Birdie Day Spa blog

2012-01-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

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.

Birdie's Blog – Exfoliation

2011-12-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

We all like the idea of showing our best face to the world. How do we keep our faces looking their best, fresh and vibrant?

One of the best ways is through exfoliation, the process of removing the oldest skin cells on the outermost layer of our skin. From the Latin word exfoliare, meaning to strip off leaves, exfoliation was practiced by the ancient Egyptians, who used milk and wine on their skin.

And what does exfoliation do for us? It reveals our smoother skin underneath and lessens the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation and scars. It prepares our skin for make-up or self-tanning lotions. It also helps unclog our pores and alleviates certain skin conditions, such as acne.

There are two types of exfoliation that can benefit your skin: mechanical and chemical. At Birdie Day Spa, I offer both types as part of my facial treatments. Depending on your skin type and condition, I will recommend which one is best for you.

Mechanical exfoliation, also known as microdermabrasion, uses an abrasive, such as lasers, diamond tips, brushes, loofas, microfiber cloths, organic grains, ground fruit pits, micro-bead facial scrubs, sugar or salt crystals, pumice, baking soda, or aluminum oxide crystals. Waxing to remove hair also acts as a exfoliator.

Mechanical exfoliation is best for normal to thick skin, and I do not recommend it if you have sensitive or thin skin. Some abrasive materials such as pumice are better for your feet, not for facial skin. Some over-the-counter products such as brushes can also be too harsh and can be unsanitary if not cleaned properly.

Mechanical exfoliation or microdermabrasion is not the same as dermabrasion, which refers to a medical procedure performed by dermatologists for taking off several layers of skin. Used to remove scars, tattoos, fine wrinkles and pigmentation, it can take several months to heal.

Chemical exfoliation refers to chemical peels. At Birdie Day Spa, depending on your specific skin requirements, I use gentle and natural enzyme peels, citric acid peels, and non-acid peels. After seeing so many clients with red and blotchy faces (before receiving a treatment from me), I do not recommend that you use strong chemical peels at home.

In fact, before you try any type of exfoliation, please give me a call for a free consultation at (858) 459-4965. I would be happy to recommend the right type of exfoliation for you and how often you should exfoliate.

2011-11-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

What Smoking Does to Your Skin

On the third Thursday of November, every year, the American Cancer Society sponsors and promotes the Great American Smokeout to encourages smokers to quit. By now, most of us know how harmful smoking is to our health.

Smoking harms almost every organ in the body and contributes to an estimated 443,000 deaths, or nearly one of every five deaths, each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined. Smoking causes 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and 80% in women and it doubles the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC.

What many people do not realize is how harmful smoking is to our skin – the largest organ in our body, one we happen to wear on the outside. While we may not see damage to our heart or lungs, we can certainly see damage caused by smoking on our skin.
Smoking is actually the worst thing you can do to our skin after tanning. It speeds up the normal aging process and can add between 10-20 years to our natural age. Because smoking constricts blood vessels in the outer layer of skin, it impairs blood flow to the skin. With less blood flow, our skin doesn't get as much oxygen and other nutrients, such as vitamin A and C. This causes premature wrinkles and sagging on our face and other parts of our bodies too.

There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke that damage collagen and elastin, fibers that give our skin strength and elasticity. We lose collagen as we age, but smoking makes us lose it even more quickly. In addition, the heat from cigarettes and the constant pursing of the lips contribute to those nasty wrinkles around the mouth.

There is no way around it, even the best of facials cannot get rid of smoker's face: grey, pale, and wrinkled skin, skin that has lost its glow and vitality. Not until you quit smoking will you be able to smile from a non-smoker's face! Not all the damage caused by smoking can be reversed, but a good diet, exercise, and sunscreen will go a long way to restore your skin to a more healthy and youthful appearance after you quit smoking.

And, course, so will regular facials! Good luck!
Visit our website at wwww.birdiedayspa.com

What Is a Facial?

