How the BC Fires are Affecting Your Skin
It’s been an interesting summer here in Alberta… we struggle through epic winters and dark, dreary days buoyed by thoughts of warm nights and endless sunshine during our famous Alberta summers. But wait—our winter-weary faces are raised to the sky… and nothing. The sun is a weak yellow orb behind a greyish-yellow haze, and we are in an almost surreal twilight for much of our days… the BC Fires.
2018 has been the worst year on record for BC Fires, with almost 13,000 square km of the province burning or burned. Does that seem like a lot to you? If not, consider that in 2015, a mere 2,807 BC fires burned. Aside from the devastating effect of these fires on flora and fauna, they are taking their toll on your skin. How, you ask? Imagine a smouldering cigarette butt that is stuck in your skin, continually emitting toxic chemicals… isn’t that delightful? Smoke particles can be 20 times smaller than pores, and they infiltrate the skin at an alarming rate during times of high pollution, causing increased sensitivity, weird reactions, collagen degeneration, and loss of elasticity. The lipid layer, a fatty acid barrier that usually protects your skin against pollution, is compromised and stressed to the point it no longer can do it’s job, and premature aging, sun damage and spotting, and even cancer can be the result.
But don’t lose hope! There are ways you can protect your skin against the ravages of pollution and smoke…
Clean It Off!
Washing your face TWICE a day is critical in times of extreme pollution- such as the BC Fires. In the morning, a mild, milk-based cleanser can gently cleanse and prepare the skin for the application of radiance boosting serums and anti-oxidants. At night, it is important to remove not only make-up, but also the film of harmful pollutants that will have accumulated throughout the day. Using a medical grade cleanser that is designed for your skin type is the best solution, and you want to limit excessive scrubbing as to avoid irritation or reaction. At the same time, you need to cleanse thoroughly, because smoke and soot can be sticky on the skin. We also recommend using a toner after cleansing the skin TWICE- to remove any residual.
CONSIDER- Institut’ DerMed Enhancing Creamy Cleanser, Sothys Comfort Cleansing Milk. Sothys Comfort Lotion, Institut’ DerMed Soothing Cleanser and Toner
Neutralize It!
Pollution causes the formation of free radicals, that in turn bounce around in your skin causing damage to otherwise healthy cells. The result is loss of firmness, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), fine lines and wrinkles, inflammation, and skin reactions. Using anti-oxidant serums and taking an anti-oxidant supplement are the best ways to combat this.. and although you should consider using these types of products year round, they are especially important when exposed to higher than normal amounts of pollution and/or smoke because of the BC Fires.
CONSIDER- Institut’ DerMed Vital C serum, Sothys Ultra-C Dermabooster, Institut’ DerMed Anti-Oxidant Peptide Serum, Bend Anti-Oxidant Elixer
Hide From It!
In addition to wreaking havoc in your skin, Smoke and pollution contribute to the erosion of the ozone layer, so UV rays are stronger. That doesn’t just increase your chance of sunburn- it also accelerates conditions such as inflammation or hyperpigmentation. Make sure you are wearing a good quality sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection.
CONSIDER- Institut’ DerMed Renewing Mask (worn overnight), Alumier Moisture Matte Sunscreen (tinted or untinted)
SEPTEMBER SPECIAL OFFER – SOS FACIAL
/ in General , Latest News , Specials / by Andrea FrostSEPTEMBER SPECIAL OFFER
SOS FACIAL
(Save Our Skin)
The SOS Facial is an exclusively designed facial for skin that has been ravaged by smoke and pollution from the BC wildfires. This deeply moisturizing and anti-oxidizing treatment will restore your skin’s elasticity, softness, and natural barrier function.
This facial is suitable for all ages and skin types, and is only available to clients who subscribe to our email offers… that’s you!
$69
How the BC Fires are Affecting Your Skin
/ in Blog , General , Latest News / by Andrea FrostHow the BC Fires are Affecting Your Skin
It’s been an interesting summer here in Alberta… we struggle through epic winters and dark, dreary days buoyed by thoughts of warm nights and endless sunshine during our famous Alberta summers. But wait—our winter-weary faces are raised to the sky… and nothing. The sun is a weak yellow orb behind a greyish-yellow haze, and we are in an almost surreal twilight for much of our days… the BC Fires.
2018 has been the worst year on record for BC Fires, with almost 13,000 square km of the province burning or burned. Does that seem like a lot to you? If not, consider that in 2015, a mere 2,807 BC fires burned. Aside from the devastating effect of these fires on flora and fauna, they are taking their toll on your skin. How, you ask? Imagine a smouldering cigarette butt that is stuck in your skin, continually emitting toxic chemicals… isn’t that delightful? Smoke particles can be 20 times smaller than pores, and they infiltrate the skin at an alarming rate during times of high pollution, causing increased sensitivity, weird reactions, collagen degeneration, and loss of elasticity. The lipid layer, a fatty acid barrier that usually protects your skin against pollution, is compromised and stressed to the point it no longer can do it’s job, and premature aging, sun damage and spotting, and even cancer can be the result.
But don’t lose hope! There are ways you can protect your skin against the ravages of pollution and smoke…
Clean It Off!
Washing your face TWICE a day is critical in times of extreme pollution- such as the BC Fires. In the morning, a mild, milk-based cleanser can gently cleanse and prepare the skin for the application of radiance boosting serums and anti-oxidants. At night, it is important to remove not only make-up, but also the film of harmful pollutants that will have accumulated throughout the day. Using a medical grade cleanser that is designed for your skin type is the best solution, and you want to limit excessive scrubbing as to avoid irritation or reaction. At the same time, you need to cleanse thoroughly, because smoke and soot can be sticky on the skin. We also recommend using a toner after cleansing the skin TWICE- to remove any residual.
