Between standing on your feet all day in the kitchen or dashing from store to store, this week can be tiring on your feet. Give them and yourself a little love with a pedicure. Your feet will feel smooth, look great, and showcase a stunning winter polish. Pedicures however, can do more than just make your feet look pretty. They can be very helpful to those with foot pain.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, regular pedicures can improve circulation, reduce tension, and reduce pain. It can be especially helpful for people who are affected by diabetic and arthritic foot pain. If this is the case you should consult with your doctor prior to your appointment as well as the pedicure specialist to see what options will benefit you the most.

Pedicures can also be a great asset to all you runners out there. Whether you are running marathons or are constantly pounding away on the treadmill, your feet could be suffering. Regular pedicures are great to keep your toe nails at a healthy length so they don’t rub against your sneaker, help with nagging calluses, and keep the skin soft. According to RunnersWorld.com, they suggest going to a qualified Medispa as opposed to getting a pedicure by a podiatrist. You will probably pay less and get a more thorough treatment if you can find a well-trained pedicurist operating out of a health spa.

Essentials, a five star Medispa offers several different types of pedicures as well as beneficial add-on treatments for everyone, including a paraffin wax treatment. This unique treatment helps with foot pain by trapping heat near the skin, which penetrates stiff and sore joints. According to LiveStrong.com, the warmth of the paraffin wax improves circulation to the feet. The wax and mineral oil softens rough skin, making it an ideal preliminary to a pedicure or a relaxing treatment for those who work on their feet for long periods. It is also used as a therapeutic treatment for arthritis, muscular pain or joint sprains.

Some of Essentials most popular Pedicures are listed below. If you have questions or concerns talk to one of Essentials amazing, well trained pedicure specialist. They can help find what treatment will benefit your feet the most and help address any foot pain concerns you may have.

Seasonal Crimson Cider Smash pedicure

Begin with a robust hot apple cider soak with Epsom salts, Vitamin E & Sweet Almond oils. Next, our pecan-whiskey and rice bran oil brown sugar scrub exfoliates away rough skin, leaving a glint of shine and moisture. Enjoy a soft, silky light body milk lotion application, enveloped in notes of warm, peppery caramel. Finishes with your choice of color polish.

Signature Farmhouse Fresh pedicure

Soak in a whole milk foot bath, then scrubbed down with a citrus grass salt scrub, slathered in agave nectar and ending with a honeysuckle blood orange custard rub-down. Finishes with your choice of color polish.

Sports buff pedicure

A warm milk soak soothes tired feet, followed by a reviving citrus foot scrub, oh-so-good foot massage with arnica gel which cools and relieves, a wrap in hot towels follows and finishes with a hydrating rubdown & nail buff or full-color polish.

Hot milk & honey pedicure

A spa favorite begins with a nectar milk foot soak, followed by a whipped honey salt scrub, a softening honey heel glaze follows and a sweet cream slather. Finishes with your choice of full-color polish.

Bourbon cowgirl pedicure

A skin softening whole milk foot soak followed by a brown sugar bourbon scrub, a hydrating heated honey foot wrap and finishes with a good slathering of sweet cream! Includes a full-color polish or nail buff.

Medi-Pedi

Our fully-loaded pedicure! Once buffed, towel steamed, scrubbed, soaked in warm milk, clipped and filed, your feet are cream-drenched, wrapped in hot towels, rubbed until they are putty in our hands, sonically buffed with our Clarisonic Pedi, callus conquered, paraffin dipped and color polished or buffed to perfection.

 

Coconut oil has become quite the trend these days. It’s been added to hundreds of beauty products on the market. You may be thinking, what is coconut oil and why do all these companies want us to use it?  Coconut oil is derived from the extracted meat of mature coconuts. It’s an amazing moisturizer and can gets deeper into your skin and hair follicles than most products out there. Before use it must be softened first, as it hardens quite substantially in the fridge, where it needs to be stored. It’s all natural, affordable, and full of nourishing benefits for your beauty regime. Below are just a few of the many beauty uses coconut oil has.

Home Shaving Cream

Once softened, apply to your legs and underarms as if you were applying lotion. Then use your razor as normal. It’s all natural, destroys the growth of microorganisms, naturally anti-fungal and hydrates extremely well. Bonus, it naturally smells great. Imagine the chemicals they put in our normal shaving creams that make them florescent pink and smell like a margarita.

Make up remover

Soften the coconut oil, make sure it’s at room temperature. Swab it across your eye makeup with a cotton swab or makeup pad. It will vanish with ease, even waterproof mascara! Coconut oil is very high in saturated fat and is greasy so make sure you wash your face immediately after. As with applying anything to your skin the first time, always try a small test area first.

