Rich Earth Organic Skin Care Spa’s Blog

www.RichEarthOrganicSpa.com

One of the most economical, safe, and pleasurable treatments for improving skin tone and reducing cellulite is massage.  (I know it sounds too good to be true, but I am not making this up!)

Perhaps the reason why this method has not gained more notice is because it is too time-consuming and expensive to visit a massage therapist daily to receive a good anti-cellulite massage.  But nevertheless, it is still true that vigorous massage stimulates circulation, improves lymph flow, and helps to move stagnant fat deposits.   Each of these actions diminishes cellulite and gives you smoother, lovelier skin across your whole body.

Want to know the most fabulous secret about anti-cellulite massage?  You can actually do it on yourself at home. (I am not making this up either!)  This is a huge time-saver and money-saver, and it means you really can do the massage daily, which increases the effectiveness by a ton.

Here is how it works ~

•  Begin by dry brushing.  Use firm, brisk strokes moving towards the heart.  Aim for between 30 to 70 strokes per body part. (Click here for all the details on how to dry brush.)
•  Shower or bathe.
•  Right after your shower or bath, towel off and begin your anti-cellulite massage.

Anti-Cellulite Massage:

1) Lift one arm straight up toward the sky. Bend that arm in half so your elbow is now pointing towards the sky.  Rest your hand of that same arm on the back of your shoulder.  Use the knuckles of your other hand to firmly and briskly stroke from your pointed-up elbow towards your armpit.   Do at least 40 to 80 strokes. Repeat with the other arm.

2) Press firm, strong, clock-wise circles around your belly button using your knuckles.  Do 40 to 80 circles.

3) Starting with your calves, press your knuckles firmly against your skin and stroke towards your heart. Do at least 40 to 80 firm, brisk strokes.   Continue on with your thighs, buttocks, hips, belly, waist and arms.  Do at least 40 to 80 firm, brisk, knuckle-strokes per body part.  Use both hands whenever possible.

4) Starting with your calves, do firm, brisk circular strokes with your knuckles. (Ultimately these circular strokes move towards your heart.)  Continue on with your thighs, buttocks, hips, belly, waist and arms.  Do at least 40 to 80 strokes per body part.  Use both hands whenever possible. (Always use clock-wise strokes for your belly.)

5) Starting with your calves, squeeze, pull and press your skin as if you were kneading bread dough, then gently and rapidly “pinch” your skin, pulling your skin lightly away from your body.  Continue on with your thighs, buttocks, hips, belly, waist and arms.  Do at least 40 to 80 kneads and pinches per body part.  Use both hands whenever possible.

6) Starting with your legs, finish the massage with broad, long, relaxing, luxurious strokes towards your heart.  Use the palms and fingers of your flat hands.  Stroke your whole legs, whole torso, and whole arms. At least 20 to 40 strokes per body part.  Use both hands whenever possible.

Massage Tips:

1) Use a great body moisturizer or body oil to do this massage with.  Apply just enough for your hands to glide easily across your skin, but not so much that your skin is slippery and your knuckles can’t get any traction.  High-quality body creams and oils not only improve the texture of your skin, some of them can even help to diminish cellulite, too.

2) Don’t forget to include every part of you in your anti-cellulite massage… like your inner thighs, the backs of your thighs, the tops of your thighs, your outer thighs, the backs of your calves, etc…Don’t miss anything.

3) Do the massage daily. Or as often as you can.  Your persistence and focused energy will pay off.

4) Do what you can. This massage gets easier and faster the more you do it.  Start with fewer repetitions or fewer days per week if you need to, until you build your stamina and the whole routine becomes do-able.

5) Give yourself a jump-start. Need some inspiration and immediate gratification?  Receive the Lush Botanical Body Wrap at Rich Earth. This stimulates healthy circulation, healthy lymph flow and the release of excess weight retention in a deeply relaxing, rejuvenating way.  You will be primed, ready and inspired to continue on successfully with your anti-cellulite massage at home.

