Ayurvedic Winter Skincare: Nourishing Your Skin in the Season of Vata

As we experience winter, we look at your skin and how the season has a distinct influence on the human body. Ayurveda recognizes that each season affects the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) within the body. Everyone has a degree of all three of these with one or two usually dominating. Here's how Ayurveda views the changes in the body and skin during the winter months:

• Increase in Vata Dosha: Winter is predominantly characterized by a further increase in the Vata dosha. Vata is associated with qualities like cold, dryness, lightness, and mobility. These qualities become more pronounced during the winter season, impacting both the body and skin.

• Dry Skin: Due to the cold and dry nature of winter, Vata dominance can lead to dry skin. The skin may become rough, flaky, and prone to irritation. Moisture loss is a common issue during this time.

• Increased Sensitivity: The cold and windy conditions can make the skin more sensitive, causing it to react to environmental factors more readily. Skin may be prone to redness and inflammation.

• Chapped Lips: Dry and cold weather can lead to chapped lips which can be very uncomfortable.

• Dull Complexion: We might notice our complexion appear dull and lifeless due to the lack of moisture and natural oils in the skin.

• Vulnerability to Skin Conditions: Existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may worsen during winter due to the heightened Vata influence.

What can we do to help balance the Vata during winter and soothe dry sensitive skin?

• Empasis on Hydration: Ayurveda recommends maintaining adequate hydration during the winter season. This includes drinking warm water (with lemon) and herbal teas to keep the body and skin well-hydrated from within.

• Oil Massage: Regular self-massage with warm, nourishing oils like sesame or almond can help to combat dryness, soothe the skin, and support the nervous system. Our Wholelistic Body Treatments are perfect for this! You can now book your Abhyanga Treatment with one of us!

• Moisturizing Skincare: Using rich, moisturizing skincare products with natural ingredients can help protect the skin's moisture barrier. Ingredients like ghee, ceramides, and herbal creams are often used.

• Warm Foods: We recommend consuming warm and nourishing foods during the winter season. These include soups, stews, and herbal teas, which help balance Vata and nourish the skin from the inside. Switch out your cold salad for one made with quinoa, roasted veggies and beans.

• Avoid Harsh Exfoliation: During the winter, it's best to avoid harsh exfoliation or treatments that may strip the skin of its natural oils. Gentle exfoliation and hydrating masks can help with dead skin cell removal. This is why we don’t recommend chemical peels anymore and focus instead of plant-based enzyme exfoliation.

• Protective Clothing: Wearing appropriate clothing, like scarves and hats, can protect the skin from the cold and wind, preventing excessive dryness and sensitivity.

• Infrared Saunas: The healing and warming effects of infrared saunas can help to soothe the body while encouraging detox through sweating. This helps to stimulate the functions of the body that are responsible for removing metabolic waste and keeping everything in flow.

There is a beauty in the stillness and hibernation of winter. If left imbalanced it can lead to dry, sensitive, and potentially problematic skin. To maintain healthy skin in winter, it's essential to focus on hydration, nourishment, and gentle care to restore balance to the body and skin.

We hope you are enjoying the beauty of the season and look forward to seeing you soon!

Unlocking Radiant Skin and Wellness: Lymphatic Body Treatments and Dry Brushing Benefits

Dry brushing has been around for a long time. It’s a ritual you can do every day at home with a simple natural bristle brush and its effects can be taken to the next level when it’s done as part of one of our Wholelistic Treatments.

Why dry brush?

A traditional dry brush helps to stimulate circulation in the body. It also has a very mild exfoliating effect. We start at the extremities of the body (feet and hands) and work up and in towards the heart gently brushing the skin. Improved circulation means freshly oxygenated blood moving to our skin and organs.

What’s different about our Wholelistic Lymphatic Brushes?

