Dermafile Diamond Exfoliation
Zen Body & Skin is excited to offer the Dermafile Diamond Exfoliation an alternative to chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Dermafile™ is a skin polishing and resurfacing tool made of
stainless steel and finely crushed cosmetic diamonds. This file will
lightly polish the skin by hand, removing the top layer of dead skin
cells, and leaving velvety smooth, fresh, rejuvenated skin.
Dermafile™ is a very effective tool for treating aging and sun
damaged skin, scars, acne scarring, pigmentation, stretch marks,
fine lines and enlarged and clogged pores. It will also smooth rough
calloused skin anywhere on the body.
BENEFITS OF THE DERMAFILE™ EXFOLIATION:
- Helps remove sun damage and pigmentation Helps lessen ingrown hairs Helps smooth away dead skin cells and rough, bumpy, dry patches of skin Helps smooth away acne scars and other types of scars
- Helps build collagen and smooth fine lines.
- Helps smooth away rough calluses from elbows, knees, and feet Perfect for face, back, and body treatments Helps makeup go on smoother Skin feels silky smooth and clean! Dermafile™ is a safe, natural, holistic alternative to chemical peels and microdermabrasion
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Australian Aboriginal people have long recognized the multi-faced healing power of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternafolia) but it wasn’t until the 1900′s that the Western World took notice.
Tea Tree Oil is most importantly used to help the immune system fight off infection. It activates the white corpuscles to aid in the defense against invading bacteria and helps to shorten the duration of an illness. It has properties that are antibiotic (combats infection) antiseptic (helps to control infection) and bactericide (kills bacteria), and fungicide (kills fungus). Using Tee Tree in aromatherapy affects the body and mind and lends a note of revitalization, especially after a shock.
These amazing properties make tea tree oil especially useful for acne, athlete’s foot, cold sores, ringworm, insect bites and stings, colds, and flus and thrush (yeast infections).
Tea tree blends well with several other essential oils. For an uplifting scent try mixing it with Lemon Essential Oil. For acne add equal amounts of Lavender Essential Oil (to reduce redness and inflammation). Because essential oils are potent it is best to dilute with a carrier oil (I love coconut oil) when applying directly to the skin. Also avoid contact with eyes.
You may also ask for this oil in your next Aromatherapy Massage at Zen Body & Skin
The Benefits of Cherries
November 10th, 2011
Packed with a multitude of vitamins and minerals the cherry is not only good for your interally but externally as well. Cherries do everything from protecting your skin from free radicals to helping with hyper-pigmentation (discoloration of the skin/age spots). Cherry juice may also help with the treatment of rosacea and can kill most of the bacteria that causes acne. The antioxidant properties held within cherries make it a powerhouse when fighting damage from UV exposure and signs of aging.
Cherries also help with inflammation (and inflammation is directly linked with how fast we age) Chronic inflammation can cause undesirable change in skin making it rough and damaging elasticity.
Another benefit of Cherries is that they are a natural humectant. This means that they pull water out of the air to moisturize the skin. So cherries natural moisturize the skin and improve the penetration of other nourishing ingredients.
Other benefits:
- Cherries have a strong detoxifying action and purification
- A healthy source of potassium which helps maintain healthy skin
- Cherries are rich in iron, phosphorus, magnesium
- Contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C
- Contains Melatonin which destroy free radicals
- Has antiseptic qualities which help soothe and heal damaged skin
- And let’s not forget they taste good!
The body has an amazing ability to detoxify itself. But in today’s world where we are constantly exposed to toxins in our water, air, food, and even many skincare products.
Like herbs, essential oils can assist the body with detoxification. To limit your exposure to toxins, the use of essential also are a wonderful natural alternative to synthetic perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaners.
What Essential Oils Can Help With Detoxing?
There are numerous essential oils that can help cleanse the body’s organs, assist in moving lymph and fluids, and even reduce the look of cellulite.
Clove Essential Oil. The health benefits of Clove Oil can mainly be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. Clove Essential oil is used for treating a variety of health disorders including toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headache, stress and blood impurities. This is generally safe to use topically and orally. (Although needs to be used cautiously during pregnancy or for those with sensitive skin.) I quite like the taste of clove essential oil and I love the fresh breath it gives you (wonderful for gargling)but beware this oil is really strong and can cause extreme skin sensitivity and if not diluted when taken orally…really it can blow your head off!