Body and lip scrubs

We have talked about homemade scrubs in previous blogs. Coconut oil is the perfect base for making your own scrub. Once you add sugar, salt and essential oils, you have the ultimate all natural scrub. The coconut oil not only blends with the sugars and salts well, but it keeps the skin or lips extremely soft and nourished when you are finished. Some of the scrubs from the store exfoliate well, but then we find ourselves layering on lotion afterwards. This is not necessary when using coconut oil. Save time and money, make your own.

Natural Lotion

It provides great hydration for all of your skin. After it’s softened apply a thin layer to your skin, it’s a great all natural lotion. It can be used on the face, but it’s highly oily, so if you have greasy or sensitive skin avoid the face. You can apply it straight from the jar after it is softened. For more of a whipped lotion, mix the coconut oil with your favorite essential oil in the blender for two minutes.

Coconut Oil Hair Treatment Spray

Skip the expensive bottles of “coconut oil infused” hair shine sprays at the store and make your own. Get a cheap plastic spray bottle. Put one heaping tablespoon of melted coconut oil in the spray bottle then top with warm water (if it’s a large spray bottle only fill half way). Then shake. Spray on hair, paying extra attention to dry areas. If you have very oily hair like myself, only apply to the ends. It works great for hydrating hair, especially this time of year.

It’s fun to make your own beauty products. Plus you get the peace of mind knowing that it’s 100% all natural and not tested on animals. Also the satisfaction that you made it! They also make great gifts. You can buy cute mason jars or small containers from craft stores and fill them with holiday themed colors and scents. Or have a party and let people make their own! Next blog we will discuss working coconut oil into your diet and the health benefits associated with that.

Although this time of year we mostly see them carved with a candle stuck in them, pumpkins can serve a much bigger purpose. They are a good source of vitamin C and B, and are full of protective antioxidants and minerals. Aside from eating pumpkin, you can get these same health benefits by applying it to your skin and hair. Pumpkin puree is readily available year round but it’s in full force now. Below are some great ideas to incorporate pumpkin into your beauty regime. Happy Halloween!

pumpkin spice lip scrub

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (softened)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all the ingredients together. Apply with fingers and massage lips, wipe or lick off (it’s delicious). Store in a small mason jar and keep refrigerated. Stir before you use it again.

pumpkin conditioning hair mask

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Whisk all the ingredients together. Apply a thick layer to all of your hair. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse. Keep any remaining mask in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

pumpkin honey face mask

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
• Splash of olive oil

Whisk ingredients together. Apply a thin layer to your face and neck. Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse it off. Keep remaining mask refrigerated in a sealed container. Test a small area of skin first, before applying it to your face.

 

Acne can hit anyone at any age. If you’re like me apparently it skips high school and waits until you’re in your 30’s.  There are so many factors that can contribute to it, big and small. We hear reasons like stress and hormonal imbalances.  This could be the case, however sometimes it’s much simpler. There are things we do every day that could be creating those nasty little bumps on our skin. Below are seven sneaky reasons you’re breaking out.

1 – Your diet

Put down the white bread and potato chips. We all know these foods are bad for our waist line but can also wreak havoc on our skin. According to an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology by Whitney P. Bowe MD, FAAD. Studies have shown that low-glycemic index diets may improve acne. The consumption of high-glycemic index foods (breads and cookies) appears to trigger a cascade of responses, which can lead to acne through effects on growth hormones and sex hormones.

2 – Cell phones

Our phones are filthy. They are plastered with dirt and bacteria that we cannot always see and they go a ton of places they shouldn’t.  Now, we can’t go spray our phones with Lysol. What can we do? To start, make sure you are constantly washing your hands or using antibacterial sanitizer. Since your hands are always touching your phone it’s vital that they are clean and are transferring as little germs as possible. Try not to keep your face pressed tightly against the screen since that is where the contact will mostly occur. Also remember to wipe down your screen to remove dirt. Think about investing in antibacterial wipes that are specially designed to clean electronics and do this every day.

3 – You’re washing your face too much

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association washing your face several times a day can further irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. Only wash your face twice a day. Wash it when you wake up to remove any oil and sweat that can accumulate while we sleep. Then wash it before bed to remove any dirt and makeup from the day. I personally like to carry cleansing facial wipes on me at all times. They are great for after the gym or other times where my face feels dirty and I can’t wash it right away.

4 – You’re popping pimples

We’ve all done it.  It is embarrassing when you have a big zit on your face, especially as an adult and it’s so easy to pop it. It may feel good but in actuality you aren’t making it any better. This does not only lead to scarring but you can possibly push the bacteria back into your skin, which could make the acne spread. Having a professional do an extraction is a whole other story. Get into a good skin routine and get regular facials to cut down on the pimples in the first place. When an extraction needs to be done, a trained esthetician is the way to go.

