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.

Thalassotherapy: An Ancient Healing Experience

Seaweed is incredibly beneficial to the body.   To learn about how to improve your wellbeing through Thalassotherapy we turn to Rod Mulholland of Canso Spa Group to explain further:

For thousands of years, the ocean has been recognized for it’s healing properties and utilized by cultures situated near the ocean. The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, would send his patients to the ocean to soak and walk, absorbing it’s healing nutrients transdermally through our largest organ, our skin and breathing the healing iodine as it’s carried along in the air molecules into our lungs. What a thalassotherapy experience does, is to increase the wellbeing in a person, by allowing the body to be nourished in a cosmic womb of ocean ingredients that promotes healthy development of healthy cells, all the while calming our bodies and moving into a balanced state of homeostasis that is known as mind/body balancing. You experience a sense of calm as your nervous system, respiratory system and cardiovascular system flow with a primordial beat that is echoed by the sense of well being experienced in your mind.

To read the rest of Rod's article and learn more about the benefits of Thalossotherapy, visit his blog.

The Beauty Through Balance spa line incorporates fresh organic Pacific seaweed from the Canadian coast in the Signature Series of products. The Seaweed is collected fresh from the Ocean beds, cold processed and used to create these advanced and therapeutic spa formulas.  To learn more about our seaweed based products go to our website.

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!

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.

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.

SHOP ONLINE!

Beauty Through Balance products are now available online through myspashop.com.   Now you're just a click away from your own home spa experience! 

 

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.

Become your own expert in the complicated world of skin care ingredients

It’s not that big a mystery these days how to decipher the ingredients list on our favourite product.  There seems to be plenty of information available about which ingredients are safe for us and the environment and which ones are not – or so it seems.  With so much information provided by different people with varying agenda’s, and with so many new products on the market all the time, how does one keep up?  Enter beauty expert Sherina Jamal to help clear up some of the confusion. 

 

Most of us try to find what we consider to be a natural skin care product, and it would be nice for it to be organic, and easy on the environment is great too.  The challenge is seeing through the many misconceptions about what makes a product natural and conversely what might make it harmful.  Do all preservatives cause cancer?  Is organic skin care better?  What ingredients are bad for the environment?  Luckily we have Sherina to address these questions and help clear up the key myths about natural skin care formulas and ingredients. Her easy to follow tips and advice help make shopping for skin care so much easier, and she makes sure you’re buying products that meet your needs and target your individual skin care concerns so you don’t have to go on blind faith that what the label says is true for you.

Sherina can provide you with guidance for topics such as:  

• What can grow in a natural skin care product (yuck!) and why preservatives are our friends.
• Paraben controversy: know the facts.
• Is organic better when it comes to skin care?  Sherina discusses this hot topic and provides tips on what consumers can look for.
• How to look for a quality, natural and safe formula when buying skin care.  
• What synthetics to avoid in cosmetics and why. 
• Don’t believe the hype!  Sherina can share with you some common marketing tactics and angles that skin care companies use that may mislead consumers.  Marketing phrases such as “100% organic”, “all natural”, “preservative free”, “green” or “eco-friendly” are used so frequently now, but the ingredients always tell the real story.

If you would like to ask for Sherina's advice on your skin care needs, send her an email to info@ancientsecrets.ca and she will respond to your personally.