Beauty Through Balance: The Experts Advice

Butter up your skin this winter

Plant butters such as cocoa butter and shea butter are desired for their revitalizing properties and can often be found in natural formulas for face and body care.  For the skin to benefit from the use of these ingredients, the formula should contain at least 1 to 3% of some type of butter along with other nourishing and synergistic ingredients.

Here the different butters and their remarkable healing benefits are explained: 

Shea Butter:  A fatty, rich oil extracted from the nut of the African Shea trees coming primarily from West and Central Africa.  The use of shea butter by aboriginal people of these African  regions to revitalize dry skin and heal wounds or skin conditions dates back hundreds of years.  Its primary benefit in cosmetic formulas is to target signs of age and promote skin revitalization.  Raw, unrefined shea butter is the purest source as it retains the most nutrients and vitamins. 

Cocoa Butter: The most widely used butter in the cosmetic industry, cocoa butter is created from the  cacao bean and has a mild chocolate scent.  Its powerful anti-oxidant properties have shown to help soothe and heal dry/irritated skin and improve the look of stretch marks

 

Mango Butter: Originating from India, this butter is extracted from the seeds of the mango.  It was  traditionally used as a natural emollient, for wound healing and skin regeneration for mature skin types. It also has shown to promote healing of sun burns, and soothes muscle fatigue. Rich in anti-oxidants it can help to repair skin exposed to harsh environmental factors.

Olive Butter: Created from the Mediterranean and cold pressed from the fruit of the olive, this butter is  rich  in fatty acids.  It helps to deeply moisturize, heal and nourish the skin while reducing the effects from the environment.

Capuacu Butter: Harvested from the Amazon Rainforest, this butter is renowned for its high water absorption factor and acting as a humectant.  It aids in skin recovery, improvement in skin’s moisture levels and improvement in the skin’s elasticity.  It is rich in phytosterols which help to regulate the lipid barrier of the skin. 

 

One or more of these butters can be found in the following Beauty Through Balance products:

Acai Whipped Body Polish

Acai Anti-oxidant Body Emulsion

Lavender Mango Butter Body Wrap

Seaweed Body Butter

Lavender Olive Rich Foaming Bath & Cleanser

 

For more information on exotic butters and Beauty Through Balance products please contact us.

Winterize Your Skin!

With the cold weather upon us our skin can easily become

dry, irritated and dehydrated. irritation and dryness can often lead

to skin conditions in the winter such as eczema.

  

Winterizing Tips for the Skin:

 

1. Avoid synthetic detergents found in most soaps and cleansers such as sulfates as these can further dry and irritate the skin. A natural based cleanser created with pure oils such as jojoba, vitamin e and are free of harsh detergents.

 

Product Solution – Try our Glacial Purifying Face/Body Cleanser for normal to combination skin or our Lavender Olive Rich Foaming Cleanser for dry – sensitive skin. Both free of synthetic detergents, parabens, artificial colors and fragrances.

 

2. Deeply re-hydrate using products such as a mask, moisturizer or serum that contain ingredients which have been shown to draw moisture into the inner layers of the skin. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and actives derived from the olive as well as fresh seaweed can help to restore moisture levels from deep within

 

Product Solution – Try our Hydra Skin Renewal Gel and Glacial Revitalizing Mist Duo for normal, combination and dehydrated skin. Both created with Hyaluronic acid and seaweed

Our Acai Berry Facial Care products contain Olivate from pure olive oil to help restore skin’s moisture levels and are great for dry/mature skin.

 

3. Protect and Repair – Skin exposed to the harsh environmental factors such as cold and wind can see advanced signs of aging on the skin. Using products rich in fatty acids, minerals, fresh seaweed, and anti-oxidants can combat these effects

 

Product Solution – Our Acai Berry Face and Body Series has been created with the powerful organic Acai Berry and Capuacu butter from the Amazon Rainforest.

Recognized for their ability to heal, repair and protect the skin. The Series includes the Acai Power Repair Moisturizer to address dry/mature skin.

 

4. Internal Hydration and Detox. Incorporate caffeine free herbal teas, pure water with fresh lime or lemon, and juicing(using fresh vegetables and fruit)

these internal drinks can help keep you hydrated and well balanced internally and will help keep your skin looking revitalized

 

5. Soothe and Heal Skin irritation. During the winter skin can become itchy and irritated increasing chances of conditions such as eczema. Using products that contain healing and moisturizing ingredients such as lavender, soy, fatty acids, and seaweed can help restore the skin to its natural state.

