Collagen - The benefits and reasons to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Let’s Talk Collagen and why I love it so much! As a woman in my 40’s I am constantly researching ways to improve my overall health, appearance and general wellbeing. Lets face it, we all know we are aging, but what can we do to age gracefully? I’m convinced 40 is the new 30 as myself and most of my friends have started to life their best life in their 40’s. We are finally getting our shit together and actually have a little extra time to start taking care of ourselves. Most of us have kids that are out of diapers, and can somewhat manage to take care of themselves. This is giving us more time to focus on our health and beauty.

While I say its giving us more time to focus on our own health and beauty, it can also be overwhelming. There are a million supplements, diets, vitamins and injections that are supposed to make us look and feel better. What can we do to simplify the process and the amount of products we are buying? Prioritize and stack them!! What I mean by stack them, is find a product that incorporates multiple products into one, that is convenient to take, and prioritize them by the products that provide the most benefits. I personally love collagen powders that have protein in them. It helps turn my morning coffee into a protein filled supplement instead of just a caffeine fix.

As I said, Collagen is one of my top supplements. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by actually hydrating your skin from the inside. This obviously also helps with skin hydration on the outside. During the Winter months, it can be hard to keep dry skin at bay, especially in New England. Collagen also helps keep you skin from becoming thinner as we age. Do you know that our body starts reducing collagen production at the early age of 25! After years of the reduction in collagen our skin can become thinner and more crepe like. Look at the difference in the thickness of the skin of a 30 year old and a 70 year old. This is the result of lower collagen levels. Collagen helps your ligaments, tendons and bones stay strong, and even helps your skin heal faster. This is super important as we start to age.

Now lets talk hair and nails. Collagen helps your body produce not only healthier skin, but nails and hair as well. I always recommend collagen to my clients that have lash extensions. It strengthens your lashes so you can maintain healthy lashes while having lash extensions. The better your natural lashes are, the nicer your extensions look! They always come in after about a month of taking collagen and tell me how great their skin feels and how much better their nails are! Its interesting to me that our nails are one of the first places we notice improvements in our health. When I was on a keto diet, my nails got ridges in them. People with thyroid issues or diabetes typically get them as well. Always check with your doctor if you have health concerns to make sure you are a candidate to take collagen. While I think its one of the best supplements out there, your individual health concerns may require something different. Some of the brands contain Biotin which can be a counterindication to some medications. Bone broth is a great way to incorporate some natural collagen!

I have so many middle aged women come into the spa and ask how they can start to reverse the signs of aging. My first response is always to ask if they are taking collagen. That is the first step to having healthy radiant skin, along with a healthy diet and water. Your skin is the bodies largest organ, it is a direct result of your lifestyle choices. People that have not used top brand products can still have great skin if they eat well, exercise and stay hydrated. Genetics also play a large role in the appearance of your skin. Lastly, the products you use. Using proper skincare products for your skin will help keep your skin blemish free, hydrated and protected.

There are so many factors that contribute to great skin. Hopefully this has shed a little light on the benefits of collagen and some reasons to incorporate it into your daily routine. If you would like some recommendations on great collagen or skincare products, let me know!

Why are facials so important?

I’m not sure why I am still surprised by the number of people who come to see me that tell me they have never had a facial.

I always ask myself why.. because when I ask them, they have no idea. Not only do they have no idea why they have never had a facial, but they also have no idea why it is an essential part of self- care.

I have found that most people are getting their first facial because it was either a gift from someone that has already been enlightened to the fact that they are simply amazing, or they are having skin issues that finally need attention.

Let’s start with the fun part of getting a facial. When you are welcomed into my treatment room you are entering a sanctuary that is designed to help you relax. Soft tranquil music, the light essence of calming aromas, soft lighting from Himalayan salt lamps, a glowing fireplace and a warm soft bed. This is the place you come to step away from your stress and find not only a moment to yourself, but a moment to let your mind and body connect to heal. I often get asked how I came up with the name Savasana Skin Care. Savasana or often called Shavasana is the place your mind and body connect in a relaxing and tranquil environment to heal. It is not only the most important pose in Yoga, but the final resting pose that brings your body and mind together. This is where your cells recover, your stress leaves your body and you become not only mentally but physically rejuvenated. This alone will make you realize why a facial is beneficial and keep you wanting another.

The medical side of facials is what will bring most people in to visit me. They will often have aging skin, acneic skin, stress breakouts, mask breakouts, sun spots, or a variety of skin ailments. The key to great skin is maintenance prior to having these issues. An Esthetician providing regular facials can prevent most skin problems or delay the onset of visible aging. Not only do we have a variety of specialized products, but we can help design a skin care regimen customized to your skins’ needs. People often forget that your skin is the body’s largest organ and that it requires all the same nutrients as your other organs to remain healthy. The benefit we have with skin is that not only can we nourish it from the inside by what we consume, but we can treat it on the outside with proper products.

