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Glow Up: How Regular Facials Improve Skin Health and Appearance

We all strive to look and feel our best, right? Well, if you’re on a journey to enhancing your skin’s health and appearance, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the fabulous world of facials and how they can transform your skin, leaving you with that radiant glow we all secretly crave.

The Science Behind Facials

Before we jump into the “how” and “why” of regular facials, let’s break down the science. Our skin goes through a constant cycle of shedding dead skin cells and regenerating new ones. Sometimes, this process can become sluggish, leaving your complexion looking dull and uneven.

Facials are like a turbo boost for this natural skin cycle. They help to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of youthful skin. Plus, they can address specific skin concerns like acne, fine lines, or dehydration.

The Beauty of Regularity

Now, let’s talk about the magic that happens when you make facials a regular part of your skincare routine. Think of it as a workout for your skin – consistency is key to seeing results.

1. Say Goodbye to Breakouts: If acne is your arch-nemesis, regular facials can help keep those pesky pimples at bay. They clean out your pores and reduce inflammation, leaving you with a smoother, clearer complexion.
2. Turn Back the Clock: Want to rewind time a bit and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Facials can stimulate collagen production, making your skin firmer and more youthful.
3. Radiant, Glowing Skin: Imagine waking up with that natural, lit-from-within glow. Regular facials can improve blood circulation, giving your skin that enviable radiance.
4. Customized Care: Every person’s skin is unique, and so are their skincare needs. Professional estheticians can tailor your facial to address your specific concerns, ensuring you get the results you desire.

Self-Care Bliss

It’s not just about the physical benefits; facials offer a wonderful dose of self-care. An hour spent on a facial table is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The soothing music, gentle massage, and calming scents can whisk you away into a state of relaxation you didn’t know you needed.

The Power of Professional Care

Sure, you can do some skincare treatments at home, but there’s nothing quite like the expertise of a trained esthetician. They have access to top-notch products and tools that are not readily available to the public. Plus, they can identify your unique skin needs and create a plan that evolves as your skin does.

Booking Your Glow Up

So, how often should you book a facial for maximum glow-up potential? Generally, it’s recommended to start with one every 4-6 weeks, depending on your skin type and concerns. Your esthetician can guide you on the best schedule for your individual needs.

Remember, your skin is an investment, and regular facials are like deposits into your skin’s savings account. Over time, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in the texture, tone, and overall health of your skin.

In conclusion, regular facials are the secret to unlocking your skin’s full potential. Not only will you see amazing improvements in your skin’s health and appearance, but you’ll also enjoy a blissful escape from the daily grind.

Ready to take the plunge and book your next facial? Treat yourself to the self-care you deserve and watch your skin transform into its most radiant self. Your future self will thank you for it, and who doesn’t want to glow with confidence?

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book that facial appointment, and get ready to glow like never before! ✨

Things To Bring to A Spa

You may be wondering just what you need to bring with you to our boutique spa, beautifully located on Whyte Ave, and we’re here to answer that. Now, this is depending on your treatment, so figure out which one applies to you first and foremost.

If you are coming for a simple pedicure, the best thing to bring with you(or on you) is a loose pair of pants that you can easily roll up. This way you can relax with your feet as much in the water as possible. If you’re getting a manicure, the best to do wear a shirt that rolls up as well, to be able to get the full experience.

Now, if you’re receiving a different treatment like a massage, facial, or a full spa day package, make sure you are wearing comfortable clothes so that after your treatments, you can still stay in maximum comfort. We found that wearing tight clothes after could possibly irritate you or cause you to lose some of that spa pizzazz.

Other treatments like a hammam or a waxing also need to have comfortable clothes worn after, and keep in mind that you will have lotion applied after both of these treatments.

Further things you may think of are teas, and water but we have options for you to choose from for your comfort and optimal experience! A nice thing to have for after an intense treatment would be a snack like a granola bar, or a banana. Something you can fit in your purse, and eat afterwords to help ground you back ✨

If you can think of anything else that may help another person, comment them under this blog! As always, we look forward to welcoming you into our healing space. 🩵

The Importance of Being Where You Are

Being human is tough. We can all agree to that. So how do we leave how to ease and relax into being?

Our aim at Healing Waters Spa is to help allow you to be exactly where you are when you’re with us. We don’t want you to be worrying about meetings, kids, husbands, wives, to-do lists, errands, or any other things that can drive humans mad. We want you to accept that you’ve chosen to spend time with us on Whyte Ave inside our boutique spa.

