Colder weather and shorter, busier days in winter can be hard on our skin. We sometimes forget – when the days are darker and drearier – that we need sunscreen, moisturizer, plenty of water, exercise, and a good diet to keep our skin looking young and fresh.
Another important step to add to our winter skincare beauty regimen is a mild facial peel. During the winter season, I offer what I call winter peels. My gentle facial peels for the winter months will rejuvenate and rehydrate your skin without any harsh side effects or downtime. You'll enjoy many of the benefits of expensive laser or dermabrasion treatments without the extra cost or time spent recuperating.
Depending on your particular skin condition (oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or other conditions), you can choose to have an acidic or non-acidic winter peel. I use products with only natural ingredients, such as fruit enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants, so you don't have to worry about redness, dryness, or flaking.
With a gentle winter peel, you'll be pleased and amazed at the results, which you'll see immediately without any downtime. You skin will look smooth and soft, with less noticeable wrinkles and brown spots. You skin will also absorb serums and moisturizers more easily after a peel removes old skin cells.
So ask me about a winter peel today – and be sure to ask about my half-price specials for this time of year (until December 31, 2012). A gentle winter peel is a sure way to beat the winter skin blahs. With such glowing skin, you might even want to come out of hibernation!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Birdie's Blog – Skin Cancer Awareness Part Two – November 2012
As the weather cools here in San Diego and we head into the winter months, we may not think about protecting our skin from the sun as much as we do doing the summer. But we should! As I wrote last summer in my blog on skin cancer awareness, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. If caught early enough, it's highly treatable, but if left untreated, it's deadly. Even in the winter months, you need to protect your skin when you go outside. Wear a hat and a broad spectrum sunscreen.
This fall, we are hosting a charity event to promote skin cancer awareness and 10% of proceeds will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org). On Saturday, November 10 between noon to 6.00pm, you can stop by and receive a free skin care and makeup analysis and enjoy free massage demos, silent auctions, raffles and refreshments. Or you can give us a call and reserve an appointment for yourself today at 858-459-4965.
One of my facial treatments that helps reduce skin abnormalities and inflammation is a gentle, natural chemical peel. Using only organic ingredients, this natural peel helps renew your skin and reduce the effects of free radicals, which can lead to harmful changes in the skin. Your skin will look rejuvenated with no redness or puffiness and be healthier too.
In addition to this natural peel, I offer a variety of related facial treatments, including the European spa facial, aromatherapy, mini or teen facial, age-defying facial, super oxy-G treatment, vitamin-C infusion, cell renewal, and treatments for special conditions such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, and stress. Most important, I custom design each facial treatment for you, based on your unique skin needs, which can change. Be sure to ask for sunscreen and other skin care recommendations based on your needs.
Birdie Day Spa
7736 Fay Avenue, Ste 102
La Jolla, CA 92037
www.birdiedayspa.com
info@birdiedayspa.com
This fall, we are hosting a charity event to promote skin cancer awareness and 10% of proceeds will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org). On Saturday, November 10 between noon to 6.00pm, you can stop by and receive a free skin care and makeup analysis and enjoy free massage demos, silent auctions, raffles and refreshments. Or you can give us a call and reserve an appointment for yourself today at 858-459-4965.
One of my facial treatments that helps reduce skin abnormalities and inflammation is a gentle, natural chemical peel. Using only organic ingredients, this natural peel helps renew your skin and reduce the effects of free radicals, which can lead to harmful changes in the skin. Your skin will look rejuvenated with no redness or puffiness and be healthier too.
In addition to this natural peel, I offer a variety of related facial treatments, including the European spa facial, aromatherapy, mini or teen facial, age-defying facial, super oxy-G treatment, vitamin-C infusion, cell renewal, and treatments for special conditions such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, and stress. Most important, I custom design each facial treatment for you, based on your unique skin needs, which can change. Be sure to ask for sunscreen and other skin care recommendations based on your needs.
Birdie Day Spa
7736 Fay Avenue, Ste 102
La Jolla, CA 92037
www.birdiedayspa.com
info@birdiedayspa.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Birdie's Blog – Hyperpigmentation – September 2012
What are those brown spots that often appear on the skin of our faces and hands, and how can we prevent or treat them?
They are sometimes called liver spots or age spots, but these names are not accurate. The accumulation of extra color in the skin – hyperpigmentation – has nothing to do with the liver and is only partially linked to aging.
Brown spots are an excess accumulation of melanin, the substance in our body that gives us color (pigment) in our skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin is also responsible for moles and freckles and for the color of fur and feathers in animals and birds. As we get older, our bodies don't regulate melanin production and distribute skin color as efficiently.
