Freezing temperatures, harsh winds, and dry air – the winter months can be pretty rough on our skin. It’s important that we adapt our skincare routines accordingly. If we don’t, we’re likely to be left with dry, cracked skin that can sometimes be rather uncomfortable. Here are our tips for making sure your skin looks and feels its best all winter long…

Dry Skin

Sorry, but those lightweight moisturizers you use during the spring and summer just won’t cut it this time of year! When winter rolls around, the air gets drier, which also dries out your skin. To combat this, you need to swap out those normal moisturizers for one that is much more “heavy duty”. A thick, cream moisturizer should be applied daily to heal and prevent dry skin. Try Yon-Ka’s Crème 93 – it’s perfect for those cold, dry winter months.   Apply your moisturizer in the morning, within a few minutes of exiting the shower for maximum absorption.

If you find that you really struggle with dry skin, another great tip is to use a humidifier. A humidifier works as a great preventative measure, as it adds humidity back into the dry air inside your home. The key to remember during the winter months is that you should be proactive with your skincare. Start following these tips to take care of your skin before it gets dried out and make them part of your daily routine.

Red Nose

The cold weather can often leave us with a bright, red nose, which isn’t exactly the best look. In order to treat a red nose, you should first understand why this happens. Cold weather can actually cause your blood vessels to cut off circulation to your nose. When you come inside to warm up, it causes a rush of blood to your nose, which leaves you bright red. In order to treat this, you need to get your skin back to normal. Apply a warm compress for a few minutes once you’ve come back inside and watch the redness disappear!

If you find that tissues leave your nose sore and red when your nose is running from the cold, make sure you’re using the softest tissues you can find. Try using a tissue with lotion, which are meant to soothe your nose and prevent irritation.

Rough/Cracked Feet

Feet

You’re probably no stranger to taking care of your feet during the summer so they’re sandal-ready. What about in the winter? The winter months can be hard on our feet, too. The cold, dry air can leave our feet feeling rough and cracked. You don’t have to run off to get a pedicure to whip your feet back into shape. Instead, treat them at home!

Rough, dry feet should be exfoliated and moisturized regularly so that they can stay hydrated too. You can use a pumice stone in the shower to slough off the dead skin and reveal a much smoother surface. Next, apply a moisturizer as soon as you’ve gotten out of the shower so your skin can absorb it the best.

Dry Hands

Hands

Dry hands happen to be one of the most common things we deal with during the cold, winter months. The weather often leaves them feeling dry, cracked, and irritated. Make sure you always protect your hands from the cold air by wearing gloves when you go outside. Another tip: moisturize after washing your hands. The soap can strip away at the oil your skin produces to keep your hands soft. Be sure to keep a high quality hand lotion with you at all times to keep your skin hydrated. Try Yon-Ka’s Nutri-Protect Mains to repair the dry, cracked skin on your hands.

Chapped Lips

To make sure your lips stay soft and supple, protect them by using a lip balm with beeswax or lanolin for extra hydration. The skin on our lips is quite delicate and can dry out quickly if you don’t take good care of them! If you notice some flaky patches appearing, use this simple step-by-step guide to get them feeling soft again.

Protect Against Windburn

Should you wear an SPF in the winter?

Finally, it is possible to develop windburn during the winter. The cold air is harsh and can leave our skin very irritated if we aren’t careful. If you’re going outside for an extended amount of time, make sure you take the necessary precaution to protect your skin. Be sure to apply a thick face cream that contains SPF before you head outdoors. If there’s snow on the ground and the sun is shining, the sun can reflect off the snow and vastly increase your chances of getting sunburn. Even if you can’t see the sun, you still want to use SPF to ensure your skin is protected. Cover as much of your skin as possible by wearing gloves, scarves, etc. to stay warm and to shield your skin.

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Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Many people assume that skincare creams are, for the most part, almost all similar. However, there are differences among the various types of creams available — not only with ingredients but also consistency. Some of the biggest differences can be found between day and night creams.

Both a day cream and a night cream serve different purposes for your skin. One is all about protecting, while the other is designed more for restoring. To learn more about each, we’re sharing the difference between day and night creams. Plus, you’ll learn if you should have both as part of your skincare routine.

Day Cream

Using a day cream has a much greater purpose than just providing moisture to your skin. It’s essential for protecting you from the environmental stressors we encounter on a daily basis. And that doesn’t just mean the harmful rays from the sun that can leave our skin looking and feeling damaged.

Every day, our skin comes into contact with free radicals, which have been shown to speed up the aging process. These free radicals are everywhere around us, including in the air we breathe and inside our bodies. Things like air pollution and smoking can increase the production of new free radicals.

Unfortunately, we really can’t completely avoid encountering these free radicals. Nor can we avoid ever going out into the sun! So, it’s important that we protect our skin from the damaging effects of these environmental stressors. And we can do that by using the right day cream.

A great day cream will be packed with antioxidants, such as Vital Defense, which can help fight off free radicals from pollution and other environmental elements. Because many of us wear makeup daily, day creams are typically lightweight and non-greasy too. This allows for a smooth canvas for applying makeup. Since they’re not usually thick, heavy creams, it’s absorbed quickly and doesn’t clog your pores. It’s also important to partner a day cream with sunscreen over top to protect against sun damage and prevent skin cancer. Liberally apply an SPF (such as Yon-Ka’s SPF 25 or 50) to the skin after applying the day cream.

Night Cream

While your day cream is all about protecting your skin, a night cream is designed to help restore and repair it. As mentioned, our skin encounters a lot of potentially damaging environmental stressors all day long. At night, it needs the opportunity to recover from all of that. Since your body uses the nighttime to repair and regenerate itself, it only makes sense that your skin does the same while you’re getting your beauty sleep.

Night creams are often thicker than day creams which allows it to be absorbed slowly throughout the night. Plus, they’ll typically contain higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients since your skin won’t be exposed to the sun and you’re less likely to sweat it off while you sleep. In a nutshell, at night your skin gets to use the active ingredients to replenish itself instead of using the actives for protection.