Massage Caution:

1) You may notice some bruising at first- this is actually quite normal.  We tend to bruise more easily in places where circulation is weak… which is exactly where cellulite and poor skin texture show up. Improving our circulation not only improves how our skin looks, it improves our health as well.

2) If stimulating circulation or performing a vigorous massage on yourself could be less than optimal for your particular state of health, check with your healthcare practitioner before beginning.

Other Tips for Success:

•  Drink two to four (or more) cups of high-quality green tea and/or white tea per day.
•  Drink enough high-quality water each day so that your urine is generally clear to pale in color.
•  Eat plentiful amounts of greens, vegetables and fruits, along with high-quality protein each day.  High-quality fats (in amounts best for you) are important, too.
•  Go easy on flour products, processed foods and sugary foods, most especially in the hours before bed.
•  Find releasing motion you love (dance, yoga, hiking, walking, biking, swimming, Stretch Appeal, Argentine Tango, something else fabulous…) and give yourself the gift of doing it often.  Each day if you can.

For more information or to purchase these products, call (503) 729-5261 or email Marna@RichEarthOrganicSpa.com .

Cheers!

Marna Herrington
Rich Earth Organic Skin Care Spa
Skin Care Therapist
www.RichEarthOrganicSpa.com
(503) 729-5261

Custom*Organic*Extraordinary

Facials, Body Wraps and
Phenomenal Skin Care Products
by appointment

Love Your Beautiful Skin

Click any of the following to find us there:
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Awaken Your Luminous Skin

“Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you will ever own.” ~ Mary Schmich

“You are as amazing as you let yourself be. Let me repeat that. You are as amazing as you let yourself be.”
~ Elizabeth Alraune

Image Credit

• Beach Chair Image by Petr Kratochvil

Rich Earth Organic Skin Care Spa understands that we are all individuals- unique and singular. There may be a tip that does not fit with your individual needs. As always, you are your own best guide. The information provided in this blog is educational, and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It is always advisable to check with your health care practitioner before beginning a new health care regime, such as exercise or vigorous massage.

www.RichEarthOrganicSpa.com

It doesn’t have to get all crazy and complicated.  Take a deep breath.  Exhale.  Relax.  You and your skin can look and feel very good even during an intense holiday season.  You can rest easily and confidently on these 12 gentle, useful tips…

1)  Epsom Salt Bath…Sound weird? Just try it. The benefits are nothing short of staggering and Epsom Salts are shockingly inexpensive (and easily found at any pharmacy or health store).  Just add Epsom Salt to your bath and you are literally helping your body to be more youthful.  Here is what Epsom Salt can do for you: Soften your skin, draw toxins from your body, relax your muscles, relieve pain and cramps, relieve headaches, calm your nervous system, ease stress, lower your blood pressure, reduce swelling and inflammation, improve circulation, neutralize foot odor, improve absorption of nutrients and provide your body with easily absorbable magnesium (which helps to regulate over 325 of your body’s enzymes as well as helps your body’s electrical impulses and energy production to function well, and also helps to produce serotonin, the mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation).  It is believed that bathing with Epsom Salt at least three times a week not only makes you look and feel better, it increases your energy.  Plus, Epsom Salt baths are deliciously pleasant to experience.  You can keep your bath simple with just Epsom Salt and warm water, or you can dry brush your skin first and then enjoy a full detox bath, followed with a high-quality moisturizer.

2)  Hydrogen Peroxide Bath:  Hydrogen Peroxide (yes, that super inexpensive stuff from the drugstore or pharmacy) is essentially oxygen.  Oxygen stimulates energy production as well as continuous rejuvenation throughout your entire body.  Oxygen also helps to heal bacteria-related skin issues, like breakouts.  Pour Hydrogen Peroxide into your bath…you might be quite surprised at how refreshed you look and feel when you are done.  (Hydrogen Peroxide must be properly diluted.  Click here and here and here for more info on that, as well as more details on the many profound benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide baths.)  After your bath, apply a high-quality moisturizer.  Your skin will say “ahhhhh.”