Grapefruit Essential Oil has a wonderful clean citrusy scent. Grapefruit Essential Oil also has a long list of medicinal uses including relief from migraines, stress and depression. Most notably, if you are looking for a slimming and detoxification effect, Grapefruit Essential Oil may assist with reducing Cellulite, lymphatic decongestion and water retention.
Rosemary Essential Oil has been historically used to drive away evil spirits and protect from plague and infectious diseases. Now I’m not sure about its affect on evil spirits but it does have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities. So there’s definitely something there when it comes to warding off disease. This essential oil is also known to fight cellulite and fluid retention. (Although generally safe for most people its best avoided during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy or high blood pressure)
Geranium Essential Oil has one of the more intense scents of the Essential Oils I use, so if you are sensitive to strong smells you may not enjoy using the individual oil. As with most essential oils (I’m sure you see a pattern here) Geranium is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This oil is also excellent for circulatory problems as it improves blood flow (Note that areas of excess fat and cellulite have poor circulation) The oil also assists in dilating biliary ducts or liver detoxification.
Next time you have a massage at Zen Body & Skin in Las Vegas, NV ask about adding an essential oil for detoxification. You may also purchase essential oils for your own personal use. Add a couple of drops to a warm bath or carrier oil or diffuse in a cold diffuser.
*unless pregnant, have high blood pressure, or epilepsy, please consult your doctor if you are unsure
Sea Buckthorn Oil – give it a try!
October 14th, 2011
Many of my favorite skin care ingredients are derived from plants. Often what is good for us inside is also good for us outside. (Keeping in mind that our skin IS after all an organ that absorbes much of what we put on it – the good and the bad.)
Lately I have my eye on an ingredient that many of us have never heard of, or don’t know much about: Sea Buckthorn Oil! Buckthorn oil has been used for centuries to aid in blood circulation, improve digestion and inflammation, repair mucous membranes of the stomach and other organs, improve cardiovascular health, relieve coughs, boost energy and acts as a natural painkiller. Wow! That’s alot of benefits. But I’m not done…
Sea buckthorn berries have a high content of vitamins including C, A, B1, B2 and E and is high in antioxidants. This may explain why it promotes smoother skin, less wrinkles and aids in the healing of many skin problems….now that sounds good to me! But I’m still not done…
Because of its unique properties Sea Buckthorn also helps alleviate acne in several ways. One way is its antimicrobial properties assist in killing off the bacteria that makes acne worse. It also actually lessens the pain associated with more severe cases of acne, and can help your skin heal more quickly and cleanly after an outbreak. There is also a natural antihistamine called quercetin contained in sea buckthorn oil, which helps to eliminate any allergic reactions that may contribute to your acne, whether they’re from nature or your day-to-day activities.
What I totally love about this ingredient is that whether you’re going for the anti-aging benefits or trying to fend off acne…or in my case both…Sea Buckthorn oil has got you covered!
Want to try the ingredient for yourself? Try it in LaRocca’s Cocoa Gold Vitamin Mask.
What people are saying about the Revitalight LED Light Therapy
August 28th, 2011
Revitalight at the Golden Gloves
“Some results were just miraculous. I’ve seen patches of broken capillaries disappear over six weeks time.” – Veronica, South Hampton NY
“It’s refreshing to find a product that actually does all that it claims to and more” – Karon, Owner of Karon’s Serenity Spa, Elmore City, OK
“We are seeing spectacular results in diverse conditions. We love this machine.” Cyndi European Day Spa, VA
“We are getting excellent results with the blue lights on acne treatments.” Marti Premier Laser Dallas, TX
“For about 2 years I have had really bad acne on my upper & middle back. I started using a special wash on my back and began the LED Light treatment. The redness started reducing and the hyper pigmentation was fading. For the longest time I wouldn’t show my back for anything. My friends and family noticed a huge difference in my back and self-confidence. Since I have completed the treatment series all that is on my back is scars which are fading. I think that this treatment was the greatest thing for any type of acne.” – Elizabeth, Summerville SC
“I have been using your Revitalight machine for 4 years now and my clients are experiencing fabulous results. I have such wonderful improvements with everything from pigmentation to elasticiy.” Shelly Vibrant Healthy Image, CA
Learn more about LED Light Therapy
August 26th, 2011
Fight Sun damage and dehydration with three key ingredients found in the Green Tea Intense Hydrating Facial: Hylauronic Acid, Shea Butter & Green Tea.