The use of a night cream is highly beneficial because it helps to repair and restore your skin from everything it deals with all day long, including wearing makeup. Even if night creams feel heavy when you first apply them, it will be fully absorbed by the morning. And you’ll wake up with refreshed, healthy skin that has a beautiful glow.

Do You Really Need Both?

While it’s totally up to your own personal preference, we definitely recommend incorporating both a day cream and a night cream into your daily skincare routine. The reason for this is that they both serve two unique purposes, both of which you want to take advantage of if you want healthy, youthful skin.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Young Woman Washing Her Face

It’s happened to all of us… You wake up in the morning and give yourself a quick once-over in the mirror. But, oh no! You’ve spotted a sudden breakout that has seemingly come out of nowhere overnight.

Don’t let it ruin your day. The key here is to know why sudden breakouts pop up when they do and how to handle it effectively.

What Causes Sudden Breakouts

The breakouts you’re experiencing on that beautiful face of yours could be caused by any number of things. By figuring out what triggers your breakouts, you’re going to stand a much better chance of clearing up your skin and keeping it that way.

One of the biggest breakout culprits is your hormones, specifically estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. And as you may already know, your hormones can fluctuate, no matter how old you are. It’s not something that’s limited to just teenagers. Those changes can be a result of your menstrual cycle, birth control, medications, and also stress. However, there are plenty of other factors that can cause hormone imbalances.

The reason your hormones trigger breakouts is because androgens cause excess sebum production in your skin, which means your body will start to over-produce oil. This leads to oil and bacteria getting caught in your pores at a much higher rate, causing sudden breakouts. If you think your breakouts could be produced by a hormone imbalance, pay attention to when you’re getting them and what has changed in your life around that time.

Your diet may also be playing a role in the sudden breakouts you’re seeing on your skin. The fact of the matter is, there are foods that have been shown to cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to pimples and acne. You’ll notice this happening when you consume a lot of foods that are high on the glycemic index or high in sugars and carbs, such as white bread, candy, and soda. Eating these types of foods can spike your insulin levels, which increases inflammation.

The last and possibly the most important factor to consider are the skincare products you’re using. Cheap skincare products usually use cheap ingredients, which could have the opposite effect you’re looking for. If you find yourself constantly dealing with random breakouts, try upgrading your skincare routine so you can treat and restore your skin. Meet with your local esthetician to come up with a regimen that’ll work best for you.

How to Treat Breakouts Right Now

Now that you have this blemish on your face, it’s time to do something about it. After all, you’re probably looking to get rid of it as soon as possible. While there’s nothing short of a magic wand that’s going to make your blemishes disappear immediately, you can try a few things to significantly decrease its size and any redness you’re dealing with.

The first and definitely the most important tip is to never pick at your skin. Too many people are guilty of popping their pimples in an attempt to get rid of them quicker. However, by popping your breakouts, there’s a good chance you’re simply going to increase the inflammation, leading to more redness around the area. Plus, you risk spreading bacteria that causes more breakouts and leaving yourself with a scar once the blemish has gone away.

Instead of popping, you want to treat your blemishes with a topical treatment of both a concentrate and treatment cream. A great concentrate to use is Yon-Ka’s Juvenil. It’s an alcohol-free spot treatment that will help get rid of your blemishes without irritating your skin in the process. It does this effectively by using calendula and azulene to soothe the skin. It also has antiseptic properties to kill the bacteria. As for the treatment cream, you can apply Yon-Ka’s Crème 15 as a spot treatment to the affected area. The naturally occurring sulfur of the burdock root eliminates bacteria and balances oil production, while chamomile and arnica soothe the irritation associated with breakouts.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Have you ever taken a chance on a new look, only to realize your haircolor of choice didn’t turn out exactly as expected, or didn’t complement your skin tone? (Psst! There’s an app for that!).  How about checking out your haircolor a few weeks after your services, and realizing that your blonde has turned brassy, or your brunette is showing traces of red that you didn’t notice before? Don’t panic, cue a color correction hair service.

WHAT IS A COLOR CORRECTION HAIR SERVICE?

Brassy hair that was toned using Shades EQ.

Photo Credit: @itsalwaysbecks

Similar to the way that color-correction can cancel out and neutralize uneven pigments in your skin when it comes to makeup, a color-correction hair service works in a similar way. When done with a hair toner that has multiple uses, like Shades EQ, it not only works to address uneven color, it also addresses if the hair becomes too light, dark, warm or cool.

Consider the concealer palette: a makeup artist’s lifeline. He or she use a peach concealer to color correct purple under eye circles, dark spots or bruises, similarly to the way your colorist could use Shades EQ Pastel Peach to neutralize any residual blue tones left over from using too much purple shampoo on blonde hair. If traces of red are peaking through your brown color, Shades EQ Silver Green will neutralize the redness and brighten your brunette.

Sometimes blonde haircolor can turn brassy (or look “orange”) after a few weeks due to factors out of your control. Everything from the minerals in your water to sun and chlorine can contribute to brassiness over time. If brassiness becomes an issue or the subtle pastel blue you were going for turns out too vibrant, a Shades EQ color correction hair service can be used to neutralize the hair.

HOW LONG DOES A COLOR CORRECTION HAIR SERVICE TAKE?

According to Redken Education Development Manager, Siddeeqah Raoof, how long hair colour-correction takes varies, depending on the results you’re looking to achieve. “The law of colour tells us for optimum [colour-correction hair] results, we must have the optimum condition of the [hair] fibre or as close as possible to that goal. A professional consultation is very important to determine if the goals are attainable.

The time needed to perform a colour correction hair service varies due to the specific nature and current condition of each hair type and additional visits may be required depending on how much you want to tone or colour-correct the hair.” The condition and health of the hair can also determine how long the effects of the colour-corrector can last because as a demi-permanent hair colour, Shades EQ is designed to gradually fade over time.

DO I NEED A COLOR CORRECTION HAIR SERVICE?

Shades EQ used to tone and condition the hair.