2011-10-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

A facial is a skin treatment to keep skin healthy. It includes cleansing or deep cleansing, exfoliating, massage (for face, neck and shoulders), masking and moisturizing. This treatment is performed by a licensed esthetician.

What can you expect when you come for a facial? Hopefully you will lie back, close your eyes, relax, and let me do the work. But you may be wondering what to expect.

Although I custom design each facial for each customer, picking the special products just for your skin type, here are some of the basic steps I follow:

1. A full analysis of your skin. What I look for: Dry skin? Oily skin? Dehydrated skin? Combination skin (T-zone)? Broken capillaries? Sensitivity? Whiteheads? Blackheads? Fine lines? Large pores? Acne condition? Signs of premature aging? Hyper-pigmentation? Uneven tone skin from acne scars? And more!

2. Exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells. It can be done mechanically or chemically, depending on your skin type.

3. Vaporizing. Vaporizing helps to soften the pores before performing extraction (when done correctly). It also helps re-hydrate your skin and stimulates the circulation of blood flow.

4. Face, shoulder and neck massage. A massage helps to relax and stimulate your skin muscles, using different technique from effleurage to lymphatic drainage movement, depending on your skin type.

5. Mask. There are many masks to choose from, depending on your skin type or current condition. Masks include ultra hydrating, rejuvenating, tightening, soothing, and skin brightening, and more.

Most facials last about an hour, but I always give a little extra. Mini-facials last about half an hour and are perfect for maintaining healthy skin in between your regular facials. Normally I always give an extra treat, such as more antioxidants, etc.

Beauty is More than Skin Deep

2011-09-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

As most of us know, real beauty means more than just beautiful skin. Beauty comes from within, from a healthy mind and body. The healthier and happier we are, the more it shows on our faces.

As I discussed in my previous blog, it's important to eat a balanced diet to keep ourselves healthy and our skin looking good. In addition to eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods, it's also important to eat foods containing the right nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You might want to keep the following nutrients in mind as you shop for groceries, plan your meals, or select from a menu while eating out:

• Vitamin A/beta-carotene – Promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth, gums, eyes, and strong bones. Good sources include green, orange and yellow vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and yellow fruit such as cantaloupe.

• B Vitamins – The B vitamins (11 in all) work together to help mental functions, including easing stress (which often shows up on your skin). Good sources include dark green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, eggs, milk, and lean protein.

• Vitamin C – Helps your body fight infections and allergies. Good food sources include oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwifruit, tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, parsley.

• Vitamin D – Aids in the absorption of calcium, for strong bones. Good food sources are eggs, fish, cod liver oil and fortified milk.

• Vitamin E – Helps to supply oxygen to the body and protect lungs from pollutants, slows down cellular aging, prevents scars and accelerates healing. Find it in wheat germ, flaxseed, soybeans, vegetable oils, fish oil, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, spinach, whole wheat, whole-grain cereals, and eggs.

• Zinc – Helps with healing of wounds, promotes growth. Food sources include meat, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, pumpkin seeds, non-fat milk.

• Calcium – Helps you maintain strong bones, alleviate insomnia and irregular heartbeat. Works together with Vitamin D and magnesium. Good sources include milk, yogurt, cheese, soybeans, sardines, salmon, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried beans, green vegetables.

• Antioxidants – Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. They include beta-carotene, vitamin C (absorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), as well as others such as flavonoids, phenols, and sulfides. In general, the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the more anti-oxidants you are getting.

Should you take supplements in addition to eating well? This is a question many of us have, especially as we rush through our busy days and may not always take the time to eat as well as we should. If you do decide to take supplements, it's important to discuss them with your doctor and to stay within FDA guidelines. Pay attention to your own body.