Hylauronic Acid
Las Vegas weather can be pretty devastating to our skin. I have so many clients tell me that when they moved to Vegas their skin really started to show the fine lines and wrinkles. Much of this is due to the dry weather causing dehydration in our skin. As we age our skin starts losing its ability to hold water – this has a lot to do with sun damage and our skin slowing down in the creation of what’s call Hylauronic Acid. Hylauronic Acid is what attracts water to our skin (it actually holds 1,000 times it’s weight in water).
Shea Butter
Another excellent moisturizer is Shea Butter. The common misconception is Shea butter is too think to absorbe into the skin and will also clog pores. But in truth Shea Butter easily penetrates the skin allowing the skin to breathe and not clogging pores. It can deliver it’s nutritional payload better than other man-made moisturizers.
Shea Butter is like food for the skin containing Vitamins A, E and F. Vitamins A and E are especially important when it comes to helping sun damaged skin heal. Vitamins A, E and F assist in staving off premature wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin F serves to protect the skin as well assist in the healing process. It soothes rough, dry or chapped skin and helps soften dry or damaged hair. Shea Butter is high in unsaponifiables (a type of fat). Shea Butter contains somewhere between 7-12% unsaponifiables. To put that in perspective, avocado oil, a well known skin conditioner, has between 2-6%. It is this amount of unsaponifiables that is a contributing factor to Shea Butter being able to treat so many conditions. Shea Butter also naturally contains cinnamic acid, a natural sun screen. It actually does provide some degree of protection from the sun’s harmful rays (You will still need to wear sunblock).Green Tea
There have been a number of encouraging studies about the effects Green Tea has on the skin. Studies have credibly demonstrated that topical green tea formulations reduce sun damage. Green tea appears to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may synergistically enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen. Green Tea also has well documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Topical green tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging.
Do it at Home!
The Le Mieux Hylauronic Shea Mask and Calming Gel are both available at Zen Body & Skin at a very resonable price. ($30 for the set) So you can incorporate the benefits of these three amazing ingredients right into your home regiment.
Is your Perfume Toxic?
August 26th, 2011
Is your perfume Toxic? The answer is most likely YES.
Some of the chemcials in perfume are the same chemicals in cigarette smoke. It’s not that uncommon for people to develope headaches, sinus problems, and even asthma from exposures. And fragrances are now used in almost every cleaning, laundry, and personal-care product on the market! These chemicals go directly into the bloodstream when applied to our skin and are also absorbed into the skin from our clothing. As the perfume ages the toxicity level becomes higher.
We come in contact with enough toxic chemicals on a daily basis. Some we can’t control, but we can control the perfume we wear. We can certainly go without perfume all together…or we could try a something that is not only non-toxic but actually good for the body!
Try This!
dōTERRA’s Whisper essential oil blend is a perfect balance of rose, jasmine, bergamot, cinnamon, cistus, vetiver, ylang ylang, cocoa, vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli. Whisper’s subtle fragrance, once applied, mingles with your individual scent to enhance the essence that is all your own.
Proof Massage Works!
August 26th, 2011
Most people will agree that massage not only feels good but its good for you too! Specifically when it comes to relieving stress (a major cause of excellerated aging, disease and even weight gain). Still its always nice to have a little science backing it up, that’s why I wanted to share this little tid bit from Spa Magazine’s Fall 2011 issue. This was a study done by researchers at Cedars-Sinai.
“Researches studied 53 healthy adults, assigning some to a 45-minute session of Swedish Massage and others to a session of light touch massage. All 53 were outfitted with intravenous catheters so blood samples could be taken immediately before and during the massage and up to an hour afterward.
A single session resulted in measurable biologial changes: Those in the Swedish massage group experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol and in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. they also had increases in the number of lymphocutes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system. Those who had the lighter massage had an increase in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment, and bigger decreases in adrenal corticotrophin, a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol.”
