Deep Conditioning Hand Massage

I am loving this simple routine that leaves you with soft and subtle hands, while also giving a relaxing and rejuvenating massage. Sounds good, right?!

Using a deeply penetrating aromatic cream, it works on acupressure points to re-balance your energy levels and promote relaxation. Mmmmmhhhhh. This is especially restorative to those of us who use keyboards, or any other repetitive task with our hands! You can also accompany this treatment with reviving hand and wrist exercises. For ultra subtle hands, apply the cream and a pair of cotton gloves before going to sleep. This will intensify the powers of the balm.

You can make this home-made hand cream yourself. Thanks Spice Spa!

Ingredients:
- 7 g (1/4 oz) beeswax
- 15 g (1/2 oz) cocoa butter
- 2 tbsp sweet almond oil
- 1 tbsp wheat germ oil
- 7 tsp rosewater
- 1 vitamin E capsule
- 2 drops each essential oils of rose, geranium, and black pepper

Prep:
Melt wax, cocoa butter, and oils in a bowl over a pan of boiling water and stir continuously. Remove from heat and mix in rosewater, a few drops at a time, stirring until all ingredients combine. Pick the capsule and squeeze vitamin E into the cream as you mix the essential oils. Spoon into a sterilized dark glass jar, seal, and refrigerate! PS- be sure to let your household know this isn't a spread meant for toast!

Apply and Massage:
1. Pick up a little cream with fingertips with your right hand. Apply to the back of your left hand using smooth strokes from your fingertips up to your wrist.
2. Turn your left hand over. Cupping it with your right fingers, circle your palm with your right thumb. Apply more cream as needed as you stretch out the palm to promote relaxation.
3. Turn your left hand back over. Starting at your little finger, circle each knuckle with your right thumb. Slide down each of you fingers with your right thumb and forefinger. When you get to the fingertips, briefly squeeze to stimulate the brain and promote clear thinking.
4. Repeat to the other hand, then interlink fingers and rub palms together. Flex your fingers and shake your hands. Voila!

'Spring' Into Great Skin!

Nothing cheers you up more than the weather turning from cold and gloomy to warm and fresh! Changes can be noticed all around from the flowers blooming and (for those of us in Vancouver) the rain seizing. The change in weather also means it’s time for us to re-evaluate our skin care regime! Skin preparation for winter and it’s harsh reality is not suitable for the freshness of spring.

Cold winter weather decreases circulation and perspiration of the skin. This is because the skin's naturally shedding outer layer does not turn over in cold weather as fast as in warm. The result, suppleness of the skin decreases and becomes drier, feeling more rough. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to get rid of the telltale signs of winter on your skin....Here is how you can put your best face forward as the outside beings to transform from gray to green.

- Exfoliate to remove dry skin cells that clog your pores. A simple mask made from cooled instant oatmeal can be applied for ten minutes to slough the surface of your complexion without stripping it.

- Nutrition is the basic building block to any skincare system! Spring is the easiest (and cheapest!) time to take advantage of fresh, green vegetables and fruits. Try asparagus, baby greens like spinach, and strawberries. If you can afford it try to increase the organic foods in your diet. The less toxins and pesticides we intake, the less your liver and spleen need to process!

- Sometimes your cosmetics regime needs to change too ladies. We often mask the winter dryness with full coverage foundation, and as warmer air begins to hold more moisture, this can actually cause more harm than good. Opt for a lightweight foundation with SPF protection (15 or more!). On a side note, keep your makeup colours light and fresh. Fashion magazines and style guides can give you great pointers to seasonal tastes.

- Use a light moisturizer on your face (I prefer an aloe vera or tea tree base) that is suitable for your particular skin type. As spring begins, you perspire more and heavy moisturizers tend to clog your pores. Also, moisturize your entire body.

- For our hands and feet, try soaking them for about fifteen minutes in a solution made from two parts milk to one part honey - it really works for softness! You can also try applying white petroleum jelly, put on gloves and socks and go to bed. When you wake up, you're skin will be noticeably softer.

- I know it’s hard ladies as we all want that healthy glow before baring all in our bikini’s, but PLEASE, try void tanning salons! Harmful rays strip your skin of essential moisture and can leave lasting damage. Be cautious when first spending prolonged time outdoors. The sun is now stronger and your skin is still sensitive from winter damage, making it even more susceptible to sunburn. Apply a sunscreen to protect your skin whenever you go outside.

- As always, drink six to eight glasses of water every day to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

Spring is a beautiful time, and you too should feel beautiful. The best skincare system always has a focus on prevention. With a little extra attention, you will have smooth, attractive skin and be ready to face spring!