Ask me about the SuperFood Solution™ if you are considering a healthy, natural way to supplement your diet. Made by BioPharma Scientific, a San Diego company, the SuperFood supplements offer advanced nutrition in synergistic formulas that are completely natural and easy to absorb for maximum benefits. In powder form, they can be mixed with water, fruit juice or milk and include:

• NanoGreens10 and NanoReds10 – Provides you with antioxidant and phytonutrition of more than 10 servings of fruits and vegetables.

• NanoProPRP – Pure whey protein.

• NanoEPADHA – Fish oil with vitamin D and E complex (No heavy metal).

• NanoOmega3 – Golden flax, vegan DHA, and vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), B12, D and E.

You can purchase these Superfood supplements directly on line at www.superfoodsolution.com/birdiedayspa or call us at 858-459-4965

P.S. My next blog will be about Supplements, vitamins and minerals – 　

You are what you eat.

2011-08-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

You are what you eat. The basic food groups.

Having a facial can leave you with a wonderful glow. Your skin loves all the pampering with the right nutrients. But eating the right nutrients is important too, if you want your skin to glow from within.

As a certified nutritionist, C.C.H and H.H.P, as well as a licensed esthetician, I'd like to share my tips for how you may choose to eat to keep your glow, and of course, your health. You should definitely consider choosing healthy foods from the following basic food groups. You really are what you eat!

1. Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates supply fuel to our body. Complex carbohydrates, such as fruits (all berries, mangoes, cherries), dark green vegetables, beans, peas, whole grains, and milk (low-fat or non-fat preferred) are all good sources. Many of these sources are high in fiber, which is great for our body's cleaning system and helps prevent skin breakouts. Avoid refined and processed foods such as sugar, candy, soft drinks and food that contains additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

2. Protein – Proteins play a very important role in our body. When we age, our collagen breaks down and our skin can benefit from the amino acids in good protein sources. These include chicken and turkey (without hormones), fish (wild salmon, some tuna), yogurt and cottage cheese, nuts (almonds, pistachios, etc.), beans, and brown rice.

3. Fat – Fat provides energy. However our body only needs a small amount of fat (polyunsaturated such as sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil, and other nut oil for up to 10% total calorie daily intake; monounsaturated fat such as olive oil, flax seed oil, canola oil, and some fish oil (non-mercury preferred) about 10%-15% of total calorie daily intake, as recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). These polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (essential fatty acids) may lower your blood cholesterol, according to the NCEP. That means they may also reduce inflammation which can affect our skin. Avoid trans and saturated fat.

4. Water – Water is a basic nutrient for our body, which is 2/3 water. We need water for our digestive and breathing systems, to help push nutrients through our body and to balance our body temperature. Dry skin can also be caused by not drinking enough liquid. This can age you faster especially if you are in the sun for long periods of time. Drink at least eight 6-ounce glasses of water a day and more after being in the sun.

Remember to chew long enough to get benefit from your food (good food)!

Reference: NCEP guidelines, www.nutrition.gov and www.nia.nih.gov.

P.S. My next blog will be about vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. – 　

Natural vs. Organic Products

2011-08-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of confusion today about whether natural or organic ingredients in cosmetics are better for us than synthetic ones.

The truth is, both natural and synthetic ingredients can be good or bad for us, and both can work together in modern skin care formulas.

Just because an ingredient is organic or natural doesn't mean it is beneficial to your skin. In fact, many natural ingredients such as citrus, lavender oil, peppermint, or even rose, can be harmful to your skin and cause allergies, irritation, and skin sensitivities. This kind of irritation can break down the collagen in your skin, cause free-radical damage, and clog pores. The very opposite of what we want our skin care products to do!

But many people are allergic to synthetic ingredients in cosmetics too, especially the chemicals used in some sunblocks and the preservatives, such as parabens, used in many cosmetics. A few scientists are concerned that parabens, which mimic estrogen, may be associated with the rise in breast cancer in women, but so far there has been no proven link and the matter is still being investigated.