It’s important to remember to be where you are for a few reasons:

1. It helps you stay in alignment with present matters
2. It keeps your focus on what is important now, so that when you leave you can keep that focus and go through the challenges of life easier
3. It helps fill your cup up first
4. Being where you are gives you  a break from being everywhere else
5. The only time we truly have is now
6. You deserve time for yourself

When you come to Healing Waters, we like to think you’re coming home to yourself.

Some of our top Somatic experiences for you to relax and be present:

1. Massage 
2. Hammam
3. Exclusive Spa Day 

And even if you get something outside of those top 3 treatment ideas, we encourage you to still practice being in the moment. 🩵

 Allow Yourself to Relax, really

Getting to the spa is one thing, but being able to sit there and relax is another. It takes consistent practice in the art of being present, and allowing yourself the space to do just that. How can it be done? Let’s get into it.

In such a fast paced world, it’s important to remember to take time for ourselves — even when it seems impossible. Yes, the tasks will get done, but for now, relax, this day is about you. Now that we’ve established it’s your time to have here are 3 tips on how to allow yourself to relax.

1. Breathe

You probably read that and said, “duh,” but breathing is a lot more than just an automatic thing. If we pay attention to the breath, we can come to know how often and quick we’re doing it in response to feeling anxious. When we are in a mode of anxiety, our breath quickens because we have to shoot adrenaline in order to get it done. So, when at the spa, pay attention to your breath. How often are you inhaling? Is there a way for you to increase the duration of the inhale, and exhale? Really focus on getting long, deep breaths.

          2. Trust

The next time we have for allowing yourself to relax is trust. Of course, you trust us since you are sitting inside our spa and we are honoured you do so, but see if you can trust further. Trust that all things will get done in divine timing, and trust that those in your life will be okay for the hour or two you carve out for yourself to be still and present.

            3. Feel your body

Again this may seem like something you believe you already do, but we’re going to challenge you to try and go deeper into this practice while you sit with us. How do you really feel today? Where is the spot in your back that you just can’t seem to get that knot out of? Are you hands feeling extra tight? Are your eyes itchy? Feel these points and try to understanding what they’re communicating to you. The more you practice feeling your body, the more you’ll be able to breathe deeply, and this will help you allow yourself to relax.

Do you have any more tips that can help other regular spa goers? If so, comment them below.

As always, we look forward to welcoming you into our space, and you can book via this link.

Unplug and Unwind: The Digital Detox through a Blissful Spa Day

In today’s fast-paced world, where digital devices have seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our lives, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to disconnect and find moments of serenity. This is where the concept of a digital detox comes into play at our spa. This is a day for you and only you to enjoy your time.

Here are some reasons to not only enjoy yourself at spa, but consciously choose to digital detox:

1. Mindful Relaxation: A spa day encourages you to be present in the moment. From soothing massages and calming facials to tranquil music, these activities divert your attention from digital screens and help you immerse yourself in the present.

2. Reduced Screen Time: While enjoying the amenities of a spa, you’re naturally distancing yourself from your devices. This break from screens can help reduce eye strain and alleviate the mental fatigue caused by constant exposure to screens.

3. Stress Reduction: The combination of tranquil surroundings, soothing aromas, and gentle spa treatments can significantly lower stress levels. Disconnecting from your devices during a spa day allows your mind to reset and recharge.

4. Reconnect with the Physical Self: Spa treatments such as massages, facials, and other treatments can help you reconnect with your physical body. This reconnection can be especially profound when you’re not preoccupied with digital distractions.

5. Promotion of Sleep: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns. By disconnecting from your devices and indulging in relaxation at the spa, you can improve your sleep quality and overall sleep hygiene.

6. Boosted Creativity: Detaching from the digital realm gives your mind the freedom to wander and explore new thoughts and ideas. You might find that your creativity flourishes in the absence of constant digital stimulation.

7. Quality Time: A spa day can also be a social activity. Going with friends or loved ones encourages genuine interactions and meaningful conversations, further strengthening your bonds without the interruption of devices.

Embrace the Digital Detox Spa Day

Incorporating a digital detox spa day into your routine doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon technology. It’s about finding a healthy balance and taking regular breaks from the digital world to nourish your mind, body, and soul. The experience of a spa day offers a powerful reminder that true relaxation comes from within and doesn’t rely solely on external stimuli.

As you enjoy yourself at Healing Waters, breathe in the calming scents, and surrender to the gentle touch of skilled therapists, you’ll discover a renewed sense of vitality and clarity. A digital detox spa day isn’t just a temporary escape; it’s an investment in your well-being that can have lasting effects on your overall quality of life. So, unplug and unwind – your mind and body will thank you.