 

Product Solution – Products from our Lavender Soy Series offer soothing relief and healing for dry, chapped and irritated skin. The Hydra Skin Renewal Gel from our signature series has been shown to help repair and renew skin irritation and redness by infusing hydration deep within.

 

6. Exfoliate 3 times per week(depending on skin type) – Using a gentle based exfoliant up to 3 times a week helps to keep skin balanced, remove accumulated dry. dead skin cells and prevent skin from appearing dull. Ingredients such as jojoba beads, ground apricot powder, gentle mineral clay, and fruit enzymes all work together to treat the skin without an aggressive approach.

 

Product Solutions – For Normal to dry/sensitive skin we recommend our Lavender Soy Exfoliation. For dry/mature skin the Acai Berry Facial Exfoliating Mask. For normal to combination and dehydrated skin the Hydra Skin Renewal Gel.  To keep the body smooth and silky try our Acai Whipped Body Polish.

 

 

For More information and a free skin consultation on how to Winterize Your Skin Contact us www.beautythroughbalance.ca

 

With your purchase of any 3 products recommended in the above blog, you will receive a Moisturizer for free!

The Science & Power of Scent by Sherina Jamal

Studies have shown the impact that scent has on our overall state of mind and state of wellbeing.

 Many ancient healing philosophies involve using scent as a method for improving one’s wellbeing  by utilizing specific blends of flowers and herbs to trigger a physical and emotional change in one’s mind and body

 Aromatherapy practiced for thousands of years, utilizes pure essential oils which are created through steam distillation from flowers, leaves, barks, seeds, herbs and roots. These concentrated essences have specific chemical compositions which have been shown to have a positive effect on the skin, internal system and one’s emotional state.

 When one inhales a scent that is pleasing and healing, it stimulates signals to be released in the brain which then can trigger positive mood change and can have an impact on relieving ailments such as pain, headaches, and a range of other concerns.

 In the development of our product line Beauty Through Balance, the science of scent and the many benefits of aromatherapy  played a key role in the decision to incorporate pure therapeutic grade essential oil blends into each formula. The addition of specific essential oils not only makes for an amazing smelling product, but also works with other natural actives in the formula to enhance benefits to the mind, body and topically on the skin.  

 Essential oils such as lavender, mint, geranium, lemongrass, vanilla, cypress and others are used in our formulas and chosen for their specific compositions and effect on the skin and internal systems.

 Contact us to learn more about aromatherapy and the essential oils used in Beauty Through Balance.

Acai Berry Power - For healthy skin & wellbeing by Sherina Jamal founder of Ancient Secrets Inc and developer of the Beauty Through Balance spa line.

The Acai Berry is gaining recognition for its high nutritional value along with its many health benefits.  This berry has been noted to be “one of the best superfoods in the world”  Dr. Nicholas Perricone (MD)as it has been found to be packed with vital anti-oxidants.  It can be found on the Acai Palm which grows in the Amazon Rainforest and has been used by the aboriginal people for centuries as a key part of their diets. 

     

Free-radicals play a central role in the aging process causing changes on a cellular level. The development of new skin care products that offer a certain level of antioxidant activity is a key component to targeting signs of age.  Sherina, founder of Ancient Secrets explained that “In Clinical studies the Organic Bio functional Acai Extract used by her company in the development of their new Acai Berry Series, has shown to have exceptionally high amounts of Anti-oxidant levels which can help combat signs of age caused from exposure to harsh environmental conditions” 

 

The Acai berry has been found to contain:

 

q      Essential fatty acids: Omegas 3, 6 and 9 beneficial in cell rejuvenation and healthy skin

q      Phytosterols – a rich source of Vitamin C

q      Flavanoids

q      Remarkable skin revitalizing and renewal properties

 

The high antioxidants and essential fatty acids have been documented to have a positive impact on overall cell health along with smooth, supple and glowing, skin both of which are found in pure Acai Berry and as a key part of the benefits from the Beauty Through Balance Acai Berry Series of spa products.

 

Are all Acai Berry ingredients and products the same?  One challenge often faced in the market dealing with natural and organic ingredients is ensuring that the nutritional value of the ingredient is maintained after processing and extraction. The harvesting and processing of indigenous ingredients such as the Acai Berry play a key role in how effective the end product will be weather it be a juice or cosmetic product.

 

In the development of their Acai Berry Series, Sherina has worked with experienced and certified harvesters who have developed specialized processes used to maintain all the natural value of the raw ingredient to ensure the final product will be highly effective and result oriented. The harvesters have also been recognized and awarded for their sustainable harvesting practices and bio-diversity programs for the Rainforest and the aboriginal people.

