Skin Survival with Star Foodie host, Christina-Laia
From airplanes, to trains, buses, and underground metros – I do it all – literally, all the time. Not to mention walk to and from, an inordinate amount of destinations in an array of climates – from hot sun to snowflakes, and rainstorms in between. Sure filming, on either side of the Atlantic has its own gargantuan benefits, but like you guessed, there’s a but coming. The body, face, hair and skin; yup they get a pretty good beating. So I dedicated a great part of my spare time chatting with the experts, and figuring out how to maintain a healthy lifestyle in and outside of my anatomy. After I got the body, eating, and hair routine down pact, I dove into my arch nemesis. My problematic, nagging, always thirsty, rarely cooperative… nope not my boyfriend, my skin.
I’m sure we’ve all heard it by now, the epidermis is the body’s largest organ. Yes, I’m throwing “epidermis” in this blog for good measure because of course, its origin is Greek. In case you’re wondering, the word epidermis comes from the Greek roots epi meaning “upon” and derma, which means “skin.”
Taking over a total area of about 20 square feet on our bodies, it’s no wonder, that when my skin breaks out, feels dry, itchy or even on fire (yes it happens to me often) I feel like utter yuk! Adversely when its behaving perfectly, I couldn’t feel more instagram ready.
So let’s dive right into my current do’s and don’ts! (Most of which I learned, the hard, harder, and hardest way!)
I discovered early on in filming, that wearing any type of makeup on aircrafts was not good – for anything! We’re talking drying up, burning and even flaking from wearing layers of makeup on long flights 30,000 feet high. My trick for travel – all travel by the way, became tinted moisturiser. Stick to moisturiser (& sunglasses if you’re paranoid of photos) and your skin will feel smooth and moist after excursions.
I also adapted the tinted moisturiser method for the long hot days in Athens. A combination of heat, sun, sweat and acne prone skin had me break out time and time again while filming last summer. I stuck to a good quality, oil free, tinted sunscreen for days, and shifted to Matte Finishing loose powder for evenings on the Athens Riviera.
Ok back to the arctic. Since my skin reacts so differently during the different seasons throughout the year, I change up my routine according to the sun dial. Currently, it’s more like the snow dial, which I gotta say, seems to make my skin much happier.
After several beauty counter visits, in literally dozens of cities in 2 different continents, I finally discovered the truth. No one knew what worked for me. So like any self-reliant girl, I adopted a skin regiment that battles blemishes, drying and keeps me moist.
Watch my recent Star Foodies episode where I checked in at Q Esthetics to talk skin care with their Skin Care Specialist Toya!
AM – Good quality cleanser, Natural Toner DayTime– Light Acne fighting Gel, Oil Free Liquid Makeup (moist with sunscreen) & Matte Finishing loose powder PM – Good quality cleanser, Natural Toner BedTime – Light Acne fighting Gel and Light Moisturiser, Eye Cream
Try: Alumier MD Spot Clearing Lotion $36 & Alumier MD AluminEye $94
3-4x a week I use an all natural face mask for 15 minutes, and use the same contents for spot treatment on persistent blemishes. My favourites are Clay masks.
When I remember, I add truffle based eye cream to my AM & PM regiment. I did however, regain milia in the area – so be careful with the richness of the cream!
Remember everyone’s skin is different, so trying out different products throughout the year, and adapting to climates is key!
If you’d like more in-depth info plus my favourite brands, give me a shout out!
Top 5 tips to get in shape quickly but safely in 2019
A new year is the best time to start over, set goals and get ready to challenge yourself. If getting in shape is one of your goals, we want to help. Here are our top 5 tips to get in shape quickly but safely.
Set attainable goals
It’s quite simple. If you set unrealistic goals, you may end up getting disappointed if you do not achieve them. Instead of setting a goal like losing 30 pounds in 3 months, break down your goals into smaller yet achievable goals. A great example would be to set your weekly goal to go to the gym at least 3 times and work out for 30 minutes. It is specific, realistic and achievable. One thing that can help you achieve your goal of getting in shape is to reward yourself. Did you go to the gym 3 times this week? Great! Now, you can grab a drink with your friends.