We may be more likely to see these brown spots as we get older, but they can also appear when we're younger and have several causes: sun exposure, smoking, hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), drug reactions, and diseases such as Addison's disease or celiac disease. Using certain harsh lightening creams or laser treatments (particular fitzpatrick skin type 5 and 6) can also induce hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation affects people of all skin colors, from those with the lightest to the darkest skin.
What are the best ways to prevent brown spots? We may not be able to prevent their appearance completely, but we can do a lot to minimize them. Avoid over-exposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen. Wear a hat. Don't smoke. Eat well, drink a lot of water, reduce stress and exercise.
At Birdie Day Spa, we offer several non-invasive but effective treatments to help prevent and correct hyperpigmentation. These include a range of treatments from basic to non-acidic peels, and are always designed with your particular skin type and condition in mind for improved results. Because our treatments are gentle, there's no downtime. You'll be able to enjoy your smoother, healthier-looking skin as soon as you walk out the door. With sunscreen on your happy face, of course. See our site at www.birdiedayspa.com
They are sometimes called liver spots or age spots, but these names are not accurate. The accumulation of extra color in the skin – hyperpigmentation – has nothing to do with the liver and is only partially linked to aging.
Brown spots are an excess accumulation of melanin, the substance in our body that gives us color (pigment) in our skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin is also responsible for moles and freckles and for the color of fur and feathers in animals and birds. As we get older, our bodies don't regulate melanin production and distribute skin color as efficiently.
We may be more likely to see these brown spots as we get older, but they can also appear when we're younger and have several causes: sun exposure, smoking, hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), drug reactions, and diseases such as Addison's disease or celiac disease. Using certain harsh lightening creams or laser treatments (particular fitzpatrick skin type 5 and 6) can also induce hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation affects people of all skin colors, from those with the lightest to the darkest skin.
What are the best ways to prevent brown spots? We may not be able to prevent their appearance completely, but we can do a lot to minimize them. Avoid over-exposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen. Wear a hat. Don't smoke. Eat well, drink a lot of water, reduce stress and exercise.
At Birdie Day Spa, we offer several non-invasive but effective treatments to help prevent and correct hyperpigmentation. These include a range of treatments from basic to non-acidic peels, and are always designed with your particular skin type and condition in mind for improved results. Because our treatments are gentle, there's no downtime. You'll be able to enjoy your smoother, healthier-looking skin as soon as you walk out the door. With sunscreen on your happy face, of course. See our site at www.birdiedayspa.com
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Skin Cancer Awareness – July 2012
Birdie's Blog – Skin Cancer Awareness – July 2012
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. During the last three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
If caught early enough, skin cancer is treatable and may not progress to the more damaging or deadly forms, including invasive melanoma. Once the tumor has spread, the survival rate falls from 99 percent to 15 percent. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers, and even more of melanoma cancers, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
So, how do we keep ourselves on the right side of these statistics?
Here are the best of the skin cancer prevention tips:
1. Stay out of the direct sun as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2. Avoid tanning booths. Instead, use a spray tanning service or a self tanner.
3. Wear a hat when you go outdoors.
4. Examine your skin, including your scalp, monthly. If you find any unusual growths or changes in the appearance of a mole, see your doctor.
5. See your dermatologist once a year for a thorough skin check-up.
6. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply the sunscreen over your entire face and body and reapply every 1-2 hours if you are outdoors for several hours. Remember that we are exposed to damaging sun rays even while driving or riding in our cars.
My recommendation is that you use a sunscreen that does not clog your pores and safe for your skin such as Reflect SPF30 by Cosmedix, Shelter SPF30 by Osmosis or Sea Ezyme Ultra Umbrella Environmental Moisturizer (water resistant & great for swimmers or surfers) by Ca Botana, available at Birdie Day Spa in La Jolla, California.
If you are confused about the best type of sunscreen for you, please send me an email to info@birdiedayspa.com or give me a call. And don't forget, at Birdie Day Spa we offer full-body exfoliation and safe tanning services too.
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. During the last three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
If caught early enough, skin cancer is treatable and may not progress to the more damaging or deadly forms, including invasive melanoma. Once the tumor has spread, the survival rate falls from 99 percent to 15 percent. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers, and even more of melanoma cancers, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
So, how do we keep ourselves on the right side of these statistics?
Here are the best of the skin cancer prevention tips:
1. Stay out of the direct sun as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2. Avoid tanning booths. Instead, use a spray tanning service or a self tanner.
3. Wear a hat when you go outdoors.
4. Examine your skin, including your scalp, monthly. If you find any unusual growths or changes in the appearance of a mole, see your doctor.
