Runners Take Care of those Feet!

I had a wonderful new pedicure client come into the spa the other day who is a regular 10k runner. To her surprise, we weren’t your typical spa. I told her that we offer medical pedicures, and we are certified to assist various foot conditions. Like most runners, my client had trouble with the dominant toe. Constant impact from running caused trauma to her toe,  making the nail to lift off the nail bed. It’s common for the nail to experience bruising and sometimes could lead to losing the entire nail!

The problem when runners lose their nail too often is that the nail at times, does not grow back normally. Often the nail bed is loose underneath, can grow back ingrown, become very thick over a period of time, and is prone to fungal infection.

Regular maintenance is very important in this situation to prevent this from occurring. In her situation she did have these problems and we removed the ingrown nail. At home, to help prevent lifting of the nails, be sure to keep them short.

Keeping the nail tapered by reducing the thickness of the nail will prevent future problems of the nail hitting the top of the shoe when the feet are enclosed.

My client also had a deep ingrown that was starting to curve painfully into her skin. This problem with the curvature is a possible indication that she is walking and running on the inside of her foot (pronation). We removed the ingrown but we had to address the problem of pronation. I had to refer her to a Pedorithist to check her gait (sequence of  foot movement).  If they found an imbalance in her gait they would recommend orthotics for her. This would prevent the pronation by forcing her to take her insteps in a neutral position.

I also had to take a look at her running shoes and do a bend test, as runners should always have support in their shoes to help absorb the shock when running or even just walking!

Following through with the preventative solutions, will help prevent future knee and hip problems as we get older. Our bodies will always let us know if there is a problem. We have to listen to our bodies before minor discomforts become major injuries, and do our best to take care of the little problems before they turn into big ones.

Is It Really That Bad to Sleep with Your Makeup On? – 5 Everyday Face Cleansing Tips

“Going to sleep without cleansing your face is like not washing your hands after you eat. People touch their face with their hands during the day, so it’s important to wash away bacteria”, says dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett.

While skipping one night likely won’t wreak havoc on your skin, daily cleansing is paramount for preventing clogged pores, especially for those who wear makeup or are prone to acne. Since not all cleansers are easily tolerated.  Kellett recommends an exfolianting cleanser with a non-foaming base.  “It won’t be too drying or irritating,” she says.  “So take those extra few minutes before bed, and wash away your day.”

-Carly Brown from Glow Magazine

Winnie’s Skincare Advice

Conventional foamy cleansers contain sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), and are extremely drying to the skin. We love the Eminence foamy cleansers as they contain plant based potassium that creates the foaming action instead. Less drying and not toxic like SLS.

Here are 5 Everyday Skincare Tips to help you put your best face forward:

1) Don’t wash your face with regular everyday soap.

We have come across so many clients who wash their face with regular household soap….nooooooooo! It has such a high content of SLS and leaves the skin so vulnerable to the environment and bacteria.

2) Choose the right cleanser.

Selecting a cleanser is a very important decision and is the first step to a good skincare regime. Don’t waste your money on products that aren’t made for your skin! Make sure you have the right product for your skin condition.

3) Get skincare advice from trained professionals

Many people are unsure of their actual skin type. Your skin type can be best determined by a proper skin consultation or skin analysis. An experienced esthetician or facial specialist  should be able to answer all of your questions and  make accurate observations.

4) Need a makeup remover? Just add water!

The great thing we have found by using  a high quality product line like Eminence is that you can  use it as a makeup remover as well.  We always suggest clients to add  water to their cleanser in their palm and emulsify into the skin so the  makeup binds to the product and rinses off  with water.  Of course if you use the cleanser as a makeup remover you would have to  cleanse the skin twice.

5) Try NOT to wash your face in the shower

I know many of you like to save time by cleaning your face in the shower. However, the final steps of cleansing are also important. Not to mention, the steam in the shower could possibly spoil your products. The best way to end your cleansing is to rinse with lukewarm water, and a cloth. I love energizing my skin in the mornings, following my rinse with lukewarm water, with 8-10 splashes of very cold water. Refreshes you, increases the circulation and is a great way to start your day.

Here are some of our favorite Eminence cleansers. But remember, always get professional advice before purchasing a cleanser so you are certain you use the right product for your skin!

Normal Skin –  Blueberry Soy Cleanser  or Stone Crop  Cleanser

Oily Skin – Citrus Cleanser or the Stone Crop  Cleanser

Dehydrated to Dry Skin – Lemon Cleanser, Coconut Cleanser, or  Blueberry Soy Cleanser (contains enzymes to soften dead skin)

Sensitive Skin / Rosacea – Rosacea type skins could be dry or oily. For  rosacea dry  the Calm Cleanser  and Sweet Red Rose are amazing, for oily roscea depending on the oil  secretion , the Stone Crop  Cleanser or the Eucalyptus Cleanser

Acneic  Skin – There are various levels of acne, it can also  be  dehydrated, dry or  oily.  Foamy  cleansers  would definitely suit the oily, while  acne  with  dehydrated  and dry skin  should be  more of a gentle  consisitancy.  With this skin condition it is important to have a proper skin analysis.

Welcome to our Blog!

Hi everyone!

I wanted to start off by thanking you for coming to visit our blog. At the spa, we love meeting amazing people and sharing each others stories and knowledge of beauty, health and life experiences.

This blog will allow us to share with you everything we have learned. Life experiences are priceless. Some are educational, others funny and I would love for the opportunity to share them with you.

Enjoy!

T   The way we help people feel better about themselves from the top of their heads to the tip of their toes, it’s so rewarding for us.

A   Aspiring to be the best we can be, so we can provide the best service possible

O   Our journey to bring awareness and communicate holistic alternatives to our clients