Nutrition is everything
When you are looking to get in shape safely, it is about how many calories you put in your body and how many calories you would burn. The key is to stick with the diet you can keep up. Make sure to balance your nutrition (protein, fat, and carbs) and portion it right.
Exercise right
Everyone knows that you need to exercise to get in shape safely. At the beginning of your journey, it is hard to know which exercise is right for you. With the technology these days there are many resources at your fingertip. Nike has a great app called Nike+ Training and this is a great tool for a beginner. You can also join a local gym and there are free training classes you can take advantage.
Boost your metabolism
High metabolism = burning more calories. When you are burning of everything you are eating, there is less chance to store fat. Vitamin injection ( also known as B12 injections) can help boost your metabolism which in turn helps you with getting in shape safely.
Non-surgical fat loss option
This is a viable option for you if you are someone who is healthy, active and nutritionally balanced yet you have a hard to lose the fat pockets. There are non-surgical options such as SculpSure, Vanquish, Mesotherapy Injection with deoxycholic acid, and combination treatments like Q Body Sculpt is next-level fat loss treatment with skin tightening effect. It takes as little as 25 minutes to complete these treatments, so it will fit perfectly into your busy schedule. All fat loss treatments target fat cells and destroy them. And your body will not produce additional fat cells anymore which means your results can be permanent as long as there is no drastic weight gain. These technologies are FDA and Health Canada approved, so you can get in shape safely with them.
It’s this time of the year again. Everyone is in the holiday spirit and Christmas trees are up everywhere. However, we know that it can be stressful especially trying to find a perfect gift. No worry, we are here to help! Here are our Top 5 Unisex Holiday Gift Ideas.
Medical Grade Skin Care
Did you know that commercial (over the counter) skin care products may not be as effective as medical grade skin care? Medical grade skin care is formulated to effectively target skin concerns. However, It can be purchased only at medical clinics or medical spas. One of our top medical grade skin care lines is AlumierMD. They have a wide range of facial cleansers, moisturizers, and serums to target a range of concerns for all skin types. Not sure where to start? You can always contact us . We can help you pick out the best products for your loved ones.
We love AlumierMD Every Active Vitamin ACE serum to prevent free radical damage to our skin. Here is how to use it properly.
Give the Gift of Gorgeous Skin
Skin treatments are definitely one of the top 5 gifts for people who care about their skin. Pamper your loved ones with our famous Q Max Facial (Featured on Marylin Denis) or multipurpose Deep Exfoliation Photo Facial (amazing for promoting collagen growth, reducing redness, smoothing wrinkles, treating sun, age spots & hyper-pigmentation, improving acne & acne scarring). Here is a great before and after from 1 treatment!
Before and After of Deep Exfoliating Photo Facial
Memberships
Whether it is a Netflix subscription or Apple Music even our Q VIP membership ( great for skin care lovers, we offer 10% off all skin treatments and 6 free Q Max Facial for our annual members), memberships are a nice holiday gift for people who will utilize the service throughout the year. They will definitely think about you every time!
DIY Gift Ideas
If you are like me and not planning to spend too much on a gift, you can go about the Do It Yourself route. Some great ideas would be DIY Holiday Bath Bombs, DIY Holiday Granola, or if you are a crochet wiz, DIY Holiday Sweater would make a nice gift! While making DIY gifts, it is all about adding that personal touch and wrapping it up. Here is a great gift wrapping video!
Gift Cards
Last but not least, gift cards are versatile, easy and affordable. Definitely useful as a last minute holiday gift!
Refresh, Revitalize & Reboot with Q’s IV Therapy Treatments
Who Doesn’t Need a Boost Now and Then
Physicians and pharmacists, who first developed the use of IV infusion therapies, realized the benefits of these injection treatments for overall well-being. IV Therapy has become very popular in North America. Because of its ability to revitalize skin, restore nutrients lost, and boost overall health and beauty – there are now millions of injections performed each year.
