Time To Be Schooled: The A, B, C’s of Retinol

          With all the hype over Retinol, you may be asking yourself, “What exactly is it?!” Let’s take some time to answer that question, and all the other one’s you may have about Retinols!

          Retinol is a non-prescription source of pure Vitamin A. It counteracts the effects of aging skin so effectively that many skincare products include it in their ingredients. Retinol is a milder version of other retinoids, such as Retin-A or Renova, which are prescription-strength versions of retinol that have been converted into retinoic acid. However, retinol naturally converts into retinoic acid over time and offers the same anti-aging benefits of other retinoids at a slower pace.

GloTheraputics Retinol CS

          But don’t be fooled, Retinols are not just for aging skin! Almost everyone can benefit from using a Retinol! Retinols will leave your skin glowing, fade areas of hyper pigmentation, decrease areas of oiliness (which helps with the treatment of acne,) and also gives the skin a fuller, more robust look. 

          Now that we know the benefits of Retinol, now let’s discuss the side effects. Using Retinols means dealing with the side effects, but if you use Retinoids the right way and take the proper precautions, side effects can be minimized. If Retinoids agree with your skin, you will find that the short term side effects are worth the long term benefits. 

1.You should ease into them. Follow instructions for application. More likely than not, you'll want to begin using your rentionl once every two or three days to allow your skin to adjust.
2. A little goes a long way, so don't smear a ton of the stuff on three times a day. Just a tiny pearl-sized amount is all you need for your whole face.
3. Things will get worse before they get better. Even if your skin doesn't peel or get red, you could see a surge of whiteheads a few weeks into your treatment. Don't freak out; this is actually a good thing, as it means the retinoid is working. Withstand it for a couple of months and your skin will reward you.
4. Keep it away from your mouth. And your eyes. And your nostrils.
5. Stop retinol use 1 week prior to waxing.
6. Go easy with your skin care. It's best to ditch the harsh exfoliates, glycolic acid, and vigorous scrubbing. Your skin not only won't respond well to it, it also doesn't need it.
7.  Seriously. Because retinoids make your skin photosensitive, wearing sunblock every day is imperative. Look for at least SPF 30; I go with SPF 50 and don't leave the house without proper sunglasses and a hat

          We can’t say this enough, Retinol will increase your skins sensitivity to light and if you use Retinol and then go lay out by the pool, you are more likely to cause more harm than good. You run the risk of a terrible sunburn, irritation and blisters. In addition, Retinol when used in direct sunlight can actually deepen wrinkles and have the reverse effect that you would hope to achieve with this product.

          Therefore, there is one solution to this problem. If you want to get a healthy glow while using Retinol, you have one option, invest in a healthy self tanner that will give your skin the sun kissed look without spending hours basking in the harmful rays of the sun.
          Lastly, do not use retinoid while you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. Retinoid, like all other skin care products, are absorbed into the body through your skin. Since there haven't been enough studies done on how retinoid affect developing fetuses, it's best to go the safe route and not use them at all.

          So in conclusion, if you are aware of the precautions and use retinoids properly, they can be a great benefit for your skin!

SPF Myths & Truths

With the increase in skin cancer diagnoses over the last decade, SPF has become a popular topic that you can find information about nearly everywhere. However, not all of it is true. Here are some of the most popular misconceptions - and facts - about SPF.

Myth:

If I usually get sunburned in an hour, an SPF 10 sunscreen allows me to stay in the sun for ten hours (10 times longer) without getting burned.

Truth: SPF isn't directly related to how long you're exposed to solar radiation, but instead, the amount of solar radiation. Although these two things are related, there are many other factors that contribute as well. One of these is the intensity of solar energy.

You've probably heard that the sun is normally strongest mid-day, or between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That means that you could be exposed to the same amount of solar energy during one hour of outdoors time at 8 a.m., versus just 15 minutes at 1 p.m.

The amount of solar radiation you are exposed to can also be determined by where you live. Greater solar intensity occurs in cities at lower latitudes. Another factor is clouds - since they absorb solar energy, the intensity is usually greater on clear days.