Photo Credit: @mandaziegelman

If your hair colour isn’t what you expected or hoped for, have a professional determine if you need colour correction hair service through a consultation. Explain to your colourist what you were originally looking for, or show photos of the way your hair colour has changed over time, and leave the decision up to them. Your colourist will let you know what kind of colour-correction hair service you need, in addition to providing you with some at-home treatments you can use to prevent the same hair colour mishaps in the future.

No matter what look you’re trying to achieve or rock, a colour correction hair service with Shades EQ is the key to unlocking your best hair colour yet.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

workout skin care

Exercise is essential for healthy skin, but it can also lead to breakouts if you don’t take the proper care before and after your workouts. Sweat and dirt that builds up can quickly clog your pores and lead to acne, blackheads, and unsightly spots. Luckily, there are ways to avoid post-workout breakouts and to keep your skin looking clean and bright. So before you head out to the gym or hit play on your exercise video, follow this ultimate workout skincare guide for healthier looking skin.

Before You Start

Before you begin your workout, we recommend that you give your face a thorough cleaning with a facial wash and eye makeup remover. This will help to remove any makeup that can clog up your pores when you start to sweat. If you exercise outdoors or at a gym, disposable facial wipes can easily be packed in your bag to be used when you’re on the go. And when taking your workout outside, always remember to apply a thin layer of sunscreen to combat sun exposure on your face.

During Your Workout

If you plan on using any type of exercise equipment for your workout, it’s wise to wipe these down first with an anti-bacterial wipe or spray. This will help to remove any bacteria that you could transfer to your face during the workout. You should also take considerable care to avoid touching your face to prevent passing on any dirt or germs to your skin. When it comes to removing sweat during your workout, a clean gym towel should be used to gently pat away any sweat from your face and neck. For those with long hair, wearing it up can help to prevent any additional oil from touching your face.

Those who have skin conditions may need to adjust their workout to reduce any flare-ups. If you have rosacea, for example, high-intensity workouts can trigger a flare-up. By switching to shorter intervals and lower-intensity exercises that reduce overheating of the face, you can help to prevent any further skin issues from occurring when working out.

After Your Workout

As soon as you’re done, you should wash your face as soon as possible. Removing the dirt and sweat will prevent your pores from becoming clogged and breaking out. Once washed with a cleanser, we also recommend applying toner and moisturizer to help replenish your skin. We also advise our patients to have a facial at least once a month. This can help give your face a deep cleaning to remove any built-up dirt that may have reached the deeper layers of your skin.

Exercise is excellent for your skin, but it can also trigger breakouts if you don’t take the proper care before and after your workout. By following this ultimate workout skincare guide, you should start to notice immediate improvements in your overall complexion. However, if you still are experiencing breakouts or acne, it may be time to talk to a skincare professional to get to the root of the problem. At Ottawa Skin Care Clinic, we can provide you with all the advice you need and recommend a treatment plan to improve any skin conditions.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Truth be told, the bigger the hair isn’t always the better—especially when it comes to elegant updos. If you’ve been blessed with fine hair, use it to your advantage. It’s the ideal texture for sleek styles. Plus, you can fake fullness in seconds with updos, a style thin hair looks especially gorgeous in. With the help of braids, buns, chignons, and sophisticated hair accessories, your fine strands will look Pinterest-worthy in no time. Your pool of options are actually endless, and these styles will give you the illusion of the fullness you’re looking for.

So all my thin-haired sisters out there, rest assured that these updos will look effortlessly cool on you. Get ready to screenshot away because we’ve already added all of these to our mood board.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

With spring right around the corner, it’s safe to say we’ll all be celebrating the arrival of warmer weather soon. When the temperatures start to rise, we need to switch up our skincare routines to ensure they’re suitable for the months ahead.

To help you out, we’re sharing five tips so you can transition your skincare routine from winter to spring. After all, the products you were using in the winter months may not be ideal during springtime.

1. Clean Up Your Skincare Stash

The first thing you should do to transition your skincare routine from winter to spring is do a spring cleaning of your current stash. There’s a good chance you have a lot of old products lingering in your bathroom cabinet and some you’re just never going to use. For one, you can’t hold onto stuff that’s way past its expiration. And if you have things that are still good, but you know you’ll never use, pass it along to a friend or family member who will use it.

By cleaning out your old skincare products, you’ll be able to clearly see what you have in your arsenal. Plus, there’s no chance you’ll accidentally use something that’s really old, and therefore, no longer effective. Plus, once everything is cleaned up, you should have a little extra room to add a new product or two.

2. Switch to a Lighter Moisturizer

When it gets cold out, our skin is a lot more susceptible to losing its hydration. That’s why we typically have to switch to thicker, creamier moisturizers during that time of the year. However, once spring and summer begin to roll around, those moisturizers can become way too much. For that reason, it’s important to switch to a lighter moisturizer once the temperatures start to rise again.

There are a number of moisturizers you can choose from, based on what your skin needs the most. For example, Yon-Ka’s Creme 93 is the perfect daytime moisturizer for combination skin. It helps to balance your skin, while also leaving you with a matte appearance (no more oily complexion). This helps to keep your makeup in place all day long, while also providing your skin with essential vitamins and antioxidants.

3. Exfoliate for a Youthful Glow

If you find your skin is looking a little dull thanks to the cold weather, you’ll want to make exfoliation part of your regular routine. By exfoliating your skin, you’re able to get rid of all the dead skin cells that have built-up during the winter months. Just one or two times a week will reveal more youthful, fresher looking skin that you’re sure to love.

Yon-Ka’s Guarana Scrub contains 11 different plant extracts, including guarana seed micro-beads and brown rice powder to exfoliate. The guarana seeds naturally contains caffeine, which also helps to brighten your complexion and give you a nice shot of energy in the morning.

4. Try a Soothing Facial Mask or Treatment

During the winter months, the harsh temperatures really take a toll on our skin. Not to mention, there can be a lot of windy days, which leaves our faces red, dry, and irritated. Once winter comes to an end, you might find your skin isn’t looking or feeling its best. That’s why it’s beneficial to use a soothing facial treatment that helps replenish our skin.