Target Skin and Wellness Needs Injecting a cocktail of vitamins and minerals into a vein, is the fastest way to deliver nutrients to the body. As a result, many health and skincare needs can be met. Next to restoring nutrients and hydration, providing optimal skincare benefits is one of IV Therapy’s most sought-after uses. Most of all, you can obtain a refreshed and renewed appearance, by lightening and brightening a tired complexion and clearing away acne and blemishes.
Now, what’s better than that!
Quick IV Therapy Facts
Ingredient Special
IV Therapies deliver a cocktail of vitamins, minerals and nutrients directly into your vein.
Quick To…
Serve as a supplement for skin health and texture, quickly hydrate, restore fluids, and for overall well-being.
Balance It Out
One of the top treatments to help rid the body of unwanted toxins, and to help achieve a healthy balance.
Come One, Come All!
Treatments are quick – anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, due to chosen type.
Most of all, you can get an IV Therapy treatment during your lunch break, or before your weekend brunch!
Benefits of IV Therapy
Improve Skin health, Boost Energy, and Restore Hydration … Reasons for YOU to get IV Therapy!
-Rejuvenate skin, hair & nails
-Boost immune system
-Restore vitamins, minerals & hydration
-Antioxidant therapy: prevent & reverse effects of free radicals
-Boost energy levels
-Restore a healthy glow, with lighter & brighter skin
-Improve mental focus: great before important tests & presentations
-Reduce fine lines & wrinkles
-Increase collagen production, and restore texture & elasticity
-Improve skin quality; helps with acne & blemishes
-Packed with Glutathione (master antioxidant) & vitamin C
-Re-balance body salts
-Fight allergy sensitivities
-Improve appetite, sleep & mood
-Flush out lactic acid
-Detoxify
Q’s IV Infusion Therapies are HERE!
Pair existing treatments, customize personalized plans, and reap amazing skin benefits! With our incredible Q IV Therapies, you will look and feel your absolute best!
Here at Q Esthetics, we believe in finding the best treatments and skincare plans that are completely personalized for you. Not only do we put this much care and thought into our procedures, but in our choice of products as well.
As we wouldn’t put just any unknown food in our bodies, we shouldn’t be putting just anything on our skin either. Knowing your skincare products, their ingredients, and what they offer is essential to developing the perfect personalized regimen.
So, we asked one of our savvy skincare specialists, Nazila, her top 5 choices in skincare products. Keep reading below for the inside scoop on our top products from our favourite skincare lines!
1- Elta MD’s Clear SPF 46
This is a great product for acne prone and sensitive skin, with its extremely light-weight and silky texture. It’s also infused with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which is an amazing multi-tasker! Full of anti-aging benefits, spot-fighting and skin-brightening – it’s a must-have in our daily regimen.
2-Alumier’s Ultimate Boost Serum
This anti-aging serum is perfect for all skin types. With powerful antioxidant ingredients such as glutathione (one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants), it neutralizes and eliminates skin-damaging free radicals – for overall healthier skin and anti-aging benefits.
Couple this incredible serum with any moisturizer from Alumier, (as well as a sunscreen, of course) and you’re good to go!
3- Alumier’s Alumience A.G.E.
A light weight serum that fights pollution and visible signs of aging, by providing your skin with a shield to protect against harmful pollutants and UV damage. Perfect for frequent flyers! With ingredients such as vitamin E, to block free radicals and reduce wrinkles for younger-looking skin.
4- Revision’s Nectifirm
This best-selling neck cream is the holy grail of firming & lifting! With a power-house list of ingredients – such as, vitamin C, E, and algae extracts – Nectifirm delivers noticeable results by enhancing our skin’s own antioxidant system to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
5- Obagi’s Vitamin C Serum
With pure, stabilized vitamin C, this serum fights free radicals and hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types – gentle on dry skin, cool on irritated skin, and soft on sensitive skin – this pro serum helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in a skin-caring way.