Unlike the traditional brush (which can feel harsh or itchy), our lymphatic body and face brushes are extremely soft! They have a curved shape that naturally fits along the curves of the arms, legs, etc, as well as little nubs that help to gently tug the skin. This tool is the only one we have found that genuinly mimics the manual lymphatic drainage massage technique that we utilize during in-person treatments! When you come in for a Lymphatic Body Treatment you get to relax and enjoy the soft gentle rhythmic brushing all over your body as we encourage lymphatic movement and improved circulation. Then you get to take your brush home with you (for no extra charge) so you can re-create this rejuvenating ritual at home on a daily basis! This is incredily helpful since the cumulative effects of dry brushing will facilitate the greatest changes in your skin and overall wellness. For a theraputic effect, we recommend a series of Lymphatic Body Treatments with us before continuing with the ritual at home.

Who would benefit from a Lymphatic Body Treatment and dry brushing?

Everyone! But more specifically, if you have noticed sluggish or dull skin, dry irritated skin, sluggish digestion, low energy, lack of motivation, poor sleep, poor circulation, lack of focus, or painful mobility, dry brushing and lymphatic body treatments have been shown to bring noticeable improvement. It can also help improve recovery time and balance the nervous system! If this is you, then we highly recommend coming in to experience the deep relaxation and rejuvenation these types of treatments can bring.

You are now able to book your Lymphatic Body Treatments HERE! If you know of someone that may benefit from dry brushing, please do share this with them as well!

We hope to see you soon. Be well!

Ayurvedic Autumn Skincare: Balancing Vata for Healthy Skin

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. It is based on the principles of balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. It recognizes that each season affects the body differently, and autumn is no exception. At Wholelistic Esthetics we utilize the wisdom of Ayurveda when considering treatments, ingredients and what might be most supportive for your skin.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, here’s what our bodies experience during this season and how it might effect your skin:

• Vata Imbalance: The autumn season is associated with the dosha (bioenergy) called Vata. Vata is characterized by qualities of dryness, coldness, lightness, and mobility. As autumn brings colder and drier weather, these qualities can exacerbate Vata imbalances in the body. This can lead to various issues, including skin problems.

• Dry Skin: The dryness of autumn can cause an increase in dry skin conditions. This is because Vata's influence can lead to dehydration and flakiness in the skin. Skin may become rough, itchy, and prone to cracking or irritation.

• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity is common during this time, which can make the skin more reactive to various environmental factors. It may become more prone to redness and inflammation.

• Unpredictable Skin Changes: Vata's influence can lead to unpredictable changes in the skin. Some days it may feel excessively dry, while on others, it might appear oily or congested. Don’t be alarmed if you notice some changes, we will be able to chat about what you are experiencing and how to balance it during your appointment.

Here’s some recommendations to help balance the Vata energy within your body:

• Emphasizing Hydration: To counter the effects of Vata imbalance during autumn, Ayurveda recommends focusing on maintaining proper hydration. Drinking warm water and herbal teas can help keep the body and skin hydrated from within.

• Oil Massage: Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic self-massage (pronounced Ah-Bee-Yon-Ga) with nourishing oils like sesame or almond is encouraged during autumn. This helps lubricate the skin, prevent excessive dryness, and soothe the nervous system.

• Moisturizing Skincare: Using rich, hydrating moisturizers and natural skincare products is essential to protect the skin's moisture barrier. Ingredients like honey, aloe vera, and oils can be beneficial.

• Warm Foods: Ayurveda suggests incorporating warm and nourishing foods into your diet during the autumn season. This includes soups, stews, and herbal teas to help balance Vata.

• Avoid Harsh Exfoliation: During autumn, it's best to avoid harsh exfoliants or treatments that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Gentle exfoliation, manual lymphatic drainage massage, soothing and hydrating ingredients are essential.

• Balance Rest and Activity: Balancing rest and activity is crucial during autumn. Stress and excessive activity can further exacerbate Vata imbalances. Adequate sleep and relaxation are essential for skin health.

Overall, we love a good transition period and moving from the heat of summer into the cooling of autumn is a wonderful thing! To maintain healthy skin during this season, it's important to focus on hydration, nourishment, and gentle care to restore balance to the body and skin. Just like the natural world starts to slow down to prepare itself for winter, we can benefit from doing the same.

Do you know someone that may benefit from learning about Vata energy and autumn skincare? Please share this with them. We hope to see you soon!

Rest and Rejuventation: Balancing Your Nervous Systems for Healthy Skin

How can we achieve the healthiest, most vibrant skin? It’s not as complex as you may think….