When you receive a facial, we thoroughly cleanse the skin, examine the skin to decide what it lacks and needs, then use a variety of products to customize your skins experience. We have products that aid in the extraction of buildup in your pores, masks that can either moisturize, cleanse, restore essential vitamins, or soften and replenish. Sometimes all of the above. We finish with serums that will always be the building blocks of great skin care, moisturizers and sun protection.

While all of these products are exactly what you need for optimal skin health, I feel the most important part of a facial is the massage. This is why I do not offer an express facial. A facial massage is not only the key to helping you reach full relaxation, but it offers so many visible benefits that products can take weeks to achieve. A facial massage helps move fluid buildup which can reduce eye and skin puffiness, it relaxes your facial muscles which gives you a more relaxed look, helps tighten and tone the muscles in your face and neck, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves blood circulation, and helps soften your skin to aid in product absorption. Not to mention, it feels wonderful!

All of these elements combined are designed to relax, rejuvenate and restore your skin and your mind. Hopefully after reading this, you can see how beneficial taking an hour once a month can be. Life is stressful. Facials help you purge stress so you can not only feel refreshed but look refreshed as well. While a bubble bath with candles and a glass of wine can often be a great way to practice self-care, occasionally you need a little bit more.

I’m always available if you need to come relax with me. Together we can find the perfect facial for you skin while you relax and enjoy a moment to yourself!

Winter Skin

When the seasons change, our skin changes. Keeping your skin hydrated can be challenging in the Winter. With the change of all seasons, changing your skincare products is essential to healthy skin.

You may find that not all of your products need to be changed. Occasionally switching just to a creamy hydrating cleanser could be enough to help you skin. By switching your cleanser to a less aggressive, hydrating cleanser it can lessen the amount of moisture that a stronger cleanser would typically remove. Using a cream cleanser can help you skin feel hydrated and dewy even before you add serums and moisturizers. You don’t have to strip your skin of all its natural oils to have clear clean skin.

Exfoliation can work wonders for removing dry dead skin. It is essential to help your products work more effectively. I would however reduce the number of times per week you exfoliate if your skin is dry. Once could be enough depending on how your skin feels. Over- exfoliation can be counter- productive to achieving healthy skin if not done carefully.

We all know a good serum is the true powerhouse of all your skin care products. At any point if someone is looking to increase their results from their skincare routine, my first recommendation is a high- quality serum. This would be the same to increase hydration. When your skin is dehydrated, not only can it be uncomfortable, but all the little fine lines and wrinkles that we all try to hide as we age make their presence known. Adding just a quality hyaluronic acid serum to your regimen can help them disappear!

Masking. One of the most under- appreciated and most relaxing products you can use. Give yourself 15-20 minutes a week to put on a nice hydrating mask. You can sit and reflect, sit with a book or maybe a glass of wine. However you choose to spend those 15-20 minutes is up to you. I just encourage you to take them with a mask. There are multiple types of masks that can target many issues. They can help with skin tightening, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, aging and most importantly hydration. You can even put a serum under the mask to increase your results. Layering is ok. Regardless of the type of mask you choose to use, it will give your skin an instant pick me up!

Last but not least, is always your Moisturizer. One of the first steps I would recommend to anyone is to either make sure they are applying moisturizer at night and in the morning. I would also recommend changing to a heavier or more powerful moisturizer. Not all moisturizers are created equal.

If you find your skin is in need of a good Winter pick- me- up, you should book either a European or Ultrasonic Facial both are a perfect way to help your dry Winter skin. We can discuss the products your skin needs at your appointment. You don’t have to wait for Summer to have beautiful skin!

Free your mind & heal your body

One of the most resounding moments of my life was while I was sitting on top of a mountain in Sri Lanka. I had just toured a Buddhist Monastery built into a mountain. We climbed the thousand steps to the top and found ourselves looking out over one of the most majestic mountaintops I have ever been blessed with experiencing. The entire purpose of the trip was to connect with myself, and it was successful. As we all sat there in a beautiful meditation my purpose became clear. I needed to free my mind of everything I had always learned. I was a work-aholic that needed to constantly distract myself with keeping busy. I loved serving people, but realized that there needs to be a balance of caring for others and caring for myself. You can feel good by making people feel good without having it consume you.