And, there you have it! Five of our top products from our favourite skincare brands! Not only do we offer one-on-one consultations for skincare treatments here at Q, but for skincare products as well! So, stop by for a visit to find our which products are best for you – and you’ll be on your way to even brighter healthier skin!
Our Master Nurse Injector – Marina – has seen and heard it all. So, we decided to ask what question or comment she receives the most among first-time filler clients!
Q Pro Team: Is there a question you get asked quite frequently with first time clients? Marina: “YES! Well, it’s more of a statement than a question: “I don’t want to look crazy!” This is a common concern for many, because of the ‘injection-happy’ images that are prominent in today’s media. But don’t worry, here at Q we believe that less is more – you are in full control of your desired results. Actually, 5 of my favourite tips for beautifully natural results, that I like to share with client’s are:
1. Have Lip Filler Goals
Don’t just come in & say “The bigger the better!” Have an idea in mind of your desired look & size, and show your injector example photos of your goals. Photos are perfect for communicating your desired look and size, but always make sure to compare your lips to your self, your face, and your goals – not anyone else’s.
2. Take Before and After Photos
Don’t be blind in-the-now! It may sometimes be easy to look at our lips and say, “They’re not big enough!” If this statement comes to mind…wait. Have a cup of tea and take a moment to compare your before photos to where you are now, and then decide if you still want more. You may be surprised!
3. Avoid Blood Thinners
To decrease bruising & swelling, and for optimal results, we always recommend avoiding blood thinners (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, and vitamin E) a week prior to filler injections. If necessary, Tylenol may be taken as a pain reliever.
4. Start Slowly
There’s no rush. As 1 syringe is only 1 ml of volume (those who have extremely large lips from injections have used multiple syringes), there’s plenty of room to grow when you inject only a small amount to start. Fill those lips, wait a week until swelling goes down, and then decide if you want more.
5. Trust Your Injector
Don’t rush into anything! A good injector will always offer their time for a full consultation before any treatment. They will personalize your experience and treatments, by explaining exactly how to achieve your desired results. A professional injector will not force volume on you – but rather volumize your overall satisfaction with beautifully natural results.
As a mom of four, you can easily get caught-up in the daily tasks that make a large family run smooth. While busy with daily schedules and home chores, I feel privileged to put my family first; however, by doing so, I have often put myself on hold. Many parents would say it’s all for love, and I agree that it is; but bits and pieces have fallen from the core of my identity, further than I thought. When It comes time to put everything back together, it’s hard to know what to do, to look and feel my best. My journey first began with fertility issues, when trying to build my family. Years of hormonal treatments to obtain our gorgeous dream family, also took a large toll on my skin and body.
Filling the ‘well’ of parental tiredness and self-care shouldn’t come as a threat or with guilt as a mom, but it does. I struggle with the thought that spending time on myself means spending less time with my family. I don’t know why or where it comes from, and I can’t really explain or feel that I need to … yet, I do. The privilege of getting pregnant, having kids, raising a family and exponential love – ultimately comes with less sleep, lots of snacking, late night online reading and learning…etc. One day I looked up and noticed that I looked a bit more tired than the night before and wanted to fill that ‘well’ a bit more. What would I feel like if I loved who looked back? …and not due to self-grudge – as I’m proud of myself – but rather a “Wow, you look great!” kinda feeling.
So, one day I happened to come across this $10,000 Makeover Contest for Q Esthetics – and BAM! I WON? WHAT? I felt like this was the universe saying to me … “No more excuses Erin! Go fill your ‘well’!” …And so, I did. If I had just received $10,000 in cash, it would go to my family and bills. So, $10,000 all on me?! … I was overwhelmed with how I was going to handle it at first, but I soon found it much easier not to worry! lol!
My kids are currently 6, 4 and my youngest – the twins – are 2. I am now in a place where I would like to explore some new entrepreneurial ideas and feel like a fresh new makeover would help me feel more at ease with myself – and more at ease being back in the adult networking world.