5. See your dermatologist once a year for a thorough skin check-up.
6. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply the sunscreen over your entire face and body and reapply every 1-2 hours if you are outdoors for several hours. Remember that we are exposed to damaging sun rays even while driving or riding in our cars.
My recommendation is that you use a sunscreen that does not clog your pores and safe for your skin such as Reflect SPF30 by Cosmedix, Shelter SPF30 by Osmosis or Sea Ezyme Ultra Umbrella Environmental Moisturizer (water resistant & great for swimmers or surfers) by Ca Botana, available at Birdie Day Spa in La Jolla, California.
If you are confused about the best type of sunscreen for you, please send me an email to info@birdiedayspa.com or give me a call. And don't forget, at Birdie Day Spa we offer full-body exfoliation and safe tanning services too.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Benefits of Full-Body Exfoliation
As summer approaches and we shed our heavier clothes, we start to think about shedding our old skin too. Whether we are showing off legs or arms, or both, we want them to look as good as possible. The right exfoliation treatments can benefit the skin on our bodies in several ways.
First, exfoliation removes the old skin cells and impurities on the surface of the skin, which can cause it to look rough, dry, and uneven. At Birdie Day Spa, we use natural salts and a gentle touch to exfoliate, being careful to apply just the right amount of pressure, depending on your skin type. This leaves your skin looking renewed and glowing.
Second, exfoliation allows your skin to absorb moisture better, so we follow our salt rubs with hydrading oils to further soften your skin.
Third, when your skin is exfoliated, it also absorbs self-tanning lotion better too. The result is a smooth, even, and long-lasting color without streaks or blotches.
And fourth, a good exfoliation treatment is also stimulating, relaxing, and soothing, since it includes a certain amount of massage.
At Birdie Day Spa, we offer several exfoliation treatments, including a Salt Glow Body Treament (using oils from the sea), a Self-Tanning Treatment (full-body exfoliation, followed by tanning lotion), and a Chocolate Body Glow (salt rub followed by chocolate mint body oil). We also custom design exfoliation treatments for you, especially if you have special needs such as sensitive skin or a skin condition.
Whatever exfoliation treatment you select, you'll be glad you did, stepping out into summer with newer, healthy-looking skin.
First, exfoliation removes the old skin cells and impurities on the surface of the skin, which can cause it to look rough, dry, and uneven. At Birdie Day Spa, we use natural salts and a gentle touch to exfoliate, being careful to apply just the right amount of pressure, depending on your skin type. This leaves your skin looking renewed and glowing.
Second, exfoliation allows your skin to absorb moisture better, so we follow our salt rubs with hydrading oils to further soften your skin.
Third, when your skin is exfoliated, it also absorbs self-tanning lotion better too. The result is a smooth, even, and long-lasting color without streaks or blotches.
And fourth, a good exfoliation treatment is also stimulating, relaxing, and soothing, since it includes a certain amount of massage.
At Birdie Day Spa, we offer several exfoliation treatments, including a Salt Glow Body Treament (using oils from the sea), a Self-Tanning Treatment (full-body exfoliation, followed by tanning lotion), and a Chocolate Body Glow (salt rub followed by chocolate mint body oil). We also custom design exfoliation treatments for you, especially if you have special needs such as sensitive skin or a skin condition.
Whatever exfoliation treatment you select, you'll be glad you did, stepping out into summer with newer, healthy-looking skin.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Are you thinking about getting a massage for the first time? Or trying a new massage therapy or therapist?
Here at Birdie Day Spa, you can relax knowing you are in safe hands with our expert massage therapists. Our therapists are not only well-trained and experienced, they are sensitive to your individual needs. They understand that each of you has different needs and will suggest the best type of massage for you. These include the following:
Swedish Massage – This is a gentle form of massage, using long strokes, kneading, circular movements, vibration, and tapping. It will help you relax and feel more energized and is often used to help prevent or treat injuries.
Deep Tissue Massage – This type of massage uses slower, more forceful strokes that target deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It can help with muscle damage from injuries.
Hot Rock Therapy – In addition to using classic massage strokes, the therapist places heated, smooth, flat stones on key points of your body. These can relax muscles, improve circulation, calm the nervous systems and help those feel cold or who have cold feet. The therapist can also use the smooth, warm stones to massage areas of your body.
Reflexology – The therapist applies pressure to certain areas of your ears, hands, and feet, thought by some to correspond to organs and systems in the body. This type of massage can improve circulation, reduce tension, pain and stiffness, and boost blood circulation.