 

The Acai Berry Series combines the effectiveness of both Organic Acai Extract and Acai Pulp Bioscrub in their unique face and body formulas.  Along with this they have added Olivate from pure olive oil, Capuacau Butter also from the Brazilian Rainforest, and pure exotic essential oils.  

 

Products in the series includes ;

• Acai Whipped Body Polish
• Acai Anti-oxidant Body Emulsion
• Acai Vital Mineral Bath Soak
• Acai Facial Exfoliating Mask
• Acai Power Repair Moisturizer

 

The Acai Berry products and anti-oxidant spa treatments can now be experienced at

Spa Utopia – BC Canada 3 locations

Temple Gardens Mineral Spa – Moose Jaw Saskatchewan

Camden Day Spa – Toronto Ontario

European Tan & Spa – Edmonton Alberta

and others. please contact us for a complete list.

 

to buy on line go to  www.beautythroughbalance.ca

 

a percentage of proceeds from sales of the Acai Berry products will be donated to Rethink Breast Cancer. A non-profit organization working to support and educate young women dealing with

Breast Cancer.

Natural Skin Care Tips While Traveling

If you are planning on taking a trip this season what you pack for skin care can be an essential tool in helping to keep your skin hydrated and well balanced. Time in an airplane, time zone changes and a change in temperature can cause skin to become dry, dehydrated and irritated.

 

In addition to the information shared in the article link below, Sherina recommends that you also try to incorporate basic daily skin care steps(facial cleansing, hydrating mist, exfoliating mask, and moisturizer) that contain super foods known for their skin protecting and nourishing benefits. Super foods such as Olive oil, Acai Berry, Green Tea and Seaweed are a fewthat will help provide essential nutrients during your travels.

Sherina shares some easy to implement skin care tips for when you are on the go..

click here to read more.

http://www.alive.com/658a2a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=76

  

Purify the skin with steam - Written by Sherina Jamal

 

There’s nothing like sitting in a eucalyptus steam room after a long day or week at work!

Along with the sense of calm and relaxation it can bring to the mind it also has many benefits for the skin when done in moderation.

Many age old healing philosophies from around the world including China and India incorporate detoxification & removal of impurities as an essential part of one’s overall wellbeing.

The key (as with most things) is doing it in moderation so as to not expose the body to excess heat on an on-going basis.

 

Enjoying a steam 2 to 3 times a week is a great way to expel toxins and promote anti-stress.

 

Do it yourself steaming at home:

 

If you can’t make it a steam room at your local spa or fitness center, you can enjoy the benefits of steaming at home.

Start by filling a stainless steel bowl about half way with boiling water add 5 to 6 drops of an essential oils or fresh herbs such as lavender, eucalyptus and/or mint leaves.  Place your head over the bowl about 5 to7 inches away and cover your head with a towel trapping in the steam. Keep eyes closed. Relax with some gentle breathing as the steam rises up into the skin.

Steam for 5 to 7 minutes maximum. After your steam apply a toning and hydrating mist( the Beauty Through Balance -  Glacial Revitalizing Mist is a good choice for all skin types)  and Moisturizer(Beauty Through Balance offers the Acai Power Repair Moisturizer for Dry/mature skin, and the Lavender Soy Lotion for normal to combination skin)

 Steaming is also a great way to reduce symptoms associated with colds, flu and sinus congestion. Done 2 to 3 times per week steam can be an easy part of your regular skin care and wellness regime.

Maintain Beautiful Skin While Traveling

Summertime Travel Beauty Tips

by author Sherina Jamal

With still a month or so left of summer, Beauty Thorough Balance founder, Sherina Jamal has a few great tips for skincare upkeep while traveling. For more news and to view the entire line of products visit: beautythroughbalance.ca.

 

Keep it simple. That’s the key to skin care when travelling.

Bear in mind that when travelling, your skin may be exposed to heat, sun, salt water and humidity. All have an impact on your skin and hair, even over a short period of time. Just a few necessities will provide a natural effective way to keep your skin protected and clean during your vacation.

Sun Protection

The best sun protection is to stay out of the sun during extreme heat of the day–or to wear loose cotton clothes that cover sensitive areas. If you really need a sunblock on the mountains or while boating, select one that contains antioxidants such as green tea and vitamin E. These ingredients can help renew the skin and prevent cell damage.

Moisturizing Face Mist

Summer air is dehydrating. To refresh and hydrate the skin, a face mist can be used during air travel and throughout your vacation. Select a mist that does not contain alcohol. This dries the skin even more. A face mist that contains floral waters, vegetable glycerin, witch hazel and pure essential oils is the best choice. Carry this mist with you during the day when at the beach or sightseeing. It will refresh and control excess oil formation on the skin.