The ABC’s of Face Mask Time

It’s that time of the week again, your weekly schedule “me time!” It’s no secret our focus surrounds nourishing your mind, body, and soul, and if we can accomplish all three during our intentional me time, I’d consider that a successful treatment! This time is for you and the last thing we would want is to tell you how to use it, but if we can throw in some suggestions it would start with the foundation–the ABC’s. 

A- Affirmations, art, aromatherapy.

B- Body scanning, belly breathing.

C- Connection – call a friend.

D- Declutter – choose a small area of your living space, nothing too daunting.

E- Expressive writing – free flow writing where the pen doesn’t stop. No corrections, judgements, or concern for grammar or structure.

F- Forest sounds – find a quiet place and listen to recorded sounds of nature – YouTube is a great resource for this.

G- Gentle stretching – remember when you came for a massage or body treatment and your practitioner reminded you to stretch… Now’s the time! But please, don’t break a sweat.

H- Handwrite a letter – to be mailed, or not, it’s all up to you.

I- Indulge – indulgence is personal. Maybe for you it’s wine, cheese, or a little bit of THC, whatever you’re into.

J- Jam on toast or jam to music. Eating is satisfactory and dancing is cathartic. 

K- Karaoke – sing a little. Pick a few of your favorite songs and sing, or even hum to the tune! This is very therapeutic for the throat chakra.

L- Leaf through a cookbook or a magazine.

M- Meal plan. You don’t have to tackle the whole week at once, but being intentional and planning for a few days ahead is empowering and often helps with budgeting.

N- Naked time! Take special time to moisturize your body without being in a rush.

O- Online window shopping! Who is your favorite brand/retailer – check out their online storefront and give yourself an idea for a future outing or future purchase!

P- Phone a friend – texting is sooooo 2023. Kick it old school and use your phone as a phone to speak to a friend or family member.

Q- Questionnaire. Take a few online surveys to identify your personality type and love language, or just for fun!

R- Recumbent wall stretch – AKA legs up the wall. This stretch is so beneficial for those who sit or stand most of the day!

S- Steep your tea. Pour yourself a cuppa tea and enjoy it while it’s at optimal brew time and temperature.

T- Turn down service. Fluff the pillows, fold down the sheets, turn on some ambient lighting, get yourself a nice glass of fresh water, turn on your white noise and get ready for a delicious sleep.

U- Upload vital documents to a hard drive. Bring anything really important off the cloud.

V- Vegetable prep. Each and every one of us could benefit from eating a few more vegetables. Raw or cooked, fresh or frozen, find something you would like to prepare for the week ahead of you.

W- Wordle or another brain-teaser game. Word games are important to maintain and improve cognitive function as we age!

X- E”x”amine your schedule and ADD some wellness to your week ahead. Book an appointment online for your next wellness appointment, call the doctor, dentist or chiropractor, set aside time to get to an exercise class or connect with a friend to go do something fun! Be sure you build your wellness into your life so that it doesn’t get left behind.

Y- Yoga is a lovely way to warm and stretch your body before bed!

Z- zzz! It’s time for rest.

If you happen to be reading this post while doing your face mask, see how many items you can check off or save this for next time! Happy face masking!

How to Reduce Forehead Wrinkles

We’re all familiar with the anti-aging remedies—the serums and the potions that reduce the appearance of aging and our undoubted expression lines. Did you know there are other remedies besides serums and potions? I know; it feels like you found gold! Here are ways to reduce forehead wrinkles:

Our expressions are so innate that we forget the natural positions they assume. So, it might be time to exercise. Exercising isn’t just for your mind and body; it’s for your face too. While the jury is still undecided on the true effect of facial exercises, many people have praised the remedy for giving them a better appearance.

I know you’ve been told to hold your head high at least once in your lifetime. It turns out it’s not just for confidence purposes. When we tilt our heads down to look at our phones, gravity pulls our skin forward, which leads to more wrinkles. Fun fact: staring into screens for long periods of time breaks down the collagen in our skin, causing…you guessed it, more wrinkles.

Did you know tape is a remedy for wrinkles? I know tape sounds like an odd recommendation considering you’re on the wellness side of the internet, but it’s said to improve the appearance of wrinkles overnight. 

These remedies are a quirky and short-term approach to reducing forehead wrinkles because time and emotions are a force to be reckoned with. But these remedies working in tandem with the serums and potions will offer the results you’re looking for.