Here is how the amazing staff and team at Q Esthetics helped me:
Q Body Sculpt
A program involving both a healthy lifestyle with The Good Diet, and fat loss treatments with Vanquish, I was excited to begin this journey. I set my goals with Dr. Melissa Hershberg who oversaw my weight loss; and I’ve already lost 15 lbs and counting! Each week on top of this, I did a one-hour Vanquish treatment, that significantly reduced my midsection; especially my ‘love handles and muffin-top’ build. With The Good Diet, my days consisted of:
Great morning chocolate shakes made my day with a shot of espresso I was set for at least one to two hours lol
Lunch I had soups in a travel mug and so I had it on the go with the kids, EASY!
The chocolate bars are like Snickers and super satisfying!!
Dinners I ate clean: chicken with coli flour rice and some vegies and had lots of sweet paper in the daytime.
My Start Point 168-170
The Vanquish machine is used to ‘blast fat’ and were the one-hour treatments I cherished each week with the girls at Q Esthetics. The treatment works by heating up the fat cells, blasting them away, and metabolizing them naturally through your body’s lymphatic system. After 3 sessions my muffin top was coming down! It was AMAZING! I loved the results! One tip: drink plenty of water before your treatment; if you don’t, you will feel the heat. However, the sensation is no worse than a deep tissue massage. It’s a good pain, so just breath.
After 8 sessions, I am excited to see that I have less of a muffin top in my mid-section. I was surprised because after 2 individual pregnancies, and one with twins, I was curious how much it would actually change. My overall confidence was changed when I fit into jeans I hadn’t worn in 8 years, and others that I hadn’t gotten into since I was married – 12 years ago! AMAZING!!!
CHEMICAL PEEL
The chemical peel helped balance my skin and lessen any redness. The treatment felt interesting; first, like a cold and freshly-washed sensation, then a bit hot – but not uncomfortable. It was very refreshing and quite relaxing, and my skin didn’t peel a lot – just enough to tell that it had worked.
LASER RESURFACING FACIAL – with PICOSURE
I had a Laser Facial, with Q Esthetics’ Picosure, that helped get rid of my rough sandpaper-like skin. Prior to my treatment, I could literally scrub my face and it would still feel terrible; oil in some areas, very dry in others. The Picosure laser helped balance and smooth my skin, and really helped to reduce the pores around my nose! It was funny – the numbing cream that was applied prior to treatment, made my face so numb that I couldn’t feel my cold winter day runny nose! lol (No really, this made me laugh out loud.) However, it helped – because I didn’t feel a thing from the laser.
Xeomin®
Time for Xeomin® – the facial that keeps on giving! I was scared to try Xeomin®. I didn’t want to look plastic, like the image we often see in marketing. My kids would often ask “Mom, are you mad?” – due to my thick brow lines that seem to appear mostly when I’m concentrating or in sunlight (…so, ALL the time). I needed to soften my look; to reflect that I was either just thinking, or that I couldn’t see due to the glare from the sun – lol. We injected a few units between my brows and around my eyes. As I’m 39, my crow’s feet are starting to scratch their way in, so getting Xeomin® helped to lessen these lines, and it looks great! It didn’t hurt, looks very natural, and I love it!
FACE & NECK LIFT – with ULTHERAPY
I highly recommend this procedure! Ultherapy is a cool ultrasound treatment, that provided me with a face and neck lift; one that I needed more than I thought. There is a lot of pressure involved in this treatment, so if you can manage this you will surely see results. Results are only supposed to show after 3 months, but I feel like I can see them already, so who knows where I will notice more lift in 3 months?! Can’t wait to see!
During the Ultherapy treatment, you feel a very firm squishy-face kind of pressure with the ultrasound wand – to get deep into your face. This is not super cozy, but well… we could all laugh at the ‘fishy-face’ I made – lol! It does shock a bit and feels like a knot being loosened by an elbow during a deep tissue massage – a good hurt! It was over soon enough, and the lasting face and neck lift will be worth it, so hang in there! Deep Breaths.