The best skin care cosmetics use a combination of natural and scientifically formulated ingredients that work better together than separately. The key here is the gentle formulation. By blending the best of the natural and the scientific worlds, these modern formulas bring you the maximum benefits and are safe and non-irritating. Without the addition of certain preservatives, for example, natural cosmetics have a very short shelf life and can quickly become contaminated.

If you are concerned about the ingredients in your cosmetics, it's important to ask where they come from and I can help you with that. The next time you come in, please bring in your skin cream and I'll help you understand the ingredients. And if you want to try any of my skin care product lines, I'll send you away with a sample or two.

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[P.S. Two of my personal favorite product lines – and many of my clients agree – are Osmosis and CosMedix.

Osmosis contains ingredients that can improve the skin without weakening or inflaming it. The Osmosis Skin Transformation System includes more than 20 cleansers, serums, and moisturizers, as well as powder additives, and a variety of peels and masks.

The CosMedix line is used widely by dermatologists, physicians and aestheticians around the world. Using a combination of nature and science, the products are very concentrated but without the irritation sometimes associated with higher concentrations. CosMedix focuses on natural ingredients, such as plant proteins and lactic acid, formulated with a purification process which works safely and naturally with your skin. There are products for all skin types and conditions including normal, dry, oily, sensitive, acne, rosacea, and pigmentation.]

What’s Next on Birdie’s Blog – Stay Posted!
Nutrition and Skin Care – 　

Sunscreens Demystified

2011-07-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sunscreens Demystified

Are you confused about what type of sunscreen is right for you? I don’t blame you. Going to the drugstore and gazing at row after row of what seems like hundreds of choices can be mind-boggling. It almost makes us long for the days of cocoa butter and suntan oil. Well, almost, but not really. We know better of course. We want to protect ourselves from skin cancer and hold onto our younger-looking skin as long as we can.

Recently, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) released new guidelines for manufacturers of sunscreens in an attempt to protect consumers from misleading claims. For example, under the new guidelines, sunscreens labeled SPF 15 or higher are the only ones that may say they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Consumers must be told to apply sunscreen often to work and to limit their exposure to the sun. No longer are sunscreens allowed to call themselves waterproof, sunproof, or sunblock. And sunscreens will not be allowed to go above SPF 50 as, according to the FDA, there is no evidence that higher SPF values provide more protection.

So, the new guidelines narrow the choices down a little. But there are still a few questions many of us have:

1. What is SPF?   The sun protection factor (SPF) is a rating system that tells you how long the product will protect you, how long you can be in the sun before being burned by UVB rays. For example an SPF of 15 means it would take 15 times longer to burn than if you had no sunscreen on. You calculate the time you can be in the sun with the product on by multiplying the SPF rating by the time it usually takes you to burn without sunscreen. So, if it usually takes you 10 minutes to burn without a sunscreen and you apply an SPF 15 product, you can stay in the sun 150 minutes before burning. But these are general guidelines and do not apply to everyone or to every type of weather condition. A good general guideline is to reapply sunscreen, whatever the SPF level, every two hours.

2. What is broad spectrum?   The sun contains two major types of ultraviolet (UV) rays – ultraviolet-B (UVB) and ultraviolet-A (UVA). UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburns while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause more dangerous cell changes, such as wrinkles and skin cancers. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will supposedly offer you protection from both types of rays, although none offer complete protection. It is a good idea to check the label before you buy a sunscreen and make sure it does include both UVB and UVA protection. The SPF rating described earlier applies only to UVB rays. Currently there is no rating for UVA rays.

3. What is a chemical sunscreen?   Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation. Examples are cinnamates and benzophenones, which block both UVA and UVB rays; avobenzone and ecamsule, which block UVA rays only; and PABA esters, which block UVB rays only. But chemical sunscreens is not an ideal for sensitive skin condition!