Natural Topicals

While lifestyle is extremely important to maintain healthy and glowing skin year round, trying these natural topical treatments will work wonders. Here are some herbal remedies that are the answer to all skins problems!

Benefits of neem on skin

· Neem is a wonder herb. Since early times neem is known for its wonderful properties and marvelous results on skin. It works as blood purifier and is very helpful in eradicating toxins from the blood that are supposed to cause harm to the skin.
· Local application of neem powder or neem oil has miraculous results. It is a famous anti microbial herb, it renders all the microorganisms inactive therefore helping in proper healing of wound without causing any infections and septic conditions
· Good results have been seen on skin problems like acne and blemishes. It helps in disinfecting the hair follicles and helps in eradicating the particle which is the main culprit in blocking the pore
· Taking bath of neem leaves socked water helps our body to counter mild infections, which our body might get in day-to-day activity
· Neem helps in early healing of burns and injuries that might also helps in fading of scars that are left after the any injury
· Tropical application and internal use of neem makes us relieved from eczema and even ringworms
· Neem is very helpful in providing internal glow to the skin by providing natural supplements that are required for good and healthy skin
· Neem is extensively used in hair fall and early graying of hairs with very satisfying results.
· It also find its application in dandruff and in lice growth
· Neem is helpful in lighting dark circles which are usually caused due to life style disturbances

Effects of Tulsi, the holy basil on skin

· Tulsi behave as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent thus helps in eradicating any of the microorganisms developing on the wound and the skin.
· Tulsi is a wonderful blood purifier that helps in eradicating any toxins circulating in blood and helps us from any kind of foreign invasion there fore helps in protecting our skin from acne and other skin infections.
· It helps in normalizing our digestive system thus helpful in treating cause by which dark circles are caused.
· Tulsi is helpful in skin conditioning by improving blood circulation thereby helping each and every cell to get its part of nutrition and oxygen that helps in glowing skin
· Tulsi works as a powerful antioxidant thereby helps in preventing early aging signs and makes the skin young as never before

Wheat grass and its effects on skin

· Wheat grass has been used since ages as it is helpful in providing required vitamins and minerals that are very helpful in nourishing skin and helps it to look healthy
· Due to presence of vitamin E in wheat grass, it helps in preventing aging and also helps in maintaing shine on the skin.
· Vitamin E also helps in preventing dark circles around eyes
· It is a good remedy in any skin disorder, as it possesses the cold potency, which is helpful in curbing skin disease that are of hot potency.
· Super oxide dismutase (SOD) present in wheat grass helps in slowing the aging process of cell thus gives the property of rasayan to wheat grass
· Alanine, an amino acid helps in promoting blood formation there fore helpful in formation of RBC (red blood corpuscles), WBC (white blood corpuscles), blood platelets etc. which are helpful in providing proper nourishment and protection to cell from any foreign invasion
· Vitamins A present in wheat grass is very useful in improving vision of eyes therefore helping in providing proper nourishment to the skin under eyes preventing dark circles and sagging down of skin
· Iron is helpful in hemoglobin production therefore is helpful in increasing oxygen carrying capacity of blood and is helps in imparting pinkish colour to the skin

Amla benefits on skin

· It is very helpful in skin diseases as it has sheet virya (cold potency), it inhibits pitta dosha and thus helps in getting relief from it as all the skin disorders are caused by pitta dominance.
· Regular use of Amla promotes glow on skin and delays wrinkles or loosening of skin. Good results have been found in eczema.
· Its internal use as well as its local application on scalp gives good results in hair loss as it provides nourishment to the skin on head (scalp).
· It stimulates hair follicles thus promoting hair growth and also improves texture of the hair.
· It also prevents premature graying of hairs and dandruff, which is flaking of dead cells of the scalp.
· Indian women generally use Amla to wash their hairs, which act as natural hair conditioner as it helps in providing good nourishment and also helps in normalizing blood supply
· It is helpful in making skin glow and works as an antioxidant therefore prevents wrinkles and loosening of skin.