3) Frownies: Let’s be honest; Frownies are not perfect.  They can’t lift and firm and smooth your entire face the way facial exercises and the Natural Facelift Facial can.  However, if you are short on time, motivation and cash, they are an inexpensive, simple, and pretty quick way to smooth your forehead and eye area.  And sometimes having an improvement like that is just the ticket.  (Frownies also work well as an added boost to your regular Facial Exercise regime and/or series of Natural Facelift Facials.)

4)  Clarasonic Facial Brushes: Sick of having clogged pores and perhaps breakout-prone skin?  Or frustrated with sensitive skin that seems to get reactive to any exfoliating product?  Clarasonic Facial Brushes, along with a good skin care regime at home, can be just the boost you need to awaken your smoothest, clearest, most glowing, peaches and cream complexion.

5)  Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up: If you have sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, clogged pores, or breakout-prone skin and you wear make-up on a fairly regular basis, check out Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up.  Her ingredients and formulations are so good, not only does her make-up not aggravate problematic skin conditions, it can actually improve them.  (You also might want to check out her make-up simply because it creates a beautiful finish.)

6)  Tea for Beautiful Skin~ White tea is the least processed Chinese tea, and is proving itself to be an anti-aging powerhouse.  Research has so far uncovered that white tea is very effective in boosting the immune function of skin cells and protecting them against free radical damage.  White tea has been tested against 21 plants and herbal extracts with potential healing benefits, and white tea blew all 21 out of the water.  (After white tea the closest contenders were rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate.)  In a nut shell, white tea offers profound reduction of inflammation, in addition to ample support for collagen and elastin strength… Each of which create healthier, more youthful skin.  Two cups a day (or more) are recommended.

7)  Water~ Completely vital to your complexion’s radiance…and its so easy to let your intake lapse in the winter when a cold glass of water probably doesn’t sound very appealing.  First, why you need water: Water is critical for good digestion, effective detoxification, and ample hydration.  Each of these areas must be optimal in order for your skin to truly be healthy and to glow.  So, consider trying warm or hot water with a slice of fresh lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit…When its cold outside, this may beckon to you more.  Daily, ample water offers you easily obtainable and truly far-reaching visible benefits. In the long-term, nothing can take its place.

8)  A Body Wrap at Rich Earth~ For a long time I resisted offering Body Wraps at Rich Earth.  I had always trained and worked in very large, traditional spas, so the Body Wraps I worked with, while they were very effective and very relaxing, were also time-consuming, messy, extremely smelly (in the case of the seaweed body wrap- phew!) and required a full-on shower for the client at the end.  I assumed that body wraps that didn’t replicate all this hoopla were not very effective, and since I could not do all that in my single cozy treatment room, I did without.  Then Epicuren (leave it to the most innovative skincare company around) came up with a brand new body wrap design plan…incredibly simple, effective products (that naturally smell exquisite), time-honored methods of execution, and gorgeous results.  I was a total skeptic, but allowed the Epicuren representative to give me the treatment anyway.  And…it was great.  Simply great.  The treatment itself was intensely pleasurable.  I felt extremely relaxed at the end but also energized.  My skin was unbearably soft and smelled divine.  (My hair smelled divine, too.)  Most fun of all, I noticed my jeans fit a bit more loosely when I got dressed after the treatment.  It was treat in every way, and its one I absolutely love passing along to you.

9)  A Facial at Rich Earth~ A few weeks ago the Oregon State Lottery was up to some imaginable squillion dollar number, and a friend and I were dreaming about what we would do with all that money if we won.  I surprised myself by knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would want to continue giving facials.  Its challenging, heart-felt work and what I give to you on the treatment table is exactly what I would want for me.  Providing the best possible skin care I can is a calling, and a privilege, and it nourishes me continually to bring nourishment to you…Nourishment in the form of a relaxed face, a relaxed body, a calm mind, skin that radiates with beauty, and an understanding of what your skin is asking for to be at its best.