4. What is a physical sunscreen?   Physical sunscreens physically block UV radiation. The most common examples are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These block both UVA and UVB rays. The physical sunscreen is the real ideal for sensitive skin condition! As many people know, sunscreens tend to feel sticky, even when they are "oil-free." Birdie Day Spa will provide you with products that do not!

5. Are sunscreen ingredients harmful?   It depends on the type of skin you have and if you are prone to allergies. For people with oily skin, the ingredients in physical sunscreens can cause breakouts. For those with sensitive skin, some of the ingredients in chemical sunscreens can be very irritating. Many sunscreens contain a combination of chemical and physical ingredients, so you may have to experiment or ask me for some recommendations.

What’s Next on Birdie’s Blog – Stay Posted!

What to Look For in a Hat –   For the maximum sun protection, you’ll need the right type of hat. I’ll tell you what to look for and where to look for it.

How to Tan Safely -   There is no safe way to tan, but there are safe alternatives. You can still look like a bronze god or goddess without turning into a prune!

July 4th Healthy and Beauty Tips

2011-07-02T00:17:00.000-07:00

Happy July everyone! Did you know that July’s flowers are the water lily and the larkspur? To some, the water lily symbolizes an open, fun-loving heart and reminds them of the fireworks we’ll see in the sky on the Fourth. The larkspur, which is often grown to attract hummingbirds, symbolizes well-chosen words and persuasion.

July is also the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and so I hope to persuade you to take care of yourself and your skin before enjoying your fun in the hot sun. Summer may bring back our carefree, light-hearted days, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a few necessary steps to protect our skin from cancer, painful sunburns or premature aging. Your skin will thank you!

Five Tips for Enjoying the Sun Safely

1. Wear sunscreen. If you are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or more. Apply liberally to your face and don’t forget your ears, top of your head, neck, hands, arms and feet. You should do this even on less sunny days – the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays can reach through clouds and still burn your skin. Even if you spend your days indoors, you should still apply sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or more. A major misconception is that sunscreen is only needed outdoors. Wrong! The sun’s rays can also reach through windows and cause damage to your skin.

2. Re-apply sunscreen. Make sure you re-apply your sunscreen throughout the day – at least every two hours, and more often if you burn quickly or have been swimming or perspiring. Don’t forget your hands and arms and the tops of your feet if you’re wearing sandals.

3. Wear a hat. Hats with wide brims (at least three inches) and made of tightly-woven darker material offer the most protection. Baseball caps with side flaps and cowboy hats offer some protection. Smaller hats like bucket-style, fedora or baseball caps give you the least amount of protection, especially for your ears and neck. But even smaller hats are better than nothing, especially if you apply sunscreen to the exposed areas.

4. Use hair care products with sun protection. Your hair can suffer from too much sun exposure, just as your skin can – especially if you are not wearing a hat! Today there are several hair care products available with sun protection. Great sun block that does not clog your pores available at Birdie Day Spa! It is safe for everyone especially sensitive skin condition. If you don’t want to buy a special product to protect your hair, you can make your own. Simply mix two teaspoons of your sunscreen into a cup of water in a spray bottle and spray your hair.

5. Stay hydrated. If you are out in the hot sun, make sure you have something to drink regularly and don’t get dehydrated. The best drink is still water. Some healthy alternatives, depending on your particular physical condition, include vegetable juice, fruit juice, or unsweetened iced tea. Need some delicious Superfood Juice as Nanogreen and NanoRed, available at Birdie Day Spa as well.

What’s Next on Birdie’s Blog – Stay Posted!

Sunscreens Demystified – Confused about what type of sunscreen is right for you? UBA, UVB rays and broad-spectrum mean? What is the difference between a chemical and a physical sunscreen? Are certain sunscreen ingredients harmful? The answers to these – and more – in my next blog!

birdie day spa blog

2011-01-09T13:31:00.001-08:00

Birdie Day Spa blog1

2011-01-09T13:28:00.001-08:00