5  – Dirty Sheets and Pillowcases

They may not look dirty but they are. Our body pumps out tons of natural oils everyday on top of the ones we add to it like, moisturizers and hair products. When we lay at night these oils get absorbed by our bedding and can leave buildup that cannot be seen. We snuggle up every night with a bunch of dirt and oil which seeps into our pores, clogging them and causing breakouts. According to an article in US National Library of Medicine by Albert Kingman and Otto Mills Jr, this is known as acne mechanica. Acne forms due to pressure, friction, rubbing, or squeezing against something. This doesn’t only happen from our sheets but can also happen from our tight sweaty workout clothes and other daily activities where we sweat and there’s pressure, like sitting in an office chair all day. What to do differently. Make sure we wash our face before bed and remove hair products. If you do leave in overnight masks or treatments, make sure it is wrapped up or under a hair net, assuring it is off of your face and pillowcase. Also wash your sheets weekly and try to flip your pillow over in between washes.

6 – It’s your hair products

According to the American Academy of Dermatology. The sulfates, heavy moisturizing agents, and silicone in your shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products can seep into our pores. This clogs them which could cause acne on our skin. If you think this may be your problem start by finding products that have less oil in them. Also if you have longer hair, try washing it by flipping it to one side while you wash it. This will keep some of the aggravating ingredients off your face. Also wash your face last. In case any of the product from washing splashes on your face, this will ensure that it’s not sitting on your face overnight.

7 – Medications

Certain medicines we are prescribed can be a leading cause to acne. Steroids and androgens are some of the types of medicines that can do this. That is because they effect hormone levels, according to Kevin Olivieri, PharmD; clinical pharmacist in Tampa, FL.  Those are the most prominent ones that contribute to acne, but so can lithium, phenytoin, isoniazid, bromides, thiourea, disulfiram and vitamin B2, 6 and 12. If you think this could be contributing to your skin problems, talk with your doctor and see what your options may be.

 

Traditionally a solo experience, spa trips have become a great opportunity to bond. At Essentials MediSpa, spa parties are their specialty. One of the latest trends in the bridal world is throwing a small shower at a spa. What better way to take a traditionally overbearing event and turn it into a day of fun and relaxation. Submerge your bride and her guests in a day of pampering, why not? With a more intimate setting you can focus on ensuring your close family and friends have a memorable time. Assemble little gift bags with some products or gift cards they could use that day in lieu of unoriginal party favors that no one wants. We all know we have that one drawer at home full of shower gifts and wedding favors. Put your own specialized touch on it or use one of Essentials amazing predesigned party packages and leave everything to them. They have a beautiful lounge and private lunch room that seats up to 15. They also offer weekend and evening hours to accommodate.

Having too big of a shower for the spa but still want to get the girls together? Have your bachelorette party there. Perfect for those who aren’t into the drinking scene. Planning a wedding is stressful for everyone involved. Help your bride relax and you (bridesmaids) can get something out of it too. If partying is your thing, Essentials offers wine and champagne. What else could a girl need? Start your night at the spa and get ready to head out on the town. Have a relaxing facial or massage then hit up one of their amazing stylists for makeup  and hairstyling for your big night out.

You don’t have to worry about your wedding makeup either. Essentials offers makeup and hair styling for your whole wedding party. This is a great thing to do together the day of your wedding, deepening your connection with the women in your life while keeping you calm. It’s important to get your wedding look done professionally. I’m sure we’ve all heard horror stories of someone we know doing their own bridal hair and makeup. I still have traumatic flashbacks to my prom look! Save the anxiety and look your best with the help of a professional. You’ll be going through a roller coaster of emotions and with your picture being taken a million times, you don’t want one hair out of place. Essentials has the best salon stylists who will make you look like the star you are, filling you with smiles and confidence on your special day.  They have a variety of specialists to choose from with great experience and ideas, but bring your own too! Talk with one of them today, schedule a trial run and get the dream hair you have always wanted.  Essentials also has skillful makeup artists who will work diligently with you and your ideas to give you a flawlessly beautiful look. They also offer an airbrush makeup technique to really make you feel like a celebrity.  Let’s face it, it’s your wedding day, you are one!

After your wedding, if you haven’t shuffled right off onto a plane for your honeymoon, try a couple’s day at the spa. At Essentials a romantic getaway for two awaits you. They have amazing couple’s massage and spa packages for you and your honey. It’s a great way to unwind, release any tension and shake off all that stress from the crazy amounts of time you spent planning your wedding.

The spa is an enjoyable experience alone, but also can be with the people you love. Each experience you create has endless possibilities that you can put your own personal touches on. If you have an upcoming wedding or other future events, give Essentials Medispa a call today. No party to schedule, get some loved ones together and make a date. A day at the spa is a positive and nurturing experience and that feeeling is even more present when we’re surrounded by the ones we love.