Aloe vera: a skin specialist herb

Aloe vera is a herb extensively used in enhancing beauty in natural way.
· Aloe vera is known to help in condition known as dermatitis (an inflammatory disease of the skin) therefore helps in relieving from it
· It stabilizes digestive system and therefore is very essential in providing proper nourishment to the skin.
· Being an herb of cold potency, it helps in fighting against any skin diseases that are caused by pitta related disorders
· It works as magic in burn cases and researches have proved its efficacy in healing wounds faster than any thing
· It is helpful in erasing blemishes and dark spots on face generally caused after pregnancy.
· It helps in fighting with acne and other allergic disorders of skin thereby making pores clear and healthy
· Helps in lightening of the skin colour, as it helps in fighting extra amount of melalin that has been produced in body
· It works as an antioxidant therefore helps in fighting with the age related changes that has occurred with growing age
· Helps in slowing down the wrinkles developing on the skin.
· Helps in increasing circulation of blood thus facilitating easier oxygen exchange between the cells thus providing them nourishment

Winter Skin Care

Oh, Winter... This lovely season takes a special toll on your skin, which is normally still recuperating from summertime! Stressed from long hot days, the drying effects of chlorine water, too much time outdoors in the summer sun, and the dehydrating effects of air conditioning (so good but oh so bad), leaves your skin ready to hibernate for the winter. Instead of getting deserved rest and rejuvenation though, winter prepares our skin for the task of defending itself against winter weather! The chilling cold in the air from the sudden change of seasons usually leave's your skin chapped and dry.

Our skin is made up of different layers. The outer epithelial layer, our epidermis, is the most likely target of our environment. This means the epidermis is constantly peeling in the hopes to rejuvenate. During this course though, the skin can dry and you tend to lose that natural glow. Winter doesn't help either! Peeling is more likely to occur during this time as the winds are dry and squeeze out the natural oily texture of the skin. Blah! This leaves skin looking rough and chapped, and feeling tight and drawn. Dont fear though, here are a few tips in taking extra care for your skin during this season!

- As always, the most important part of winter skin care is keeping the whole body hydrated. Drink around 64 ounces or more of water daily. This will help hydrate your skin to prevent dryness and itching.

- I know it can be hard ladies, but puuulease, try to llimit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you intake.

- Using a moisturizer on the face is important, but so is having the proper sun protection. Many moisturizers have ratings between 8 and 15 SPF. If the sun is shining on the snow, you may need even more protection.

- Exfoliate once a week to get rid of flaky skin. Use a type of scrub that’s made for your skin type – and always remember to be gentle. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come in ointment form contain the most oil because an ointment, by definition, consists of 80% oil and 20% water. This water-in-oil emulsion forms a protective layer on the skin and makes it more ‘moisturizing’ than creams and lotions. Ointments are especially beneficial when humidity is low. (PS - Ointments should not be used on areas of the body that tend to get hot and sweaty).

- With the heat on and the windows closed, the air inside can become very dry in the winter, causing dryness and itching. Try using a humidifier to place moisture in the air. If you don’t want to invest in an expensive humidifying system, smaller, relatively inexpensive humidifiers can be obtained at ocal drug stores.

- The most common triggers of the scratch/itch cycle are sweating and overheating. Wearing layers allows you to remove clothing as needed to prevent overheating. Be sure to wear loose-fitting cotton fabrics next to your skin. Avoid exposing skin to harsh winter elements such as freezing temperatures and drying cold winds. Dress warmly, in layers, and wear a hat, scarf and gloves when you go out in cold weather. Wear a natural lip balm to protect your lips. A light layer of ghee (clarified butter) can also work as natural lip protection!

-Sealing the skin with products are petroleum-based can trap moisture in your skin and give the feeling of protection. Since the skin also excretes, this interfere with its ability to eliminate toxins through the pores. Those trapped toxins only cause more scaling, flaking and thickening which will keep it drier than ever. The skin is then also sealed against absorbing any natural moisture that may be in the air. Try to use cosmetics and moisturizers that contain natural oils instead of petroleum-based products. Oily botanicals most closely resembles your skin's own natural oil and replenishes lost oils without clogging pores or blemishing skin.

And there you have it...

India's Spice Tradition ~ The Seasons & Your Skin

Many Westerners have been introduced to Ayurveda, a 5,000 year-old healthcare tradition. Ayurveda includes spice enhanced treatments for message, body oils, purifying wraps, masks, and scrubs. The over 2,000 herbs and spices are recognized for its unique therapeutic properties and corresponds to one of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, or earth), and one of the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, or astringent). Each spice and herb also has heating or cooling effects on the body and skin that helps to bring it back to a natural equilibrium. Different Ayurvedic combinations of spices are specifically suites to each of the three doshas…

So, you may be asking, what are doshas? The universe is composed of five elements that create three essential energies (or doshas) when combined: Vata (air & ether); Pitta (fire & water); Kapha (earth & water). It is said you are born with a unique combination of these three types. I identifying which one predominantly governs you will enable you to detect imbalances in your skin and body, so you can make changes before they lead to illness or disrupt your wellbeing.

This guide, courtesy of Susannah Marriotwill help you identify which description most closely resembles you... Thanks Spice Spa!

