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.

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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 nutrition consultant, 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. –