ALUMIER MD Skincare
Wonderful skincare line, easy to use and makes my skin feel so fresh and renewed. I look forward to putting the cream and moisturizer on in the morning and at night – it makes my day. The eye cream has a nice texture and has helped the fine lines around my eyes. The Alumier products make your face glow, and I posted about this on social media when I first tried them! Also, since I started using these, I have not had breakouts like I used to.
FILLER – with TEOSYAL
Filler…what can I say… it was probably the treatment I was most scared about. I am SO relieved and happy to say that this process was well worth it! I could not believe the immediate transformation of my entire face; and as the filler started to relax, so did I!
We started by filling my temples, something I never would have thought of; softening my eyes, reducing lines and resulted in a more youthful look. Then my dream happened… my eye wells were filled! I was immediately amazed at how quickly the divots under my eyes disappeared; the divots that had made me look so tired in photos. I had tried makeup, but nothing took away from the fact that this area sinks more and more with age. Now my under-eyes are full and looking fresh! We also filled my cheeks, making me look happy, and my lips to make them softer. And as much as I love my laugh lines, we filled these as well – resulting in an overall refreshed and rejuvenated look!
WOW! Overall, I wake up, don’t put any makeup on, and get compliments from strangers; “you have great skin!” It’s natural and looks amazing. This process was a bit painful, if you are doing it all in one shot, but quite relative to many other forms of pain. If you can stand the immediate prick (just count to 10), then you will forever love the results.
SKIN TIGHTENING – with PELLEFIRM
Pellefirm‘s skin tightening treatment helped reduce the stretch marks on my tummy; mostly the result from carrying my children. After having my kids, I was left with this loose skin – ‘ponch’ as I call it. Yes, I am proud of my body’s abilities, but would also like for my jeans not to fold over anymore. This process did help firm my skin, and with a few treatments I can see how this would tighten a lot more for sure.
Q MAX FACIAL
I am going to be receiving Q Esthetics’ exclusive Q Max Facial before my reveal, and from what I’ve heard, I look forward to many of these for years to come.
Q Esthetics has gifted me this amazing makeover and it will forever impact the way I feel and see myself, in such a positive and healthy way.
After undergoing my treatments, I felt a feeling of accomplishment. It’s done! I like the fresh look I have. I can also still have fun with makeup, but now it’s more to enhance and enjoy; rather than to cover-up and conceal. From here, I will continue going to the gym, lifting weights, Yoga, keeping up with my skincare, and keep feeling great! Diet, exercise and something for the soul! It’s only a problem if it bothers you. If it doesn’t bother you, don’t fix it.
On my journey with Q Esthetics, I feel empowered to look my best, which in-turn makes me feel my best. From this, I have started my new entrepreneurial endeavors, including my own online shop, and look forward to participating in networking groups and really living this new mom-of-4 life with my kids. I am healthy, happy and no longer feel any barriers that added to my shyness. It makes it fun to run and play with my kids as much as I’ve always wanted to, for them and for myself.
Love yourself, parents. For all the work it takes to parent great kids and form amazing families, taking time to love ourselves is great for everyone. We all need to fill the ‘well’ and take that time now and then. -And that’s OK!
The holiday-rush has passed, the new year has hit, and the fight against unhealthy temptations is a thing of 2017! … or is it?
Even though the holidays have come and gone – and even though you did your best at staying away from those ever-so-delicious (yet sugar-filled) sweet treats, these cravings don’t stop just because a number in the year changes.
Being conscious of what we put in our bodies should be a lifestyle choice, rather than a quick-fix for when we’re feeling a little over-our-own-waist-size. And one of our favourites to staying healthy, and starting the year off right, is certainly … spaghetti!
…Spaghetti squash, that is!
Yes! The beautiful and all-encompassing squash …
…one of the most delicious and nutrient-rich vegetables to hit our markets this season. From essential vitamins & protein, to its natural health and medicinal benefits – this vegetable has it all! So jump on board for a quick overview of some of this superfood’s attributes, that certainly can’t be ignored!