Pretty cool stuff! Kind of makes you want to go get a massage!
In pure, natural form, essential oils are almost universally safe and harmless if used in small quantities. But what most people don’t know about essential oils and aromatherapy may be hurting them. Most essential oils sold in stores have been adulterated with chemicals that modify the aroma, bulk up the oils’ volume (making them less expensive), or disguise unwanted byproducts from plants not grown organically. These ingredients counter the beneficial aspects of the oils and often cause toxic reactions.
The difference between perfume-grade and therapeutic-grade oils is like the difference between a child’s plastic toy steak and a sirloin served at an expensive restaurant.
Perfume-grade oils can be harmful, causing headaches, rashes, liver toxicity and allergic reactions. They are responsible for the mixed reputation of aromatherapy: people who believe essential oil therapies “don’t really work” or who use essential oils “because they smell good” have usually only been exposed to ineffective, artificial oils.
Because Essential Oils are not highly regulated a claim of “Pure” Essential Oils are easy to make. This claim only means its not diluted with a carrier oil. (such as olive, jojoba, etc) It says nothing about the quality of the oil, how it has been harvested and made, or if its free from other additives such as perfumes, dyes, pesticides, etc.
To determine if an essential oil is of good quality you really need to do your reserach on the company. However here a few quick tips in helping determine the quality of an essential oil:
Price – You get what you pay for! A cheap essential oil probably means it was created in a manner that was inexpensive yet may have actually destroyed many of the medicianal properties of the essential oil. Or the oil may be bulked up with other cheaper additives.
Scientific Name – If the label does not contain the scientific name of the essential oil, it may not be that essential oil at all but a cheap knock off!
Food Grade – Many essential oils have been FDA approved for human consumption. Among a few are Lavender and Frankincense, peppermint, cinnamon, geranimum, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lemon and many more*. If the label says for topical purposes only, you may want to think what else is in that oil that makes it not edible or if its even really that essential oil at all! *(Please note some essential oils may be for external use only because the FDA has not done any or enough testing to determine its safety. It’s important to research the essential oil you plan on using)
All doTerra Essential oils are Independently tested to ensure freedom for contaminations such as pesticides and synthetic ingredients. doTerra essential oils represent one of the purest and most potent essential oils out in the market. Many of the essential oils are not only suitable for diffusing and massage therapy sessions but also may be taken orally, used in cooking and as a green alternative to chemical cleaners.
History of Essential Oils
August 26th, 2011
According to the translation of ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Chinese Manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before the time of Christ. Essential Oils were mankind’s first medicine.
According the research Ancient Egyptians were the first to discover the potential of essential oils. Oils and aromatics were used for treating illness and performing rituals and religious ceremonies in temples and pyramids. In fact, three oils that are still commonly used today, cedarwood, myrrh, and frankincense, were used in the embalming process
There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. Some precious oils such as frankincense, myrrh, rosemary, cassia, and cinnamon were used for the anointing and healing of the sick. The three wise men brought essential oils of frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
The term aromatherapy as we know it today was first coined in 1937 by the French chemist and perfumer Rene Gattefosse. In 1910 he burnt his hand badly in his laboratory and being the first available compound handy, treated his burnt hand with pure undiluted lavender. The oil not only immediately eased the pain, but helped heal the hand without any sign of infection or scar. He also found that minute amounts of essential oils are absorbed by the body and interact with the body chemistry.
During the second world war, as a result of Gattefosse’s experiments, Dr. Jean Valet used essential oils to treat injured soldiers with great success.
In the 1950′s Marguerite Maury started diluting essential oils in a carrier oil and massaging it onto the skin along the nerve endings pf the spinal column. She was also the first person to start the use of “individually prescribed” combinations of essential oils to suit the need of the person being massaged.
Since the late 1970 and early 80′s the use of essential oils and aromatherapy has become a major part of alternative and holistic medicine and has a huge following across the world.
Frankincense (personally one of my favorite oils) is now being researched and used therapeutically in European Hospitals. Clinical research now shows that it contains very high immune stimulating properties, may naturally stimulate HGH (Human Growth Hormone – a hormone we produce less of as we age) and even have a positive effect on certain types of cancer, specifically skin cancer.
Purchase Essential Oils