In its simplest form, our skin is made up of layers of cells. These cells require adequate nutrients and oxygen as well as the ability to remove metabolic waste to thrive. If we facilitate those 3 simple things, our skin would have no choice but to be vibrant and glowy! If its truly as simple as that then why do we all feel like we are struggling with our skin???

Everything about conventional living, while making some things incredibly convenient, is essentially working against what our cells need to thrive. We spend tons of time in doors, working on computers, staring at our phones, working long hours, not getting enough sleep, etc. All of these things cause the symptoms that are blocking cellular vitality:

• Stress

• Inflammation

• Stagnant Lymph

Ok, so what can we do about it?

We have to rest. We have to! We have 2 types of nervous systems in our body. The symphathetic nervous system is responsible for our state of awareness. It becomes hyper-active when the “fight, flight, freeze or fawn” response is engaged during times of great physical or emotional demand. In today’s society not many of us have to worry about running away from an attacking bear, BUT our bodies don’t know the difference between a predator attack and an overwhelming amount of emails and project deadlines. It might seem silly but we live in a world that creates an excess ‘symphathetic’ load which leads to all sorts of imbalances in our brains and bodies. If our systems are constantly prepared to flee at any given moment we can’t heal.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for allowing the body to function in the “rest and digest” state. When this response is engaged, it triggers salivation, digestion, lowered heart rate, and slower deeper breathing. In this relaxed state our body systems are able to function without threat. Our cells are able to regenerate and healing mechanisms are able to engage. Until we prioritize spending time in the parasympathetic state, our bodies wont be able to carry out the necessary functions leading to more imbalances, less than adequate cellular activity, sluggish inflammed skin and premature aging to say the very least.

We highly recommend making time to come in and experience a deeply relaxing treatment from one of us to help induce the parasympathetic state. The Wholelistic Face Lift Facial, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Facial, Lymphatic Body Treatments & The Wholelistic 90 min Facial all do this beautifully! In the meantime, here are some things you can do at home for FREE to help your body rejuvenate:

• practice deep breathing: This doesn’t have to be fancy. Just sitting quietly and comfortably place one hand on your heart and one on your belly. Really pay attention as you inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Do this for just 5 breaths in the beginning and add more as you become more comfotable with the ritual.

• unplug during meals: Even if you are super busy and only have a few minutes to inhale a bag of chips on your lunch break, make the effort to honor your meal time. If we check emails, watch tv or scroll on IG while we eat, our bodies stay in the sympathetic state and won’t digest and assimilate nutrients properly.

• yoga nidra/guided meditation: There are tons of free guided meditations on all streaming platforms. Some are specifically for better sleep or for stress management but all of them will help you drop into a meditative state. Try typing ‘yoga nidra’ into the search bar and choose different ones until you find ones that you like.

• turn your skincare routine into a ritual: Washing your face and nourishing your skin with serums and moisturizers can feel like a chore at the end of a busy day. We invite you to reframe it in your mind as a luxurious ritual. Take your time and pay attention to how your skin feels under your fingertips, enjoy the smells, and allow your facial muscles to relax as you massage your cleanser and anoint your skin with supportive potions.

Take care of yourself! You are magic and deserve to experience a magical existence. We hope to see you soon! If this was helpful, please do share it with someone in your life that could benefit from some functional relaxation!

So, you want to heal your acne...

Clear Skin Acne Program: What you need to know

At Wholelistic Esthetics, we understand the frustration and self-consciousness that can come with having acne. That's why we're thrilled to offer the Clear Skin Acne program, a comprehensive solution designed to help you achieve smooth, blemish-free skin. If you're interested in learning more about this life-changing program, we highly recommend watching our informational video. In this video, you'll discover the science behind our innovative approach, the personalized skincare regimen we'll develop just for you, as well as some tips for how to make the most out of this program to achieve skin success. It's a great way to gain valuable insights and get a clear understanding of how our Clear Skin Acne program can transform your skin and boost your confidence. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and prepare to embark on your journey toward a clearer, healthier complexion.

Microchanneling; what's the deal?