Specialty products, such as the Yon-Ka Booster line can help banish those red, irritated, itchy patches to get your skin feeling normal again. A great product to consider is Yon-Ka’s Booster Nutri+. It’s specifically designed for dry skin to provide the nourishment and repair you need, thanks to sunflower, soybean, and corn oils. Not only that, but it also helps protect your skin by strengthening the skin’s barrier and softens the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s the perfect way to give your skin an instant boost!

5. Wash All Your Makeup Brushes

The final step might be the most simple—clean all of your makeup brushes. After all, nothing sabotages your skincare routine quite like a dirty brush that’s covered in lingering dirt and bacteria. When dirt and bacteria get on your skin, they can seep into your pores, clogging them and causing breakouts.

As we enter springtime, make sure you give every single one of your makeup brushes a good cleaning so you can ensure your skin stays clear and healthy. Or, take time to replace ones that are visibly worn.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

When it comes to styling curly hair, the struggle is real. Even if you’ve memorized hair curling tips and avoided all the curly-hair dont’s, we bet your beautifully coiled mane sometimes refuses to be tamed. For those days when hair care feels like a labor of love (with an emphasis on the labor), try one of these 21 updos to pair with your naturally curly locks.

LOW UPDO

1. Organic Updo: Here’s messy-pretty perfection in a knotted look that’s a very on-trend approach for formal styles.

via @jenniferabercrombiebeauty

2. Textured French Twist: A normally sleek look gets an edgy upgrade from your strands’ natural texture. This tidy rendition has major daytime potential too.

via @brittanyatboss

3. Low Bun With Twists: Curls look gorg in a low-key, centered bun. Pull out some pieces to frame your face, then twist strands back for a pretty, romantic look.

via @shelbywhite_hmu

4. Messy Bun With Braid: Finish that hasty bun with a wavy braid wrapped around it.

via @jodycallanhair

5. French Crown: This inverted bun keeps naturally curly strands tucked away securely. Plus it’s got those vintage vibes we love.
via @hair_by_pelerossi
6. Low Braided Side Bun: It’s no wonder that this Insta-account has a bevvy of hair-loving followers. Her twisted, braided bun is polished perfection.

via @hairromance

7. Taylor Swift-Inspired Low Side Bun: Tay-Tay’s fangirls will appreciate this side bun. The loose, undone style allows wavy tendrils to fall in face-framing waves.

via @hairromance

8. Loose Low Bun With Deep Side Part: Cool-girls need to try this deep side-parted style with a low, loosely undone bun. There’s major hotness happening here.

via @ashley_moore_

9. Braided Chignon: Curly-haired babes can still rock neat styles, like a twisted, braided chignon that stays securely in place. This hairstyle is a go-to for look for professionals and glamazons alike.

via @deanafierce

10. Undone Low Bun: In this loosely pulled-back style, a next-level hair accessory makes it extra girly.

via Belle & Chic

11. Low Space Buns: Center-parted space buns are officially back. Play with the ’90s hair trend by recreating this version.
Capture

via @naturalrootsista

HIGH UPDO

12. Basic Topknot: This uber-simple look blends right in with all the street-style stars and fashion babes on Instagram. Score!

via @westbrooks.crystal

13. Topknot and Curly Bangs: Curly bangs alone are worth the effort. Their unconventional beauty paired with a simple topknot is everything.

via @freshlengths

14. Corn Rows and High Bun: Corn rows keep loose strands tucked away in front. Meanwhile, a high, twisted bun tops off a red-carpet-ready arrangement.
15. Half-Bun: The half bun — AKA the hun — is the perfect compromise when you just can’t decide. Add some hair ornaments into the mix for some selfie-ready sparkle.

via @lanasummer

16. Formal Curly Updo: The mega-volume of your curls will complement this angular work of hair-art. It was made for natural curls and will slay as a romantic wedding day ‘do.

via Once Wed

17. Front Pony: Have fun with your locks with a simple pony up top. Position it toward the front for an edgy faux-hawk look.

via @curly.edgy

18. Pineapple Bun: An undone pineapple bun at the front of your head brings the same It-girl appeal of the top pony. We’re loving how it looks at this angle.

via @controlledchaoshair

19. Undone Banana Bun: We obvi couldn’t leave out our favorite hair trend of the moment — the undone banana bun. Here’s proof that you can pull it off even if you’ve got curly locks.

via @amusedblog

20. Braid and Perm Rod: This style gives the same volume as the pineapple bun or top pony, but is a touch more manageable with a deep side-part and braids.

via @modelesque_nic

21. Curly Faux-Hawk: The faux mohawk is a super-fun way to show off your curls. Just tie up your strands down the center part line for a look that says you’re the life of the party.

via @blackhaiirstyles

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

We know it’s hard to let go of the long hair you’ve been holding onto for so long. Hair is such a hard thing to get the courage to change. For many of us, it’s a part of our identities, and the thought of chopping off our long, luscious locks seems terrifying. A major switch-up in the hair department requires you to muster up the confidence to actually do it. If you’re thinking of cutting your hair, you’ve probably perused countless inspo images and still can’t quite picture exactly how you’d look in that hairstyle. But that’s the beauty of it, you have to just do it.

Short hair gives you such a vibe—think: sexy, cutting-edge, fun, and bold. Celebs left and right are surprising us with hair transformations. They’re stepping onto scene rocking everything from cool pixies to layered lobs. If you’ve been thinking about going for the big chop, it’s your time. Short hair will never get old.

Not sure where to start? Schwarzkopf celebrity hairstylist Peter Butler, who has worked with everyone from Jessica Alba to Kate Upton, weighs in on a few of his favorite looks. “With short hair, it’s all in the attitude and how you decide to wear it,” says Butler. Below we’re showcasing flawless styles fit for every texture that you’re going to want to screenshot and send to your stylist ASAP.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW (via BYRDIE).

 

short hair

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

The last thing you probably want to think about right now is summer coming to an end. But the reality is, fall is right around the corner. And when those temperatures start dropping, you’re going to start noticing a difference in your skin. The reason is because colder air can dry out the skin all over your body if you aren’t taking care of it.