No matter what type of massage therapy you prefer, you'll enjoy many benefits. A massage in good hands will help you relax, offer a sense of caring and comfort, and relieve many conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, stiffness, and pain. If you have any serious health problems or are recovering from an injury, you should consult with your doctor to select the best type of massage therapy for you.
Here at Birdie Day Spa, you can relax knowing you are in safe hands with our expert massage therapists. Our therapists are not only well-trained and experienced, they are sensitive to your individual needs. They understand that each of you has different needs and will suggest the best type of massage for you. These include the following:
Swedish Massage – This is a gentle form of massage, using long strokes, kneading, circular movements, vibration, and tapping. It will help you relax and feel more energized and is often used to help prevent or treat injuries.
Deep Tissue Massage – This type of massage uses slower, more forceful strokes that target deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It can help with muscle damage from injuries.
Hot Rock Therapy – In addition to using classic massage strokes, the therapist places heated, smooth, flat stones on key points of your body. These can relax muscles, improve circulation, calm the nervous systems and help those feel cold or who have cold feet. The therapist can also use the smooth, warm stones to massage areas of your body.
Reflexology – The therapist applies pressure to certain areas of your ears, hands, and feet, thought by some to correspond to organs and systems in the body. This type of massage can improve circulation, reduce tension, pain and stiffness, and boost blood circulation.
No matter what type of massage therapy you prefer, you'll enjoy many benefits. A massage in good hands will help you relax, offer a sense of caring and comfort, and relieve many conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, stiffness, and pain. If you have any serious health problems or are recovering from an injury, you should consult with your doctor to select the best type of massage therapy for you.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
What is the best way to take care of our skin in the winter?
This is a question many of my clients ask me. Many complain about dry, flaky, or blotchy skin at this time of year. Even those with oily skin notice that it dries out or looks uneven during the colder months.
Although each of you has different skin conditions and requirements, my general advice is to avoid harsh cleansing and exfoliation and to use high-quality moisturizers regularly.
Of course, you want to avoid strong cleansers and exfoliating ingredients year 'round, not just in the winter. But as the weather gets colder, you may want to reevaluate the products you are using and try using even milder ones.
When you come in for a facial, I can help you evaluate your current cleansers and exfoliators and make recommendations for milder variations. I'll also send you home with samples of the cleansers and exfoliators I use here for you to try, if you prefer.
I'll also do the same with your current moisturizing products. Based on an individual analysis of your skin and its condition, I will recommend the best moisturizers to keep your skin glowing and hydrated. My advice here is to use a high-quality moisturizer and to apply it regularly, but in small quantities. Good moisturizers do not have to be expensive. But if you do prefer a more expensive one, you will find that it is more economical to use in the long run than inexpensive creams if you use just small amounts at a time.
The mistake many people make is to apply too much moisturizer to their faces, especially in the winter. But in this case, more is not better. Applying too much can leave a film on the skin and clog pores, since it is more than your skin can absorb. This can make certain conditions, like acne, worse.
It's all about finding and using the right products for you, whatever the season, and helping you make the best educated choices is what I love to do.
In addition to using the right cleaners and moisturizers, don't forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink lots of water! Visit our website at www.birdiedayspa.com or call 858-459-4965.
This is a question many of my clients ask me. Many complain about dry, flaky, or blotchy skin at this time of year. Even those with oily skin notice that it dries out or looks uneven during the colder months.
Although each of you has different skin conditions and requirements, my general advice is to avoid harsh cleansing and exfoliation and to use high-quality moisturizers regularly.
Of course, you want to avoid strong cleansers and exfoliating ingredients year 'round, not just in the winter. But as the weather gets colder, you may want to reevaluate the products you are using and try using even milder ones.
When you come in for a facial, I can help you evaluate your current cleansers and exfoliators and make recommendations for milder variations. I'll also send you home with samples of the cleansers and exfoliators I use here for you to try, if you prefer.
I'll also do the same with your current moisturizing products. Based on an individual analysis of your skin and its condition, I will recommend the best moisturizers to keep your skin glowing and hydrated. My advice here is to use a high-quality moisturizer and to apply it regularly, but in small quantities. Good moisturizers do not have to be expensive. But if you do prefer a more expensive one, you will find that it is more economical to use in the long run than inexpensive creams if you use just small amounts at a time.
The mistake many people make is to apply too much moisturizer to their faces, especially in the winter. But in this case, more is not better. Applying too much can leave a film on the skin and clog pores, since it is more than your skin can absorb. This can make certain conditions, like acne, worse.
It's all about finding and using the right products for you, whatever the season, and helping you make the best educated choices is what I love to do.
In addition to using the right cleaners and moisturizers, don't forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink lots of water! Visit our website at www.birdiedayspa.com or call 858-459-4965.
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