10)  A Back Facial at Rich Earth~ a treat on many levels.  Deeply restorative and pleasurable, easier on the pocketbook than you might think, and it leaves the nape of your neck, shoulders and  back enticingly smooth and luminous… for when you slip into your favorite little holiday dress.

11)  Simplicity~ Its easy to get wound up in complications surrounding skin care- but the truth is you can go far with just the basics. (And when you do decide to add more oomph to your skin care regime, you get more benefit from it when all the basics are already in place.)  Its nice to know that all the simple things you already know are true, are still true.  It’s inspiring to be reminded.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, just take a deep breath, exhale, and start at the beginning:

• Healthy Skin and Hair
• Maintaining Beautiful Skin
• Optimal Health Essentials

12)  The Truest Beauty~ Part of our beauty radiates from the inside out.   One way to nourish and bring out this beauty in ourselves is to be able to see it in others.  We can recognize that we have common ground with everyone else in that we want to be loved, needed, useful and fulfilled.  We can also reach out…to another, or to a good cause.  Or, we can simply appreciate something about our lives right here and now… 94 ways of saying thank you

13) Bonus Tip: This is the season above any other that you will probably make goodies, bring goodies, give goodies, share goodies, eat goodies, and want goodies.  The only hitch here is lots of  junky sugary crap equals skin that looks like hell.   As I am a huge fan of goodies myself, I would never advise to abstain from all.  Instead, I’d love to share with you goodies I have found that are easy to make, surprisingly good for you, and super delicious:

• Everything chocolate and good…
• Fudge Brownies
• Delectable and also gluten free…
• Sophisticated and fabulous…

Cheers!

Marna Herrington
Rich Earth Organic Skin Care Spa
Skin Care Therapist
www.RichEarthOrganicSpa.com
(503) 729-5261

Custom*Organic*Extraordinary

Facials, Body Wraps and
Phenomenal Skin Care Products
by appointment

Love Your Beautiful Skin

Click any of the following to find Rich Earth:
Website * Google * Yelp * CitySearch * Facebook

Awaken Your Luminous Skin

“…to be is first.  To be peace.  To be joy.  To be happiness…First, you have to focus on the practice of being. Being fresh. Being peaceful. Being attentive.  Being generous.  Being compassionate.  This is the basic practice.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Rich Earth Organic Skin Care Spa understands that we are all individuals- unique and singular. There may be a tip that does not fit with your individual needs. As always, you are your own best guide. The information provided in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

Sources consulted in writing this blog:

• http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp
• http://www.care2.com/greenliving/use-epsom-salts-13-wonderful-ways.html
• Facercise by Carol Maggio
• http://the-coveted.com/blog/2009/04/03/tea-beauty/
• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/01/030130081227.htm
• http://kathrynvercillo.hubpages.com/hub/20-Foods-That-are-Great-for-Your-Skin
• http://www.whiteteaguide.com/whiteteahealthbenefits.htm Tips on brewing white tea
• http://www.skrewtips.com/2009/07/13/white-tea/
• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810085312.htm

Image credits:

• Dessert image by:  http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/chocolate-covered-recipes/
• Tea cups image by:  http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=14460&picture=hanging-cups
• Frownies before and after image by:  http://www.frownies.com/
• Bath tub image by:  http://planetthrive.com/2010/09/detox-bath/
• All other images by Rich Earth Organic Skin Care Spa

www.RichEarthOrganicSpa.com

Years ago, while still in Los Angeles, I interviewed for a job in one of the bigger, chain spas (which shall remain nameless here). It was the policy of this spa to not use steam at all in any facial. Ever.

When it came time to do the “hands on” part of the interview (ie, give the head of the skin care department a facial) she quipped to me, “I mean really, all steam does is dry out the skin!” I knew that was not completely true, but I also knew enough to keep my mouth shut and not question or challenge the head of the skin care department in an interview.

Here is a deeper look into the conundrum of “is steam good for your skin or is it not?”

While it is true that steam (and all heat) can dehydrate your skin, it is also true that it can be wielded wisely, and used to create intense hydration and skin beautification.