To prevent this from happening, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your skincare routine. Whatever you were doing during the summer months just isn’t going to cut it anymore. It’s time to step it up with more nourishing products to give your skin the TLC it needs to look and feel its best. In this post, we’re sharing a few tips on how to get your skin ready for fall. Make note of these and you’ll have great skin all autumn long!

Use a Creamy Moisturizer for Added Hydration

As mentioned, the colder temperatures that fall brings can dry out your delicate skin. And the lightweight moisturizers you likely used during the spring and summer months won’t be enough to fight back against the crisp air. Instead, you’ll want to swap out your usual moisturizer for one that’s thicker, enriched with humectants.

Cream moisturizers can help reduce water loss from the outer layer of your skin, while also providing a much-needed level of hydration. It’s going to help your skin from drying out and becoming flaky during the fall months.

If you don’t want to let go of your favorite moisturizer simply elevate it with a booster and provide your skin with a hydrating or nourishing action according to your specific skincare needs.

Address Damage From Summer

By the time summer comes to a close, many of us are left with skin that might not be looking its best. You may notice sun damage in the form of sun spots or other signs of aging. You’ll want to address these issues head on if you hope to reverse any damage that may have been done.

Incorporate a product that’s designed to help with hyper-pigmentation and dark spots into your fall skincare routine to help your skin and coloring recover.

Don’t Skip the SPF

There are a lot of people who think they only need SPF during summer, which couldn’t be further from the truth! The sun still shines during fall, which means you need to protect your skin from its harmful rays. Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen or using a moisturizer with SPF if you’re planning to head outside. To keep your skin healthy, SPF is always a must, no matter what time of year it is.

Treat Your Hands & Lips Too

Don’t forget that you can’t direct all your attention to your face either. You need to also pay attention to other delicate areas like your lips and hands, which can easily dry out. Use a rich cream to prevent your hands from becoming dry and cracked, which can be quite painful. You’ll also want to grab a more hydrating lip balm to use daily as well.

The most important thing you can do is be proactive about taking care of your skin. If you’re moisturizing your face and body regularly, you stand less of a chance of developing dry, irritated skin during fall. Treat your skin right and you’ll be grateful!

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Let’s get real for just a sec. Most mornings, the snooze button gets priority over a few extra minutes of primping. We all know what it’s like to roll out of bed post-snoozing, only to stare into the mirror in absolute horror. You’ve got to get that mane under control. Lucky for you, we have solutions. Fast solutions. When a little extra sleep helps you get gorgeous (it’s called beauty rest for a reason) and your new warm weather hair routine only takes minutes, it’s a win-win situation. So go ahead, sleep in. With these quick ‘n’ easy spring hairdos, you can be well-rested and totally put together. After all, it’s spring, and you deserve to feel as fresh and beautiful as the season.

1. Undone Bun: Hair that looks only half-done is in, peopleThis undone bun is one way to show off your length yet still keep your locks somewhat under control — all in less than five minutes. (via The Beauty Department)

2. Textured Ponytail: With the help of a few bobby pins and some texturizing spray, this messy pony can be all yours. By criss-crossing your hair, pinning, then finishing up with a tiny hair tie, you can leave the house looking put together even when your hair only took you a few minutes. (via All The Small Things)

3. Pinned Half Up Half Down: The perfect hairstyle for when you’re rushing out for an event, this beautiful half-pinned style screams elegance. Add a bit of baby’s breath into the look, and instantly you look like you actually tried. We especially dig this look when it’s done with ombre hair! (via Twist Me Pretty)

4. Two Strand Boho Braid: After a couple twisting and pinning motions, and you’ll be left with this braided look that is giving us major bohemian vibes. You can also style this look with all your hair, and make it into an updo! (via Our Body Book)

5. Knotted Halfie: For some messy yet romantic vibes, try this easy half-up hairstyle. After giving your hair a quick curl or wave, you can follow the steps in this tutorial and fall in love with the outcome for any occasion this spring. The imperfection of that knotty braid is everything. (via All The Small Things)

6.  Twist and Pin: If you’re not one for messy hairstyles and want to opt for something a bit more polished, look no further. This look will take you less than five minutes (but, hey, no one needs to know that, right?!), and it will have you looking chic and fancy like you actually got it done at the salon. (via Bumble and Bumble)

7. Easy Laid Back Waves: We all love those textured waves that we see when scrolling through our Pinterest feeds, and luckily this tutorial tells us exactly how to achieve them. Ideal for second-day hair, these tousled waves are super easy to recreate. (via I Covet Thee)

8. Waterfall Braid: You could cure your spring hair boredom with a new cut… or embrace your locks and try the waterfall braid instead. Totally chic. (via How to Chic)

9. Two Minute Easy Updo Tutorial: We couldn’t believe that this hairstyle can be achieved in two minutes! Glorious things happen on the day when it only takes two minutes to look this sophisticated. (via Henry Happened)

10. Half Crown Braid: Braid a two-inch strand of hair on both sides of your head (above your ear), then angle around the back of your head and secure with bobby pins. Adorn your braids with sparkly pins, clips or flowers to add a little special something to the look. (via Hair Romance)

11. Scarf Wrapped Low Bun: Put a scarf on it! You’ve got the 60 second messy bun down to a science. Now take that bun from blah to ooh la la with a pretty printed scarf. (via The Shine Project)

12. DIY Hair Bow Bun Tutorial: It’s sassy. It’s sweet. Go ahead — sport a hair bow! This bun can be pulled together in less than five minutes. Looks like you even have time for morning coffee! (via Mr. Kate)

13. The Perfect Braided Headband: This means the end of panic-induced searches though every drawer in your bathroom to find your go-to headband. We’re calling an end to the lost headband nonsense. Why? This tutorial shows you just how beautiful your hair can be when braided into a headband. You’re gonna love it! (via The Shine Project)

14. Tousled Top Knot: Those magical rays of spring sunshine are bringing up temps. While we’re lovin’ the sun, warmer days mean that this chic updo is going on heavy rotation. (via Beauty Tutorials)