We have heard your requests and are bringing in a new treatment to specifically target healing hyperpigmentation as well as regenerative scalp treatments to help stimulate hair regrowth!!  While researching which treatments would be best, we discovered microchanneling and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Similar to microneedling (but better), MICROCHANNELING is a non-invasive procedure designed to stimulate your body's natural ability to heal itself, generate collagen, elastin and other building blocks of healthy skin. Combining the latest technology of microscopic needles as well as advanced treatment serums that contain the growth factors, antioxidants and hydrators your skin needs we are able to achieve beautiful results with no downtime and minimal discomfort.
 

As we age, our collagen and elastin production naturally slows down overtime. By stimulating a regenerative response within your own body (instead of relying on “magic fix” topical or surgical treatments") we have the ability to effect real change in the visible signs of aging.

• Microchanneling is perfect for anyone wanting to target:

• Acne scars

• Skin tightening

• Hyperpigmentation

• Rosacea

• Pore size reduction

• Hair regrowth

Another great thing about microchanneling is that it is safe for all skin types as well as fair-dark complexions. That's not always the case with other more invasive treatments! Because the action of this device combined with the specific skin fortifying ingredients used we have an opportunity to heal damage below the surface of the skin. That underlying inflammation is ultimately responsible for so many of the “issues” that show up topically!

Sun exposure is just one of the many ways our skin cells can be damaged. Oxidative stress, environmental pollutions & toxic conventional ingredients as well as trauma left by acne can all damage the skin matrix causing our skin to go into crisis mode and create melanated skin cells to help protect the damaged area.

While the skin is healing, topical ingredients in the home care products we recommend may have some effect in blocking the tyrosinase enzyme that is responsible for melanating certain skin cells.

If you are interested in experiencing Microchanneling, please contact us about booking your sessions! You deserve to love what you see when you look in the mirror and we love helping you achieve those results.

Why get a lash lift and tint?

In the world of beauty, we constantly seek ways to enhance our features and achieve a stunning appearance. When it comes to our eyes, long, voluminous lashes have always been a symbol of beauty and allure. While mascara and falsies have been popular solutions, there's a revolutionary treatment that can provide a long-lasting solution: lash lift and tint. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of lash lift and tint treatments, exploring their benefits and why you should consider incorporating them into your beauty routine. Prepare to unlock the transformative power of these treatments, which can make your eyes truly mesmerizing.

Section 1: Understanding Lash Lift (Word count: 600)

To embark on our journey into the world of lash lift and tint treatments, let's start by focusing on lash lift itself. A lash lift is a professional treatment designed to lift and curl your natural lashes, giving them a beautiful and elegant appearance. This treatment provides an instant eye-opening effect, making your lashes appear longer, more voluminous, and fuller.

During a lash lift procedure, your technician will use a specialized silicone rod to curl your lashes upwards, creating a lifting effect. This process ensures that your lashes retain their curl for several weeks, eliminating the need for daily curling with a lash curler. By enhancing your natural lashes, a lash lift can transform your entire look and save you time in your daily beauty routine.

Section 2: Unveiling the Power of Lash Tinting (Word count: 750)

Now that we've explored lash lift, let's delve into the world of lash tinting. Lash tinting involves applying a semi-permanent dye to your lashes, enhancing their color and providing a more defined and dramatic look. The tinting process darkens your lashes from root to tip, creating the illusion of thicker and more luscious lashes.

One of the most significant advantages of lash tinting is its ability to add depth and intensity to your eyes, even without the need for mascara. With tinted lashes, you can wake up each morning with a glamorous and put-together appearance. Additionally, lash tinting is ideal for those with lighter-colored lashes who want to achieve a more noticeable and striking look without the daily hassle of mascara application.

Section 3: The Benefits of Lash Lift and Tint Treatments (Word count: 900)

3.1 Effortless Beauty: Time-Saving and Convenience Lash lift and tint treatments offer a range of benefits, starting with their ability to simplify your daily beauty routine. By investing in these treatments, you can wake up each morning with stunning lashes that require minimal maintenance. Say goodbye to curling your lashes, applying coats of mascara, and dealing with smudges and clumps. With lash lift and tint, you'll enjoy effortless beauty that lasts for weeks, saving you precious time.