	Vata	Pitta	Kapha
Body Shape	Slight	Medium Build	Heavy Build
Face Shape	Angular	Heart Shape	Round
Skin Type	Thin, Dry	Reddish	Oily, Thick
Perspiration	Light	Profuse	Moderate
Appetite	Variable	Dominant	Steady
Speech	Rapid	Penetrating	Monotonous
Movement	Quick	Dynamic	Slow
Energy	Nervous	Motivated	Enduring
Enthusiasm	Volatile	Passionate	Grounded
Mindset	Changeable	Sharp	Relaxed
Mode of Action	Erratic	Confident	Methodical
Key Emotional Trait	Excitability	Fieriness	Tenderness
Sleep Pattern	Light	Sound	Deep
Stress Response	Flight	Fight	Freeze

As doshas of the seasons flow into one another, your skin’s needs change. Adapt your beauty care regime to echo this natural seasonal movement!

Sping: As winter turns into spring, the energy of pitta predominates. This is a good time to detox after stagnation of winter. Use sandalwood face masks as you relax in a bath. Choose products with detoxifying fennel and black pepper.

Summer: Counter balance the fire element of this hot and dry pitta season with coconut or sunflower oil body rubs or massages, each morning before a cool shower. You can do this yourself, or if you are lucky to have someone willing to message you have them! Rub your scalp and the soles of your feet with coconut oil before going to bed. To promote sleep, put 2-3 drops of sandalwood essential oil on your pillow. Choose cooling products with sandalwood, coriander, and lemon grass.

Fall: Vita gains the ascendancy with cold, windy, and drying influences. Fight the appearance of wrinkles and flakes with sesame oil body messages before warm morning showers. Choose products with moisturizing and emollient avocado and almond.

Winter: In midwinter and early spring, kapha rules with cold, damp heaviness that makes skin sluggish and dull looking. Use warming oil treatments and take hot showers, saunas, and steam baths. Choose products with warming nutmeg, ginger, and black pepper.

Healthy Skin & Food

Each of us wants to have beautiful skin, and a healthy, balanced diet is one of the main keys to success. There are nutritional components and specific foods which can help you with your complexion and overall skin appearance. This is the biggest organ, exposed to everyday elements such as air pollution, free radicals, smoke and other toxins that necessitate a special care for it. If you want to help your skin to look better, you should limit preservatives, processed foods, and sugar, and increase specific types of foods.

Here are several foods with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids which help your skin to look beautiful. They are also some of my favorites!

- Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, grapes, apricots, dark green leafy veggies, broccoli, red peppers, and carrots are oxidants that help to fight against free radicals, including those that damage your skin. By including all of these benefits to your diet, you will protect your skin cells which can slow the aging process. Yay!

- Essential fatty acids provide metabolites which are vital to membrane structure, cell functions, and maintaining the impermeability barriers of the skin. Fatty acids can be found in oily fish (herring, black cod, fresh tuna, rainbow trout, and salmon) and pressed oils (safflower, sunflower, canola, corn).

- Vitamin A is important in maintaining and repairing your skin tissue, and it can be found in (low-fat!) dairy products, sweet potatoes, tomato sauce, liver, eggs. The insufficiency of vitamin A can make your skin dry and itchy skin (and can even lose some of its elasticity, yuck!)

- B vitamins are suggested for stress, and consumption of it can help reduce dry and flaking skin. Grains and breads, rice, oatmeal, fish, eggs, all these contain vitamin B.

- Another quite significant key that help you to have a beautiful skin is Vitamin C. It is important for fighting sun damage, skin infections and healing wounds. You can drink orange or grapefruit juice or slice them up for a snack, and cook up some broccoli for dinner. MMMmmmmmhhh..

If I have said it once, I will say it again, the most important in all these factors is to not forget about hydration. Drink as much water as it possible!!! Ans there you have it...

Essential Vitamins

We need vitamins to keep our skin healthy and beautiful. Vitamin A is the most important wrinkle enemy we can put to use in order to have supple skin. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with thick, itchy and dry skin. B vitamins helps dull skin, while Vitamin C helps in manufacturing collagen, the basis of connective tissue that holds skin cells together. Vitamin E is an oil that can soften our complexion, and also acts as an antioxidant that protects against cell damage.

We also need vitamin D and if we spend 15 minutes in the sun every day, our skin absorbs the amount we need. However, the sun can also dry the skin and cause damage especially by speeding the aging process. Moisture is important in order to prevent the damage that sun, wind or cold can cause to our skin. In addition to drinking plenty of water, which is vital for the regeneration of cells, we can use a moisturizer.