Daily Skin Cleaning

Pollution can create a layer of dirt and oil on the surface of the skin. Daily skin cleaning is important to avoid breakouts, blocked pores and the formation of blackheads. Follow these two simple steps.

Cleanser: For most skin types, a light lotion-based cleanser that is non-foaming or lathering is best. Foam and lather are usually chemical agents that can dry out the skin. For oily skin you can use a light gel-based cleanser that is free of chemicals.

Toner: A toner is important. It helps to restore balance, control oil formation and keep the pores free from excess dirt and bacteria. Use it daily. Select a toner that does not contain alcohol, artificial colours or fragrances.

Avoid using hotel soaps and washes. They contain fragrances and other cosmetic chemicals that irritate and dry out the skin.

Daily Skin Moisturizing

Re-hydrate twice a day. A light, non-greasy moisturizer keeps the skin nourished and hydrated. Moisturizers that contain natural oils such as sweet almond, apricot kernel and jojoba moisturize the skin without clogging pores. Avoid those that are too heavy and contain petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colours and fragrances. These ingredients can irritate the skin and block the pores, especially when used in warmer climates.

Do-it-Yourself Spa Treatments

Fresh tropical fruits can used for a quick facial scrub or mask. Here are some ideas how to use them:

Pineapple: Great for normal to oily skin that is not sensitive. It is an excellent skin cleanser and exfoliant.

Papaya: For all skin types. A gentle way to remove impurities and dead skin cells. Excellent to apply after swimming in chlorinated water.

Coconut Milk: A nourishing skin cleanser for normal to dry skin. It can also be used as a conditioning rinse for dry hair.

Aloe Vera Plant: A soothing treatment for sunburned skin. Also good to rehydrate dry skin and heal cuts, burns and insect bites.

Essential Oils Soothe Tired Travellers

Don’t leave home without these pure therapeutic essential oils:

Tea Tree: Excellent remedy for mosquito bites, pimples, rashes and athlete’s foot.

Lavender: Helps promote relaxation; soothes and heals cuts and burns.

Peppermint: For headaches, nausea and jet lag.

These oils can be diluted before application in either a carrier oil or in water. To remove a buildup of chemicals and dirt in the hair from the air and water, a few drops of one of the three oils can be added to a cup of warm water to rinse the scalp and hair.

Aromatherapy Eye Pillow

An eye pillow is an excellent accessory item to bring along on your travels. Pillows that contain herbs and pure essential oils, such as lavender and camomile, can help soothe tired eyes, promote relaxation and ease headaches. Select a pillow with a head strap so it can both be worn while sitting. It can chilled in the fridge or quickly heated in a microwave.

These easy tips will help you create a beauty traveling kit that best suits your individual needs and skin type.

Sherina Jamal is a natural beauty specialist and founder of Beautythroughbalance.ca who lives in North Vancouver, BC.

Source: alive #226, August 2001

 

Preservative Myths & Truths

I wanted to write this blog to help clear up some myths about the use of Preservatives in cosmetic products. Many skin care companies, still use false marketing to promote their lines such as “all natural”, “preservative free”  etc and while we must be cautious of what we are putting on our skin, its equally important to make decisions on what you use based on fact vs marketing hype and false information not backed up by science. 
Enjoy!
Sherina Jamal.

Choosing products for your spa business can be an overwhelming and confusing process. The marketing tactics used by some skin care companies add to the confusion and make it hard for you, as a spa professional, to find a quality product that fits your business and your clients’ needs.

Today, more and more spa professionals and clients are looking for products that contain natural ingredients and avoid commonly used cosmetic chemicals. This growing demand has lead to a number of misconceptions about what makes a product natural. One such misconception focuses on the use of preservatives in cosmetic formulations. As Danné Montague-King, journalist, lecturer and founder of his eponymous skin care line, has pointed out, it is possible to create a truly natural product. The catch is, it must be kept in the refrigerator and used in two weeks.

 
Here are some facts that can help you in your quest to gain a clearer understanding of what makes a safe product as it relates to preservative use. 

Why Preservatives?