Honestly, I still get trapped in this circle because it’s just part of who I am. Although, now I have changed the self care ideals that I use to create. I never had time because I was too busy -. I needed to create time, force myself to recharge so I could give better. Once I started forcing myself to take the time, I found I was happier serving people. I wasn’t exhausted and frustrated at the demands I put on myself. Read that again… -the demands I put on myself. No one was forcing me to always make things perfect, no one was forcing me to do everything myself. Did the towels need to be folded perfectly? No. Was it OK if my kids ate boxed mac n cheese instead of homemade? Yes. My children always were raised with healthy options, ate tons of vegetables and salads, drank water and were not allowed to drink soda. They will survive eating Kraft Mac n Cheese and not feel like I was a horrible mom. It’s ok to occasionally be lax and allow them to eat what they want, they will be ok. In fact, they will be better if their mom isn’t stressed out all the time.

I remember when my kids came home one day from visiting with my sister and my nieces, and my son says to me - “ Mom, Auntie is the best cooker ever!” Now, being a chef I instantly perked up and wanted to know what she made my son that had him so excited. So, of course I had to ask what she made. His response was “She made fish sticks and smiley fries!” I couldn’t help but laugh... Here I was making my kids roasted duck, Ahi Tuna Nachos and all they really needed or wanted was some fish sticks. Lessoned learned. Relax.

What amazed me the most out of all my reflection is that all it took for me to understand what I needed, was to meditate. I never thought I could meditate. I’m never silent, nor do I ever have silence around me. But for me to sit in complete silence and just let my mind ramble for a couple minutes and then still.. was incredible! So many things became clear. Meditation not only clears and frees all the crazy ping ponging of ideas and lists in your mind, but it also reduces stress because it provides clarification and allows you to relax your brain. Stress is a huge factor in many major health issues. You carry your stress in your shoulders, back, & digestive systems. It keeps you from sleeping and can even cause anxiety. Stress effects your entire mind and body. You don’t always need medication to relieve stress, all you need to do is find your source of contentment. Maybe it’s walking, hiking or even crafting. Whatever it is for you, all that is necessary is that you can find some quiet to just be with your thoughts. If you would like to try meditation, there are many apps that will provide you with a guided meditation. Just understand that it may not happen the first couple times, it takes practice. No one is going to go out and run a marathon the first time they wear running shoes. So give yourself time, and honestly credit for even taking the initial steps to regain control of your life, your mind and your body.

Enzymes - Are we peeling or exfoliating??

It sounds so crazy to try and explain what a Chemical Peel is. Friends that do not see a skincare specialist look at me like I’m crazy when I mention a chemical peel for their face. “ What do you mean you peel their face with chemicals?” It sounds extreme, but it really isn’t if you have a healthy barrier. However, it’s not for everyone and does pose some risks for certain skin types. This is why we only offer a chemical peel to clients once we are familiar with their skin. It’s really controlled damage that will make way for healthy new skin. They are compromised of acids that break down dead skin cells and promote new cell production. If it is something your skin can tolerate it will deliver beautiful results after about 6 treatments. Most people offer a series of 6 to make sure you get the full benefits.

Exfoliating however, is something for all skin types. It’s actually a process that most people neglect and everyone needs. When clients come to see me, of course I have to ask what their normal routine is and what products they are using. Most will tell me that they use a cleanser, some people even say soap…. Although, I’m not sure why you would use the same products for your bum that you do for your face, they do use it. Then some will say moisturizer and if I’m lucky they will mention some sort of sun protection. Only a small percentage actually use a light daily or more aggressive weekly exfoliant. Exfoliation is key to maintaining healthy vibrant looking skin. It’s also key to reducing acne. People don’t realize that acne forms when dead skin cells and sebum clog your pores and become infected. Seems pretty simple, but their moms always said it came from eating chocolate or greasy foods so that’s what is ingrained in their beliefs. You should be using a light daily or good weekly exfoliant for your skin to help encourage cell turnover and increase the effectiveness of your products. Scrub that dead skin away, and show your beautiful healthy skin!

So now we are at Enzymes. Enzymes are crucial to all life functions. Think about what you know about enzymes… it’s their job to break things down. Plant enzymes are incredible for your skin. The active enzymes in fruits and plants are the perfect ingredients to give you the results of exfoliating with the effectiveness of peeling. It’s the softer peel, and great for all skin types. It will help reduce acne, increase hydration, increase the effectiveness of your products, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps reduce the appearance of sun damage. The list of the benefits to enzyme facials goes on and on. At Savasana Skincare, I offer a Pumpkin enzyme that is incredible for clogged pores and acne sufferers, as well as a Papaya Enzyme that is great for sensitive skin and helps reduce redness and scarring. Both of these treatments smell incredible and will leave your skin feeling brand new.

So are we peeling or exfoliating with an enzyme facial? Both! You get the best of both worlds without the downtime of a peel and all the extra benefits they provide. Add an enzyme treatment to a Microdermabrasion or a Dermaplaning treatment and you get a double whammy! Whenever you feel like your skin needs a pick me up, let’s talk about the softer side of peeling…. enzymes.