CONSIDER- Institut’ DerMed Enhancing Creamy Cleanser, Sothys Comfort Cleansing Milk. Sothys Comfort Lotion, Institut’ DerMed Soothing Cleanser and Toner
Neutralize It!
Pollution causes the formation of free radicals, that in turn bounce around in your skin causing damage to otherwise healthy cells. The result is loss of firmness, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), fine lines and wrinkles, inflammation, and skin reactions. Using anti-oxidant serums and taking an anti-oxidant supplement are the best ways to combat this.. and although you should consider using these types of products year round, they are especially important when exposed to higher than normal amounts of pollution and/or smoke because of the BC Fires.
CONSIDER- Institut’ DerMed Vital C serum, Sothys Ultra-C Dermabooster, Institut’ DerMed Anti-Oxidant Peptide Serum, Bend Anti-Oxidant Elixer
Hide From It!
In addition to wreaking havoc in your skin, Smoke and pollution contribute to the erosion of the ozone layer, so UV rays are stronger. That doesn’t just increase your chance of sunburn- it also accelerates conditions such as inflammation or hyperpigmentation. Make sure you are wearing a good quality sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection.
CONSIDER- Institut’ DerMed Renewing Mask (worn overnight), Alumier Moisture Matte Sunscreen (tinted or untinted)
NOVEMBER 25 – MARK THIS DAY!
/ in General , Latest News , Specials / by Andrea FrostNOVEMBER 24TH – MARK THIS DAY!
It’s almost time for our most popular sale… Black Friday deals are not offered at any other time of the year. Come in and purchase special spa treatment packages for up to 50% off the regular price.
Check our website November 22 for a special e-mail, outlining our Black Friday offers, as well as a special discount offer for e-mail clients only!
BANISH CELLULITE AND LOSE INCHES!
/ in Latest News , Specials / by Andrea FrostBANISH CELLULITE AND LOSE INCHES!
VELASHAPE AND LIPOLASER
Book this AMAZING combo for MAXIMUM results!
Velashape III is the industry leading device for cellulite reduction and inch loss- WITH skin tightening!
Lipolaser is a FDA approved device for shrinking fat cells. Combined with Velashape, the result is one of the most effective protocols in the market.
OCTOBER SPECIAL OFFER
Purchase 6 Velashape treatments and get 6 Lipolaser treatments ABSOLUTLY FREE! (A savings of $600.00!)
NO PAIN, NO DOWNTIME, AND REAL RESULTS!
Can be used anywhere on the body.
“Doing Lipolaser and Velashape together increased my results by so much that people noticed the difference the next day! After years of exercise and dieting- nothing worked on those trouble spots, except this.” Male, aged 39.
Velashape- before and after
Velashape- before and after
GET RID OF CELLULITE…
/ in General , Latest News , Specials / by Andrea FrostGET RID OF CELLULITE…
Velashape III is the industry leading medical device for the treatment of cellulite reduction and inch loss. Reduce cellulite AND tighten skin in as little as 3 sessions, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
GUINEA PIG PROJECT… VELASHAPE
SAVE 50% OFF YOUR FIRST TREATMENT!
We are looking for “guinea pigs” to help our staff perfect their technique on this amazing machine. Call 780.424.2487 or email us and arrange a consultation to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Treatments to be performed in late August/early September. For more information, check out the Syneron website .
25% OFF ALL SPA PACKAGES
/ in General , Latest News , Specials / by Andrea Frost25% OFF ALL SPA PACKAGES!
During all of August, pre-purchase any spa package and get
25% off the price of the package!
SMALL PRINT ALERT! Packages must be used by October 31. Did you know? We accept telephone purchases! Visit our website , or call the spa at 780.424.2487 or 780.460.9971 for more information.
SOTHYS DUO PRE-SALE
/ in General , Latest News , Specials / by Andrea FrostSOTHYS DUO PRE-SALE
As September approaches, it’s time for our most popular Sothys offer, the Duos Deal- available now to pre-order! This year, the offers comes with a new twist… every duo will include a 100ml eye make-up remover!
Only $85.50 . (Save 57% – Choose from Vitality or Comfort)
Call 780.424.2487 or 780.460.9971 to reserve a duo.
PLEASE NOTE- This is a PRE-ORDER only. Payment is due when order arrives.
FREE FLIP FLOPS
/ in Latest News , Specials / by Andrea FrostGET SOME FREE STUFF!
Book a signature pedicure ANY DAY in June and get a pair of flip flops for free! We have several sizes and designs to choose from.
The signature pedicure includes a mineral soak & scrub, followed by a hydrating masque, massage, paraffin treatment & polish.
MORE FREE STUFF
/ in Latest News , Specials / by Andrea FrostGET EVEN MORE FREE STUFF!
Book a European facial ANY DAY in June and get a Sothys canvas tote bags for all your summertime treasures. Not sure which facial to choose? Check our website here , or just book a time and we’ll decide!
P.S… We have it on good authority that this tote holds several bottles of wine…
THANK YOU GUINEA PIGS
/ in General , Latest News / by Andrea FrostTHANK YOU GUINEA PIGS!
The guinea pig project (Inviting clients to enjoy advanced laser anti-aging treatments at a 50% discount as we trained new staff) was a huge success, and the Focus team thanks all the amazing people who helped make the project work. You are the best!
With the summer ahead of of, there are no more positions open for the project, but look for a brand new promotion that will offer amazing savings- starting in September!