It may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s worth a reminder: It is much safer to have a skin care product that contains a small amount of preservatives than one with a large amount of bacteria or mold! Skin care companies have a number of options when it comes to preservatives, and which one they choose often has to do with the spectrum of stability required for their particular formula. A range of bacteria, molds and yeasts can grow in cosmetic formulas as well as in the individual raw ingredients. The more natural the product, the higher the chances that the ingredients and finished formula can contain high levels of  microbials. Generally, a product needs to be under an acceptable range for each different type of microbial to be considered suitable for application to the skin. This is accomplished by using clean and stabilized raw ingredients, clean manufacturing procedures and also taking steps to stabilize the finished formula. The manufacturer also needs to continually conduct microbial testing and preservative challenge testing to ensure products are safe. Ask your suppliers about their procedures. Also check the standards in your

area, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practice standards, and make sure your suppliers follow them.

Although you might hear claims to the contrary, food-grade preservatives are generally not enough on their own to provide an adequate stability of shelf life to most cosmetic formulas. Despite this, there are skin care companies that claim that their products do not require a preservative, or that the products are preserved with only 100 percent natural or food-grade preservatives. If you hear this claim, consider it a red flag. If a supplier of a skin care line tells you its products are “preservative free” or even “paraben free,” be sure to ask what alternative it is using to ensure that the product is safe and stable. 

What to Look For
Speaking of parabens, these preservatives have received a bad rap in recent years, which has not been properly justified scientifically. In fact, new studies have shown parabens to be a safe option, and also suggest that they do not accumulate internally as some have initially thought. A pairing of methyl/propyl paraben in a small percentage (.5 to .6 percent) in conjunction with a food-grade preservative or a natural stabilizer such as Biovert Enzyme, can provide a safe formula that is free of harmful levels of microbials.

Still want to avoid parabens while stocking safe products? There are plenty of options. Many cosmetics companies that want to avoid parabens altogether have turned to OptiPhen as a good alternative.

Whichever side of the paraben debate you fall on, it’s best to avoid preservatives that contain formaldehyde, propylene glycol and alcohol, as these can cause skin irritations even when used in low concentrations.

The main point to note is that in many cases, it’s not the type of preservative used– it’s the concentration. A high percentage of preservatives is not needed to produce a product with adequate shelf life and stability. Overusing preservatives can also cause
skin irritations.

As a spa professional, it is important to ensure that your clients are kept safe. Rather than just focusing on whether a product is “natural,” “organic” or “preservative free,” do your research, ask questions of your suppliers and don’t get swayed by marketing hype. You’ll find the perfect product line to suit your – and your clients’ – needs.

Do you need some guidance on how to pick the right natural product for your skin? Ask skincare expert Sherina Jamal!

Click on our Facebook page and post your comment or question, Sherina would love to help! And don't forget to "like" our group!

Super Food for the Skin

What are Super Foods?

Super Food is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content and is thought to confer remarkable health benefits.  Super Foods commonly refers to a class of foods known for their very high antioxidant content. Among them are acai berry, cranberry, and blueberry.

Key Super Foods For Healthy Skin – incorporate these into your daily diet for vibrant, glowing skin! 


- Acai Berry
- Omega Fatty Acids 
- Green Foods
- Green Tea
- Grapeseed
- Seaweed
- Nuts and Seeds
 

Every day you may be exposed to pollutants that can accelerate the aging process and reverse all the hard work that the super foods are doing.

Types of Pollutants that accelerate the aging process:

- Dirt
- Smoke
- Smog
- Grime
- Chemicals/Synthetics in the air

How pollutants accelerate the aging process:

All these can cause excessive free radical damage which effects the cell membrane and in turn cells cannot properly process nutrients and eliminate toxins.  Pollutants also effect the activity of enzymes which can cause destruction of collagen and elastin tissue leading to skin that is thinner with deeper set wrinkles and appears uneven in tone and texture.  They also trigger inflammation which can cause puffiness and bags around the eyes.

Super Foods in Skin Care Products:

If a super food is processed well as to not chemically alter its nutritional value in any way and if the active component used in a cosmetic formula is synergistic to the skin’s own chemistry the Super Food can provide a number of benefits to the skin including advanced anti-oxidant care and deep re-hydration.  As these raw ingredients are naturally found in nature, careful and sustainable harvesting practices are key to ensuring the integrity of the ingredient is maintained.

When used in skin care formulations, ingredients such as Acai Berry, Olive Oil/Extract, Fresh Seaweed, and extracts of nuts and seeds including cold pressed nut oils can all help to promote long term healthy skin from the inside out.

Treating Dehydration From the Inside Out

Dehydration of the skin can lead to significant signs of premature aging and if not treated, can cause more serious conditions both internally and externally.  Key ingredients, daily tips, specific spa and home care treatments along with balanced nutrition can help to restore the skin’s natural water balance.  Read this article to learn more about how you can effectively treat dehydration naturally.