3.2 Enhanced Natural Lashes: A Subtle Transformation Unlike lash extensions, which require additional false lashes to be glued onto your natural lashes, lash lift and tint treatments focus solely on enhancing your existing lashes. These treatments work with your natural lashes, lifting and curling them while adding depth and color. The result is a subtle yet noticeable transformation that enhances your natural beauty. Your lashes will look longer, fuller, and more voluminous, providing a natural and elegant appeal.

3.3 Long-Lasting Results: Maintenance and Durability One of the greatest advantages of lash lift and tint treatments is their longevity. Unlike mascara, which smudges and fades throughout the day, a lash lift and tint can last for several weeks. You can enjoy gorgeous lashes day in and day out, whether you're at work, exercising, or even swimming. Additionally, the maintenance required is minimal, allowing you to maintain your flawless look effortlessly.

3.4 Customizable and Tailored to Your Needs Lash lift and tint treatments are versatile and customizable, ensuring that your desired look can be achieved. Whether you prefer a natural, everyday appearance or a more dramatic, glamorous effect, your technician can adjust the intensity of the curl and tint to match your preferences. This customization allows you to find the perfect balance that complements your features and enhances your natural beauty.

Section 4: The Lash Lift and Tint Experience (Word count: 700)

4.1 Professional and Safe Procedure It's essential to choose a reputable and experienced professional to perform your lash lift and tint treatment. A trained technician will follow strict hygiene and safety protocols, ensuring that your eyes are protected throughout the process. They will carefully assess your lashes, consider your preferences, and tailor the treatment accordingly.

4.2 Relaxing and Enjoyable Treatment Lash lift and tint treatments provide a pampering experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As you lie comfortably on a treatment bed, your technician will carefully apply the solutions and dyes to your lashes, creating a peaceful and serene environment. Many clients find this process incredibly relaxing, making it an excellent opportunity to unwind and indulge in some self-care.

Section 5: Aftercare and Maintenance (Word count: 700)

5.1 Post-Treatment Care Following your lash lift and tint treatment, it's important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your technician. This may include avoiding excessive heat, steam, or oil-based products for the first 24-48 hours. Proper aftercare ensures that your lashes maintain their beautiful shape and color for an extended period.

5.2 Maintenance and Touch-ups As your natural lashes naturally shed and grow, you may notice some changes in the appearance of your lash lift and tint. To maintain optimal results, you can schedule touch-up appointments every few weeks to ensure your lashes remain flawless. These touch-ups are quick and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy long-lasting, stunning lashes consistently.

Conclusion (Word count: 200)

In summary, lash lift and tint treatments offer a multitude of benefits that can transform your eyelashes and elevate your overall appearance. From effortless beauty and time-saving convenience to customizable results and long-lasting effects, these treatments are revolutionizing the way we enhance our lashes. So, if you're looking to achieve naturally stunning and captivating lashes, consider embarking on the lash lift and tint journey. Consult with a professional technician, experience the relaxing process, and indulge in the confidence that comes with having effortlessly beautiful lashes every day. Your eyes will thank you for it.

Clear Skin Acne Program

We are so thrilled to share that Melody is now a Certified Acne Specialist through Face Reality, a skin care program that focuses solely on helping clients getting clear skin! Face Reality was created by Laura Cooksey, an esthetician in California. She struggled with acne for decades until she found an esthetician to help her. She became an esthetician and started researching everything she could about acne, its causes and treatments. Now Face Reality has helped thousands of people get the clear skin they desire and boasts over a 90% clear rate by the end of the 90 day program.

“I became an esthetician to help people realize their beauty and feel confident in their skin. I also happen to LOVE extractions. So, specializing in acne care was an easy next step.”

-Melody

The 90 day program starts off with a Clear Skin Acne Program appointment. Melody will go through your consultation to provide all the info you need about how the program works and what’s expected from you and how you care for your skin at home. Then she performs a skin sensitivity test and evaluates the current condition of your skin’s barrier and determines the specific kind(s) of acne you may be struggling with. This initial appointment also includes your first facial!

