Red Mountain, The Adventure Spa
Baby your skin this summer by avoiding sun exposure when suns rays are strongest, from 10am 4pm. If you must be out in the sun during these intense hours, limit your exposure time to 15 minutes. Gear-up with hats, t-shirts, and sunglasses and show your fashion sense (and common sense!) while protecting your skin.
For maximum results, apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply often, especially after activities or sweating. Remember that reflective surfaces (like water) magnify the suns intensity and can cause sun damage very quickly.
Did you know?
Sun fact: it is estimated that 80% of sun damage occurs before the age of 18. Reapply SPF 25 often on your kids!
Sun fact: many common medicines can cause photosensitivity when the user is exposed to sunlight. If you are taking medication, always check with your doctor before you go out into the sun.
The top 10 enemies of great skin:
1. Sunlight
2. Drugs
3. Alcohol
4. Weight loss/gain
5. Irregular digestion
6. Environmental pollution
7. Smoking
8. Dry air/water consumption
9. Stress
10. Excessive exfoliation/cleansing
More tips: to counter the effects of lifestyle choices that may be affecting the health and appearance of your skin, try some of these at home treatments for optimum body care.
Exfoliation and body scrub recipes to counter the effects of lifestyle choices that may be affecting the health and appearance of your skin, the skin care experts at Red Mountain recommend the following advice and at-home treatments for optimum body care. Why exfoliate or body scrub? Exfoliation is an integral part of most spa treatments. Techniques often vary, but the desired results are two fold: first, it removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells and any dirt or oil residue. Second, it prepares the skin to absorb or react to treatment products such as moisturizers and masques.
cleanses and exfoliates the outer layer of the skin by removing dead skin cells, dirt and oil residue.
stimulates the lymph system that aids in the elimination of toxins.
stimulates blood flow, bringing fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface.
The basics on how to exfoliate or body scrub:
the entire body should be scrubbed on a daily basis for 5 to 10 minutes.
beginners should start gently on the skin, being careful not to irritate or over-stimulate the skin. Over time, the skin develops a resistance to the scrubbing and pressure can be increased as needed.
always brush/scrub the skin up from the feet to the heart. Remember, this is a body scrubbing, not a face scrubbing.
be gentle on the decollιte, and skip the neck and face if using an abrasive exfoliator. The scrubbing motion should be in a circular motion, starting with the feet, ankles, legs and working up to the glutaels, then working on the hands, arms and shoulders. Continue with upper strokes to the back, and then up the torso towards the heart.
any of the following bath aids can be used to exfoliate: loofah, body brush, ayate washcloth (natural fiber), exfoliating scrubs or a washcloth.
always clean your scrubbing tools with soap and later and hang them to dry after each use. Bacteria can develop quickly if not properly cleaned and dried after each use.
a cool-water rinse after a body scrub will further stimulate blood flow. The water temperature should be a minimum of 10 degrees cooler than your shower temperature to boost circulation. A thirty-second to one-minute cool rinse is the most effective.
body scrubbing is very stimulating, revitalizing and energizing, so it is best done in the morning. If you have had a long day and need to continue into the evening, a quick body brush or scrub can give you a quick energy lift in the late afternoon.
Create a ritual for yourself with your daily revitalizing scrub. Put aside time and give yourself permission to disappear from the world for a few minutes. Breathe deeply and clear your mind as you cleanse your body. Relax and restore.
Revitalizing sea salt and mint body scrub (great for dry, flaky skin):
1/2 cup coarse sea salt (preferably dead sea salts, as they have the highest mineral content)
10 drops peppermint, spearmint or wintergreen essential oil
2 1/2 t olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil
Mix ingredients together in a small glass or ceramic bowl.
Either with your hand or an exfoliation tool, rub this mixture over the skin in a circular motion. Pay extra attention to elbows, knees and heels. Rinse with cool water.
Gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin (and for beginners):
1/4 c cosmetic clay (available at health food stores)
2 t plain yogurt
2 t honey
Mix ingredients together in a small glass or ceramic bowl.
Either with your hand or an exfoliation tool, rub this mixture over the skin in a circular motion. Pay extra attention to elbows, knees and heels. Rinse with cool water.