Myth:

Using SPF 60 sunscreen provides twice the sun protection of an SPF 30 sunscreen.

Truth: An SPF 30 sunscreen will protect against about 97 percent of UVB rays, and an SPF 60 or higher will protect against 99 percent of rays, which is only a slight increase in protection.

Myth:

It's cloudy -- I don't need to wear sunscreen.

Truth: According to the FDA, up to 80 percent of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds - even when it's overcast.

Myth:

I found this old bottle of sunscreen in my medicine cabinet, but it's probably just as effective as a brand-new bottle.

Truth: Sunscreens are designed to be effective and remain at their original strength for up to three years. Many even have an expiration date on the bottle that marks a time when the product will no longer be effective. You should throw away any sunscreen or tanning oil that's been in your cabinet for more than three years, or is past the expiration date.

Keep in mind, if you spend a lot of time outside and are applying your sunscreen properly, a bottle shouldn't last you that long. By following the guideline of a "shot glass" of sunscreen each time, a 16-ounce bottle will only last you 16 applications.

Myth:

I'm going on vacation soon, and I heard it's better to get a "base tan" beforehand so I won't get sunburned.

Truth: A base tan does give your skin some protection, but the reality is that any change in skin color (whether before or during your trip) is due to your body's reaction to UV rays -- a sure sign that your skin is damaged. The more frequently your skin is exposed to UV rays, the more likely you are to experience premature skin aging and skin cancer

Winter's Over and You Need Spa Therapy
Winter can be rough on skin, making it dull and dry. Now is the perfect time to pamper your skin with nourishing and exfoliating spa treatments that will leave you feeling beautiful. Do it now and you’ll be ready to show off your smooth and refined skin this spring. Make your spa reservation today! Embrace Your Health with Spa It’s time to celebrate your health and discover the life-enhancing benefits of spa with some well-deserved pampering. We all deserve to look our best and enjoy the healing effects of spa. Let us help you bolster the shimmer in time for spring with our signature spa treatments and handpicked skincare products. Whole-body wellness begins when you take action so call us today for a reservation. Instant Gift Certificate Book Online

"Arts for Autism" 3rd Annual Arts Show for Charity!

Pure Spa is hosting our 3rd Annual Art Show, "Arts for Autism." This year we are so excited to be partnering with Autism Speaks. Please join us on October 15th to help raise money for this worthy cause. Hope to see you there!

Location: PURE Spa

Time: ‎6:00PM Saturday, October 15th

Think you know your Spa Myths?

Who doesn't know everything these days? From the internet to reality shows of every sort, knowledge is inescapable! But do you think that you are a Spa expert? Do you know all there is to know about the Pure lifestyle? Then take this short quiz to see if you know your stuff!

1. True or False: You can’t use moisturizer if you have oily skin.

2. True or False: If you wax, your hair will grow back thicker, faster & darker.

3. True or False: You have to be naked to get a massage.

4. True or False: Artificial nails are the best solution for problem nails.

5. True or False: Pregnant women cannot be massaged.

6. True or False: Popping pimples will make them disappear.

7. True or False: It’s got to hurt to be effective.

8. True or False: The higher the SPF, the better the protection.

9. Spa trips are a luxury and are only for special occasions.

Answer key:

1. FALSE! Most moisturizers are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores. In fact, what most people don’t realize is that if you have oily skin, it is most often the result of DRY SKIN! Basically when your skin is dry, it sends a signal to your sebaceous glands telling it to produce oil in the hopes of trying to balance out your skin. But the result is just globs of oil on your face! (Normally the only exception to this is anyone around the age of puberty in which it is hormones, not dry skin causing the oil.) So moisturizer is just what oily skin really needs!

2. FALSE! Waxing gets hair from the root, which means you will stay smooth longer, but has no effect on the composition of your hair!

3. FALSE! You can undress to your comfort level and still leave feeling relaxed and refreshed!

4. FALSE! Covering up nail problems will not make them go away and may even make them worse. Artificial nails can trap moisture, providing an excellent environment for bacteria and fungus to grow

5. FALSE! Massage is perfectly safe in all trimesters of normal pregnancies and actually can be beneficial. Pure Spa does recommend that you get your physicians approval.