15. Quick and Easy Beach Waves and Side Fishtail: You can use your straightener to create beach waves! Who knew? We’re tickled to discover this technique for creating easy breezy beachy hair. (via Barefoot Blonde)

16. Low Chignon Hair: We love the look of this textured chignon. This hairdo performs best with unwashed hair and plenty of pomade product! (via The Small Things Blog)

17. Side Braided Hairstyle: Impress your friends with this uber stylish braid. This Dutch braid is basically an inside-out French braid. (via Hair Romance)

18. The Clothesline Bow: We know, ponytails can be a bit of a snooze… but this one’s anything but ordinary. Rock this grown-up-woman-approved side pony! (via Locks and Locks of Hairstyles)

19. Triple Twisted Ponytail: Ever feel like your hair has a mind of its own? When you’re short on time and the hair’s being stubborn, let it do it’s thing. Tease a little, twist a little and voila! You’re beautiful! (via Twist Me Pretty)

20. TBD Inspired Short Hair Chignon: This ‘do is great for gals with shoulder-length (or shorter) hair. We couldn’t leave out our bob-lovin’ friends! (via Bye Bye Beehive)

21. Messy Beach Wavy Curls: April showers give hair… new powers? Good news if you’re among those whose hair tends to get a bit frightful during humid weather. It’s the year of the undone hair. Mixed textures are in! Go for the tousled look (on purpose) and fret less when rain clouds start to form. Natural hair, don’t care. (via The Wiegands)

22. Put a Bow on it: A simple bow adds instant shebang to long locks. Tease hair at the crown before pulling the front back for added oomph. (via Camille Styles)

23. The Knotted Bun: Pony, twist, tuck and pin. Four simple steps and you’ve pulled off an elegant style with casual flair. Pretty enough for a wedding, relaxed enough for everyday. (via Once Wed)

24. Enchanted Garden Braid: Spring’s most gorgeous beauty trend is wearing flowers in your hair. Because, go away, winter! (via Burnett’s Boards)

25. French Braid Bun Hair: Easy to execute. Stunningly elegant. What more could you want in a hairdo? (via Once Wed)

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Before you start packing for your next getaway, there are a few essentials you need to bring along with you. And we aren’t talking about multiple shoe options, although that’s always nice to have. You need to think about the skincare products you bring along so you can make sure your skin is properly taken care of during your time away from home. To help make packing a little easier, we’re sharing the four skincare products you should always travel with. You better go stash these in your bag right now! 

1. Sunscreen

If your travels are taking you to a gorgeous beach destination, then you absolutely need to pack sunscreen. There are no excuses here. It’s so important that you protect your skin before spending any time in the sun to reduce the risk of getting a sunburn and damaging your skin.

Now, you may be thinking that you don’t need sunscreen if you’re not planning to be outside or if you’re going to a cold climate. This simply isn’t true! The reality is, traveling is often spontaneous and you never know where you’ll end up or what the weather might do. Plus, the sun still shines when the weather is cold. No matter what kind of location you’re traveling to, sunscreen is a must. It’s better to be safe and to have your favourite sunscreen with you than to risk getting sun damage.

2. Your Own Facial Cleanser

Have you ever gone away on a trip and decided not to bring your own facial cleanser with you? Perhaps you thought you’d just use one of the facial cleansers the hotel provides? Well, we’d advise against this.

You see, you never know what kind of facial cleanser a hotel may put out for their guests. These products could contain ingredients that might irritate your skin, thus causing things like rashes or acne flare-ups. It’s best to avoid that by bringing your own facial cleanser that you can trust and keep up your good skincare habits.

3. Moisturizer That Protects Against Pollution

No matter where you travel to, having a good moisturizer is key. It’s essential for keeping your skin hydrated, but you’ll also want one that can protect your skin against pollution. Traveling and being out and about can cause our skin to come into contact with all kinds of pollution and environmental toxins.

One moisturizer that can help protect your skin from the harsh environment is our Vital Defense. It’s a vitamin-enriched day cream that protects your skin from aging, free radical damage, and environmental pollution. Vital Defense keeps your skin looking radiant and leaves it feeling soft and supple.

4. Toner to Balance Dry, Oily, or Combination Skin

Going on a trip doesn’t give you permission to slack off on your skincare routine. Plus, being on the airplane can dehydrate your skin and possibly even cause breakouts. You might also notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels when you’re traveling to somewhere that you’ll experience a climate change. You need to be prepared to deal with this and a toner can help.

A toner will help to balance out your skin, whether you’re dealing with dry, oily, or combination skin. The key is to finding the toner that works best for you and brining it along on your trip. You can then use it morning and night to ensure your skin stays healthy throughout your time away.

The next time you’re packing your bags before traveling, don’t forget to bring these four skincare essentials along with you. They’ll keep your skin looking and feeling its best throughout your entire trip!

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

(C) Jennifer Coffey

If you’re anything like us, when you want to bliss out on wedding hairstyles, you scroll through Pinterest in search of a dreamy braid. You know, ones that whisk a polished hairstyle away to a really, really romantic place without looking too manicured. Calling all brides-to-be, braid-fanatics and girls who need to pull a polished look together in five minutes flat: This is the hairstyle for you. Two braids. Two bobby pins. One dreamy DIY half-up hairdo. We’re not kidding! Scroll below for the step-by-step instructions on how to easily recreate this hairstyle for your big day.

(C) Jennifer Coffey

STEP 1: ADD WAVES + SHINE

(C) Jennifer Coffey

Use a few droplets of a shine serum, or an oil treatment that not only protects your hair from heat, but also allows you to build non-frizzy curl. Add waves to your hair using a 1 1/2-inch barrel curling iron, then run another small droplet of the oil treatment throughout your strands to smooth and lock in your style. Pro Tip: Use a light hand and spread the serum equally throughout your strands after you’ve warmed up the liquid with your fingertips. Remember, less is more here!