This is important to know: After just a few minutes of steam exposure (or any heat exposure that induces sweat, like saunas, hot springs, hot baths, and of course steam rooms, as well as facial steamers) your skin begins to lose moisture faster than it can absorb moisture. For this reason, its generally not a good idea to expose your completely bare skin to steam for much longer than about six minutes or so.

This is also important to know: Heat and moisture causes the skin to become more absorbent, so steam creates a perfect opportunity to drive exceptionally hydrating and nourishing skin care products deeply  into the skin.

While too much steam on bare skin is dehydrating, steam on skin that is lathered with fabulously hydrating skin care products creates a profoundly hydrating treatment.

This simple and very effective protocol will leave your skin deeply moist with a lovely luster…

1. Clease your skin;
2. Exfoliate your skin;
3. Generously apply your favorite hydrating serum (essential);
4. Generously apply your favorite hydrating masque over your serum (optional);
5. Fully enjoy your sauna/steam room/hot springs/bath/home facial steamer time;
6. When all of your applied skin care product has been absorbed and/or sweated away, its time to get out of the heat. (If you are someone who does well with lots of heat, you may want to re-apply more product to enjoy staying in the heat a bit longer. Its up to you.)
7. Rinse well with cool water;
8. Immediately apply your favorite facial mist, rejuvenating serum and moisturizer.
9. Ta da! Your skin is radiant, and you probably feel deliciously relaxed and happy.

Good to Note:
*Enjoy drinking water before, during and after your sauna/steam room/hot springs/bath/facial steamer time. This is essential.

*Remember that heat all by itself is stimulating for your skin- you probably don’t need to apply a stimulating product while in the bath/steam room/sauna/hot springs/home facial steamer.

*Any product with acids (like glycolic acid or alphahydroxy acid) will be intensified by heat- which may not be desirable.

*Hydrating, nourishing skin care products are always a safe bet- like the Epicuren Aloe Vera Calming Gel or Epicuren Botanical Elixir, or the DNA Health Institute Zen Therapy Gel. The ilike organic skin care masques are superb for this purpose as well (the Sour Cherry Masque, the Rosehip Masque, and even the Rich Carrot Masque all come to mind.) Also, drenching your skin with any of the Zenbiotic mists is another lovely option that is superb for your complexion (and re-application is so quick and easy).

*Remember that heat and moisture help your skin to absorb whatever you put on it- so make sure its high-quality, lovely skin care stuff you are using, and nothing with ingredients that could irritate your skin.

*I personally prefer lighter-weight skin care products (like water-based gels and mists) as opposed to heavy, oily products for use with steam. Because our skin is also eliminating waste and toxins through sweat while in heat, ideally our skin care products are not thick, heavy and sticky, which could inhibit this process.

*Not all skin types do well with steam or even dry heat. Certain sensitive, rosacea, or couperose skin types will probably feel better with a hydrating serum and masque protecting their skin when exposed to steam or dry heat, but may do better over-all with minimal or no heat exposure.

*Some skin types are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water, so home bathing and showering always feels harsh on their skin. A good hydrating serum and masque while in the bath/shower will help, but a good filter on the shower head may be needed to provide more relief .(A good shower filter can even be helpful for hair, too.)

Love more tips on this topic?  Click here.

For more information on Rich Earth facials, body wraps and skin care products, visit www.RichEarthOrganicSpa.com or call (503) 729-5261.

Cheers!

Marna Herrington
Rich Earth Organic Skin Care Spa
Skin Care Therapist
www.RichEarthOrganicSpa.com
(503) 729-5261

Custom*Organic*Extraordinary

Facials, Body Wraps and
Phenomenal Skin Care Products
by appointment

Love Your Beautiful Skin

Click any of the following to find us there:
Website * Google * Yelp * CitySearch * Facebook

Awaken Your Luminous Skin

“A Loving Heart is the beginning of all knowledge.”
~ Thomas Carlyle

Bubbles Image by Petr Kratochvil