The impressive health and nutritional benefits of squash …
…are above all due to the multitude of organic compounds, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it contains. Squash is filled with vitamin A for vision and bone growth, C for antioxidants and the development and repair of body tissue, E for healthy organs and immune system, and finally B6 for brain health and metabolism. Even more, it’s also loaded with fiber, omega fatty acids, and minerals; such as iron and copper, which are essential components of red blood cells in helping to prevent iron deficiency.
Packed with antioxidants!
Squash helps neutralize free radicals throughout the body, with powerful antioxidants. Free radicals are the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism, that can accelerate aging by damaging healthy skin cells, and as a result can lead to negative health problems; such as, cancer and heart disease. While small amounts of free radicals in the body are normal, and are helpful for our metabolism, they can multiply quite quickly and therefore must be kept under control.
…Enter, squash!
So, if you’re still working on that list of new year’s resolutions …
… give this super-veggie a number one spot next to “Happy & Healthy Eating in 2018” !
Even more, to help you start this journey-à-la-squash, here’s one of our own Dr. Melissa Hershberg’s favourite recipes – for a healthy start to 2018!
The Ultimate Roasted Spaghetti Squash …
… a perfect dinner side dish. Low calorie, filling and above all – full of nutrition!
Ready!
Pierce your spaghetti squash with holes, to let air escape
Place in microwave for 5 minutes to soften
Take out, cut lengthwise & scoop out all the seeds
fun tip! Squash seeds are also edible – and can therefore be seasoned and roasted like pumpkin seeds! Try it out, for a delicious & healthy snack.
Set!
Line a cookie sheet with tin foil & place squash cut-side down
Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil
Season with salt & pepper to taste
fun tip!
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oil options – due to it being packed full of antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E & K.
Bake! Bake in the oven, at 400 degrees for 40 minutes
fun tip!
You can be sure your squash is ready to devour, when you can easily insert a fork into the skin!
Enjoy! Finally, flip it over, scrape out strands with a fork …
Et voila! Your very own homemade spaghetti squash!
fun tip!
Even more, this recipe tastes great with crumbled light feta cheese and rosemary thrown over, as a personalized finishing touch!
the cold weather has finally arrived. And as much as we love the festive lights, clean crisp air, and holiday cheer – our skin does not share in this same joy. The cold air and low humidity of these winter months, make it a perfectly imperfect atmosphere for dry, tight, and flaky skin.
A change in season, equals a change in skincare
So, why does this time of year have such an effect on our skin? Because everything from dry outdoor air and hot indoor heating, prevent it from retaining its full moisture capability.
Even though this 2017-2018 Toronto winter has been predicted to be one of the coldest we’ve had in a while, our experts here at Q Esthetics have seen it all. And, because of this, they know a thing or two about maintaining moisturized, healthy and glowing skin!
The key? … Hydration, hydration, hydration!
Along with keeping our bodies well-protected..
by bundling up in thick sweaters and warm, yet stylish, coats – it’s important to bundle up our skin as well. So, jump on board to see what we have to share, and let’s learn how to plan our skincare as we would plan our wardrobe this winter…
…preventative and protective!
Tip #1: Beautiful skin starts from the inside-out
If you’re not providing your body with ample nutrients, it’s going to be that much more difficult to maintain that oh-so-desired happy and healthy glow. Therefore, drinking-in that essential hydration, is our number one skincare tip for a healthy body & healthy mind.
Our body requires hydration from the inside-out; therefore, not drinking enough can result in dull and dry skin. As much as we love that quick boost of caffeine in the morning, this is exactly what we should be trying to avoid. Instead of stripping our skin of essential moisture from these caffeinated drinks, two super-hydrating drinks to feed our skin with this winter instead, are – water and herbal teas.
The calming and warming effect of herbal teas..
along with being packed full of antioxidants, internal healing properties, and natural stress relievers – is exactly what our skin needs! Warm water with lemon is also a great habit to get into. Indulging in one of these cozy cups first thing in the morning, is incredible to flush out toxins and as an added winter immunity-boost!