At the end of your facial, Melody will walk you through the exact recommended home care products that will be most helpful in balancing and healing your skin. She will also have a treatment plan for you that most commonly includes regular follow up facial treatments every 2 weeks or so, depending on your skin. There might also be nutrition and/or lifestyle changes that are suggested to encourage the best and longest lasting results.

There is only a 2 week time span between the “before” image on the left and the most recent pic on the right. This client has noticed less inflammation and less blackheads.

In the “before” photo on the left, you can see that this client has been struggling with inflamed acne. She has dedicated herself to her home care routine and come in to Melody for her regular facial treatments for the last 6 weeks. We love to see the reduction in overall redness, inflammation and texture in her skin!

At the end of the 90 days you’ll have an opportunity to continue to get facial treatments and your home care routine may continue to be adjusted based on what Melody thinks will best support your skin and keep you clear!

If you, or someone you know, have been struggling with acne and are ready to finally get the clear skin you deserve, click THIS LINK to book your Clear Skin Acne Program appointment today!

Why do we even get wrinkles???

Wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable. I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear from me, but it’s true. As we age our skins collagen production naturally slows down, our hormones shift and all the damage from all that careless sun exposure of our youth makes itself quite comfortable on our faces. Those three factors all contribute to creating a skin matrix that is weakened and susceptible to wrinkles.

Our skin is made up of several elements that all come together to create a kind of scaffolding or intricate matrix. Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid are elements that you are probably familiar with. As we age our dermal layer thins and less collagen is produced. These changes in the scaffolding of our skin cause it to loose laxity and texture. Then when we make our normal human facial expressions and are continued to be exposed to gravity (weird, right??), lines form.

Glycation is also at play: this happens when the glucose in your blood stream attaches to proteins (like collagen) and degrade collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis by making them link. This results in weakened scaffolding and the weak tissue folds in on itself.

OK OK OK but what can we do about it?????

First of all, embrace it babe! It is 100% natural and normal for you to start to have fine lines and wrinkles. But, here are some tips for encouraging healthy collagen production within your own body to help maintain that youthful glow as you age gracefully:

• Use topical antioxidants to help repair environmental damage and help prevent future damage.

• Apply SPF everyday. Every. Day. EVERYDAY!

• Include a variety of antioxidants in your daily nutrition.

• Add supplements that boost your body’s ability to create collagen instead of supplements that claim to have collagen added to them. I’m not convinced that our digestive tract can see that collagen and move it to our skin like it’s implied…

• Limit the amount of sugar you put in (and on) your body. (Glycation happens even when a topical treatment has glucose so that’s why I prefer salt scrubs vs sugar scrubs for body exfoliation)

• Incorporate Vit C, A & E into your daily routine. Adding retinol and/or bakuchoil are good ingredients to look for as well. You can check out our recommended treatment serums here

• Invest in our skin tightening, collagen forming Plasma Fibroblast treatment. This topical procedure not only smooths out the surface of the skin but it also stimulates the production of your own natural collagen! That means that over the course of 3 months post treatment, new collagen moves up to the surface of the skin to strengthen the skins scaffolding again! for more info about this treatment, click here

As always if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment don’t hesitate to reach out to us!! We love hearing from you.

xoxo,

Chelsea

Fall Facial

It’s gloomy and rainy as I write this, but that’s just part of this next season we have moved into! Fall brings us that crisp morning air and warm afternoons so you don’t quite know how to dress. It also can do a number on the hydration balance in our skin. Welcoming in this seasonal change we have come up with a wonderful combo for our Fall Facial! As with every facial, we start out with a double cleanse and perform our signature face, shoulder & scalp massage. The combo below will leave your skin refreshed, nourished & ready to take on the season:

This warming enzyme exfoliant is loaded with hydrating ingredients to balance the skin while providing a deep yet gentle pore cleanse. It smoothes and re-texturizes with capsaicin, vitamin C and honey.

Bring on the yummy spices! Papaya & pumpkin work to hydrate and nourish uneven skin tones, sensitive, sunburned or rosacea-affected skin. This mask leaves a gorgeous glow and smells like all the warm pumpkin vibes this season brings!