STEP 2: CREATE YOUR FIRST BRAID

(C) Jennifer Coffey

Part the front section of your hair to one side. Then, from the un-parted side, take about two inches of hair and create a French braid. Remember to keep your part defined and your braiding crisp and clean — the two key styling aspects of this look.

(C) Jennifer Coffey

Once your braid is complete, hold it in place with a horizontally placed hairpin as shown above.

STEP 3: REPEAT + SMOOTH

(C) Jennifer Coffey

Create another braid on the opposite side, then hold your braid in place with a pin when finished. Next, add smoothness and a modern touch to Old Hollywood waves by brushing your hair from scalp to tips with a soft boar bristle brush. This styling technique will add sheen and luster to your hair as you brush away the frizz, distributing your hair’s natural oils and activating the shine serum you put in earlier.

STEP 4: CONNECT BRAIDS

(C) Jennifer Coffey

Now, connect both braids at the back of your head using your two bobby pins. Camouflage the hairpins by placing them vertically, wavy side down. Weave the braids together so the look mimics one seamless infinity braid.

STEP 5: SPRAY, SMOOTH + SET

(C) Jennifer Coffey

Lastly, set your hair with a smoothing finishing spray to lock in all that shine and glamour!

(C) Jennifer Coffey

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Not only do those purple flowers of the lavender plant look pretty, but they provide some amazing health benefits as well. Lavender oil continues to be a common ingredient in many skincare products, plus it’s very popular in the form of an essential oil. Not only can it change the way you feel mentally, but it’s also great for your skin and can ease some of those pesky tummy troubles. So you’ll know exactly how lavender can help you in your day to day life, we’re sharing the top six health benefits of lavender… 

1. It can help relieve anxiety.

If you struggle with anxiety, you know just how stressful a feeling it can be. But did you know that lavender has been used as an anxiety remedy for years? Well, it has! The next time you’re dealing with a bout of anxiety, try using a little lavender to start feeling yourself again. You can mix some lavender oil with coconut oil or another carrier oil and massage it into the skin. Apply it to pulse points or the bottoms of your feet for relief. There are even lavender capsules available that you can take.

2. Lavender can promote restful sleep.

Sleep

Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night? We know just how rough that can be because you need your eight hours! To promote a restful night’s sleep, try incorporating a little lavender into your evening routine. Studies have shown lavender makes you drowsy, can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and help to put you in a relaxed state. So, it’s no wonder that it’s perfect for bedtime!

There are many fabric sprays made with lavender that are designed to be sprayed on your pillow at night to provide you with that peaceful feeling the plant’s fragrance can provide. Another great option is to use a diffuser to fill your room with the gorgeous scent of lavender as you drift off to dream land.

3. It can promote hair growth.

Hair

Did you know that the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database has rated lavender as potentially being an effective treatment for alopecia areata? Alopecia aerata is a condition in which one experiences hair loss, either from one area of their body or all areas. Studies have shown lavender can actually promote hair growth by up to 44% after seven months of treatment, which is pretty impressive! It just might be worth a try if you’re trying to grow your hair. It can also be a great remedy for fighting dandruff if you find your scalp is a little dry and flaky.

4. Lavender can help reduce bloating.

Bloating is typically the result of bad bacteria in your gut. If you’ve ever dealt with it, you know how uncomfortable it can feel and you’ve likely tried many remedies to get rid of it. But have you ever tried lavender? Lavender contains polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that can reduce any bad bacteria that’s lingering in your gut. Add some culinary lavender to your food to reduce bloat or try taking a lavender capsule to get relief.

5. It’s great for calming itchy skin.

Feeling a little itchy? Skip the itch cream and try lavender instead for a more natural remedy with zero nasty chemicals. Because it’s an anti-inflammatory, lavender can reduce itching, swelling, and redness in the skin. You can use lavender on its own or mix it with coconut oil to massage it into the skin and calm any irritation you may be experiencing.

6. Lavender can fight fungal infections.

Fungal infections may not be the most enjoyable thing to discuss, but it’s good to know how to treat them in case they ever come up. Lavender oil has been proven to be effective when fighting certain fungi, such as nail fungus. This oil will attack fungal cells at the cell membrane, which is what makes it so powerful. It has even been used in the healing of wounds!

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Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

By now, we all know just how important it is to take care of our skin. As the largest organ in our body, our skin needs plenty of water in order to look and feel its best. To fully replenish our skin, we tend to turn to products that promise to both nourish and hydrate.

The reality is though, many of us have believed that hydrating and moisturizing your skin mean the same thing but there’s a difference. To help make it easier for you, we’re breaking it down so you can give your skin the attention it deserves and better understand skincare terminology.

Hydrating vs. Moisturizing

What makes a moisturizer and a hydrator different is what action or actions are being addressed. The first thing you need to know is that hydrators, otherwise known as humectants, put moisture back into your skin. They’re ideal for fighting dehydration, preventing signs of aging, and protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the environment. Moisturizing is about keeping the skin moist and comfortable.  This can mean increasing its water content, increasing its lipid content, or both actions. Moisturizing the skin will also assist in preventing signs of aging and protect against environmental damage. Dryness and/or dehydration can also be addressed.

Our skin is pretty impressive and does a lot of work to maintain itself, but we can help it function more efficiently by choosing the right ingredients in our skincare products. Humectants increase water content by attracting and binding water from the air and delivering it to the layers of your skin. Nourishing ingredients or oils help restore the skin’s natural lipid content and help prevent water loss. Healthy skin needs both water and oil to be balanced and have proper barrier function.

What Does Your Skin Need?

Take a look in the mirror and study the appearance of your skin after cleansing. Notice how it feels and what it looks like. Does your skin look dull overall? Are you noticing dry, flaky patches? All of this is important in determining what your skin needs.

If your skin is dry and has seemingly lost its own natural oils, you’ll likely notice flaky skin. You want to restore them by regularly using a moisturizer designed to replenish lipids in the skin. A balanced formula will also include humectants to hydrate. Look for ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and Inca Inchi oil to nourish and replenish.