Q Pro Tip – Try infusing your water with some other water-rich fruits and veggies; such as cantaloupe, apples, oranges, celery, and cucumbers – for a healthy added burst of flavour!
Tip #2: Harsh cleansers equal a harsh reality
Once you’ve supplied your body with hydration from the inside out, why would you want to throw it all away with a rougher-than-pinecone cleanser? Using a harsh cleanser, with ingredients such as sulfates and parabens, will strip your skin of essential oils and protective barriers – leaving it feeling dry and damaged. Instead, take a step in the right direction, and opt for a soap-free one instead!
Soap-free cleansers are gentle on our skin, and should be a staple 12-month product in your skincare regimen. Do we really only want ultimate skin protection during the winter months? Definitely not! A cleanser with moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, is essential to maintaining that essential hydration year-round.
Q Pro cleanser recommendation:
SensiCalm Gentle Cleanser – by Alumier MD
Tip #3: Your skin is hungry too!
Feeding your skin with the right serums and moisturizers is a winter skincare essential. Choose products both rich in hydration, and those that protect our skin from the harsh outdoor elements. Winning ingredients to look for in your winter skincare are humectants; such as, glycerin & hyaluronic acid (or sodium hyaluronate). Both are key elements in moisture retention, because of their ability to fight against dehydration, and by their capacity to attract and hold onto water.
A Q Pro Tip to remember,
is to always be sure to apply any type of moisturizer to your skin immediately after cleansing – when pores are still open and ready to retain optimal hydration!
Q Pro serum, moisturizer, and eye cream recommendations:
Ultimate Boost serum – by Alumier MD Alumience A.G.E serum – by Alumier MD Recovery Balm moisturizer – by Alumier MD HydraDew moisturizer – by Alumier MD Alumineye eye cream – by Alumier MD
Q Pro Tip #4 –Hold on tight!
Our final Q Pro Tip in preventative skincare, is to hold onto that hydration, protect yourself from those harsh winter winds, and – if it isn’t already – make sunscreen your new best friend!
It’s true – the winter sun’s UV’s are just as damaging as the summer ones. Skipping the SPF will not only reverse your efforts of supplying your skin with that essential moisture, but result in dry and damaged skin as well.
Sunscreen helps to prevent premature aging..
as it protects from harsh elements – elements that trigger sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Even that short commute to work – you know the one where you tell yourself it’s not worth the extra effort to apply that last-minute sunscreen – can make the difference between your skin looking great now, and your skin still looking great 10 years from now!
Q Pro sunscreen recommendation:
Sheer Hydration – by Alumier MD
And that’s it – you’re ready to go!
So, indulge in that delicious cup of hot herbal tea, feed your skin with the protection it needs, top it all off with your favourite sunscreen, throw on that added chic accessory piece – and protect your skin in style this winter, by kissing dry flakey skin goodbye!
*All AlumierMD Products are free of Parabens, Sulfates, Petrolatum and Dyes. AlumierMD does not do any animal testing on their products.
The “Cold Light” Technology is based on established research using Light Emitting Diodes to deliver specific wavelengths of Red, Blue, Green and Yellow Light energy to your skin.
How does it work?
This light energy passes through a layer of phytogel to stimulate, regenerate and hydrate your skin. According to NASA space program research (they developed the technology), the specified wavelengths found in the Cold Light stimulate cellular growth and metabolism, resulting in increased collagen production. The Cold Light is indicated for
the improvement of overall tone and texture of the skin, rosacea, acne, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and soft tissue (myofascial) pain management.
What benefits does it has?
No pain, side effects, or downtime
Safe and effective for all skin types
Non-thermal, non-invasive, and non-ablative so there’s no injury to the skin surface
Fast and convenient
Treats large areas such as the entire face or chest at once
No aftercare is needed
Follow up is a home routine of skin care
Skin care professionals report high customer satisfaction
