones. The client is said to benefit from improved circulation, detoxification, reduced tension and the body’s ability to heal itself. The Association of Reflexologists claims that this treatment method can be effective for back pain, migraines, infertility, arthritis and many other problems.
During a reflexology appointment, the therapist will ask you questions to determine your present condition. She or he will then apply pressure to the hands and feet - according to a reflexology foot map. Different spots will, theoretically, have an effect on different internal organs. So, you press on spot X on the sole of the foot, and healing takes place in, say, internal organ Y.
Reflexology tools are based on this same map that traces the reflexes in the human body. You can buy several popular tools to use at home, including:
Reflexology gloves - to massage the palms
Reflexology mats - for use in meditation and yoga
Reflexology socks - a reflexology foot chart printed on a sock
Reflexology kits - that often include a mix of foot and hand therapies
According to some reflexologists, stimulating nerve endings in these extremities has an effect on the whole body’s nervous system, which promotes healing. Others take a more mystical approach, believing that “life energy” can be blocked or put into imbalance, and reflexology corrects this.
We all know that having our feet massaged feels good - especially after a hard day of work. A good feeling can lead to endorphin release and decreased stress.
--> from "massagetherapies101.com"
Monday, September 21, 2009
Glycolic peel treatments.
A few weeks ago a client came to me to get some advices to a better skin. She tried many products but it seemed that none of them worked the way she wanted.
Symptoms : She had small scars and small "bumps" on the lower jaw caused by squeezing pimples. Her "T-zone" was oily with enlarged pores and she didn't have that brightness that healthy skins have.
I advised her to try a package of glycolic treatments and see if it helped.
The skin already improved after the first treatment and got more brightness... we just finished the package of 6 treatments and almost all the scars and "bumps" have disappeared; the colour of the skin is much healthier, and there is definitely an improvement on the T-zone area.
So how glycolic peels work??
Symptoms : She had small scars and small "bumps" on the lower jaw caused by squeezing pimples. Her "T-zone" was oily with enlarged pores and she didn't have that brightness that healthy skins have.
I advised her to try a package of glycolic treatments and see if it helped.
The skin already improved after the first treatment and got more brightness... we just finished the package of 6 treatments and almost all the scars and "bumps" have disappeared; the colour of the skin is much healthier, and there is definitely an improvement on the T-zone area.
So how glycolic peels work??
The Glycolic Peel is a safe and painless exfoliation process that removes a micro-thin top layer of skin. This form of skin rejuvenation uses glycolic acid to remove damaged cells on the top layer of skin. Removal of damaged cells stimulates cell division that results in plumper, healthier young cells.
How does it feel?
How long does it last?
Mild Glycolic Acid-based peels take about 10 minutes. Most people notice a change in the skin right away. For optimal effect it is recommended that Glycolic Peels are performed weekly for six weeks.
AHA peels (glycolic peels) are used to:
- reduce fine wrinkling
- treat areas of dryness
- reduce uneven pigmentation
- aid in the control of acne
- smooth rough dry skin
- improve the texture of sun-damaged skin
AHA peels may:
- cause stinging
- cause skin redness
- cause mild skin irritation
- cause dryness
- take multiple treatments for desired results
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