6. TRUE & FALSE! While popping may make the pimple itself go away, you may find yourself with a permanent SCAR! You may have heard the saying, “there is a time and a place for everything.” Well this is true when it comes to ridding yourself of those zits! Popping them at the wrong time will leave you with a face full of scars, and those are ten times harder to get rid of then the original problem! And believe it or not, but there is a science to pimple popping, one that only a licensed esthecian knows! So please for the sake of that beautiful face, go to the professionals!

7. FALSE! While it's not for everyone, many people benefit greatly from deep tissue massage as it releases tightness deep in the muscles, tendons, fascia, relieving discomfort in the body and allowing more freedom of movement. There may be some discomfort as the tightness is being released, which should stop as soon as the therapist releases pressure. There should never be true pain during the massage. It's not about "no pain, no gain". The key is to communicate with the massage therapist so the depth of the massage is right for you!

8. FALSE! In actuality, any SPF that is higher than 50 is giving you no added protection! In fact the FDA is currently in the process of enforcing harsher provisions on all SPF’s over 50, because they are simply nothing but an advertising gimmick. But make sure you are lathering up with at least SPF 30 to stay safe! Additionally, if you’re not using a broadband spectrum SPF, (which is the kind that protects you against UVA, the rays that cause cancer and signs of aging, and UVB rays, the kind that burn your skin,) you’re not getting the proper protection you really need!

9. FALSE! Do you exercise only on special occasions? Massage is not a luxury, but a necessity! Massage has proven health benefits. Stress reduction, lower blood pressure and increased flexibility are just a few. Is it really a “luxury” to take one hour a week to do something good for you? We don’t think so.

So how did you do? Are you a spa savvy or do you need a little refresher course? No matter what your spa knowledge level, Pure Spa is always here to answer any and all your questions! Just head to our Facebook page and click on our “Ask a Therapist” (Welcome) link! There you can submit your questions, anonymously if you so choose, and you will receive an answer soon after!

It’s “slough your skin” season, are you ready for the big reveal?

The first extremities we reveal as spring arrives are those desperately mangled toes, hidden for months behind socks and shoes. They find salvation with a pedicure, buffing, exfoliating away our winter woes. As the weather turns warmer, the rest of our body follows suit. Tank tops, camisoles, and shorts take center stage. Your body sends out an S.O.S. and you respond by slathering on lotion, sunless tanners and the like, when REALLY all your body wants is a great primer to summer. Yes ladies and gents- an exfoliation. Pure Spa is here to the rescue! We offer a luxurious, full body, honey sugar body polish that combines the best of both worlds- hydrating exfoliation with light massage. Remove that excess debris, because that is so last season! Rejoice as you confidently strut around in your newest spring outfit! There is no time like the present.
1 hour treatment: $120

“Eat Right with Color” vs. Healthy Skincare

Every year the American Dietetic Association raises awareness for National Nutrition month. The theme for March 2011 is “Eat Right with Color.” Did you know that even if you follow a good skincare regimen, food also plays a critical role in healthy skin?
The top 5 best foods to maintain, clear, beautiful skin are:
1.) Green Tea: The anti-inflammatory properties cannot be beat! It also helps to protect us against the harmful sun rays when ingested.
2.) Salmon: Essential fatty acids (also walnuts and flax seed!) are essential to protecting the cell membrane, which protects us against environmental factors. Most of us lack Omega 3s.
3.) Berries: specifically, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries have the best “total antioxidant capacity” of any food
4.) Low fat dairy products: vitamin A rich dairy foods help the digestive system, which in turn leads to healthier appearing skin.
5.) Water: the biggest dietary no brainer is WATER. Drink away to flush your system of toxins for a fresh, radiant complexion.
That old adage that, “we are what we eat” rings true with skincare. Coupling a facial every 4-6 weeks with eating well will lead to a fresher, more vibrant, you! Pure Spa is celebrating with a Berry Cherry facial this month for National Nutrition month!