Alternatively, if your skin is looking and feeling dehydrated, you’ll need to add water through the use of a humecants. Without a hydrator in your regime, your skin can wind up looking dull and feeling tight, which is never a good thing. Plus, any skin type can be dehydrated and will benefit from hydration. It’s helpful to also include nourishing ingredients to address water loss. To combat dehydration, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and PCA in your moisturizer.

Keeping Your Skin Balanced

While the right skincare products that both hydrate and nourish are essential to keeping our skin looking and feeling healthy, it’s also important to drink plenty of water. Drinking water is a beneficial way to hydrate your skin, as well as your other organs. When you incorporate enough water consumption, plus a healthy diet this can help you achieve the balanced, dewy, skin everyone wants.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

There are so many multi-hue hair buzzwords out there these days: ombre, sombretiger eye and balayage. It’s damn near impossible to keep up! If you’re looking to add some dimension to your hair via a few colourful shades in time for the holidays, you’ll need to be able to describe to your stylist exactly what you’re looking for. Fear not — we’ll show you the difference between ombre, balayage and the others so you can drop some major knowledge. Below, we’re settling once and for all the difference between some of this season’s most confusing hair terms. You’ve totally got this.

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Photo: Thomai Kyris

1. Ombre: Think of traditional ombre as darkest at your roots, getting progressively lighter toward your ends. You and your stylist should choose shades that work well with your natural color to achieve the full effect. Even going just a few shades lighter will give you that multi-tone look you’re after.

Photo: hairshaftlouie

2. Balayage: This fancy French word translates to “sweep.” In the hair world, it’s a technique that will give you more seamless, blended and natural-looking color. Instead of using foils for highlights, your stylist will actually “sweep” paint onto your strands, resulting in a shiny color that will leave you feeling gorgeously sun-kissed. So here’s a refresher — ombre is the style and balayage is the technique.

Photo: celrelaxedhair

3. Reverse Ombre: Reverse ombre is exactly what it sounds like. With the lightest color at your roots, this style is most dramatic when you have naturally lighter hair. Just note this look will involve more maintenance to keep up, but is totally gorg if you’re up for it.

Photo: lj.sharman

4. Sombre: If you like the ombre look but want to keep things more subtle (get it? subtle + ombre = sombre), get to know its softer sister style, sombre. Instead of the striking contrast in color that will require more upkeep (read: more money), sombre hair can grow out a bit without being super noticeable.

Photo: beautybymaryh

5. Tiger Eye: Attention, brunettes! All eyes will be on you when you sport this super trendy look. To achieve it, ask your stylist to paint golden caramel, chocolate and other yummy-sounding tones onto your darker base for a haute hair look that calls to mind the luxe multi-dimensional shades of the natural stone. Here’s to turning heads in 2017.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Whether it’s because you sleep in, go straight from the gym to work, or are long overdue for a new hair dryer, sometimes, you just don’t have time for a post-shower blowout. And even though we don’t recommend opting for wet hairstyles often—it can be damaging to your strands—we don’t want you to look like a hot mess, either. So next time you’re shower-fresh and in a hurry, go for one of these styles to look totally put together—even if you’re not.

THE LOOSE TRIPLE BUN

Not only will this bun look like you spent much longer in front of the mirror than you actually did, but the loose twists will make for a faster air-dry time and give you messy waves.  Get the tutorial at Hair Romance.


FRENCH-BRAIDED BUN

Wet hair can be limp and lifeless, so create the illusion of volume on your damp strands by upgrading your go-to top knot with a French braid. Get the tutorial at She Knows.


THE BRAIDED CROWN

You know the hair around your face is often the first to dry—and first to frizz up—so take care of it with this look. Get the tutorial at Brit + Co.


THE GIBSON KNOT

This might be the one exception where wet hair is easier to work with than dry hair—and you’ll have this ultra-chic tuck to show for it when you try this style. Get the tutorial at The Freckled Fox.


DUTCH BRAIDED TOP KNOT

Bonus: Top this off with a headband, and you’ll be professional in the front, party in the back. Get the tutorial at Twist Me Pretty.


THE SLICK KNOT

Fresh out of the shower and have to book it ASAP? No worries—this bun’s got you. Watch the tutorial here.


LOW MILKMAID BRAIDS

Get that wet hair off your neck and out of the way—and by the time these braids dry, you’ll go from slippery to messy-chic. Get the tutorial at …Love Maegan.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Keep Acne at Bay

Breakouts can be stubborn and finding out exactly what’s causing them can take time. This tends to lead to more stress, and we all know what happens when we’re stressed out. More breakouts! From healthy lifestyle changes to using the right skincare products, here are seven ways to keep acne at bay that you can start doing now…

1. Get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep

There are about a million distractions keeping us from going to sleep when we should. Whether it’s bad distractions (like work or cleaning up the house) or the “good” ones (like your favorite TV show or social media), you have to find a way to stop and unplug when it’s time to go to bed.

Aim for 8 hours a night to let your body recharge and relax. To prepare for sleep, put your phone down, shut off the TV and eliminate all distractions. Turn the thermostat down to 70 degrees or lower (cooler temperatures make it easier to fall asleep) and tuck yourself in.

2. Cut down your sugar intake.

Sugar

I’m not the first one to tell you sugar is not good for you, and I won’t be the last. But really, it’s not good for you!

Especially if you’re breaking out because anything you eat that spikes insulin (like sweets, bread or pasta) is going to make you more prone to breakouts. When you have too much insulin in your bloodstream, your skin will pump out more oil and the result is usually clogged pores and breakouts.

When you’re craving something sweet, grab a piece of fruit. To cut down on simple carbohydrates, try swapping riced cauliflower for rice and using a spiralizer to make veggie noodles instead of eating pasta.

3. Sweat it out!

Exercise

Exercising regularly not only reduces stress but it can also improve skin by increasing blood circulation. This brings oxygen to skin cells and eliminates waste. If going to the gym isn’t your thing, find a fun activity that gets your heart pumping. Maybe a dance class or long walks outdoors. Whatever you’re able to make a part of your weekly routine.

4. Keep skin clean (after working out and always!)

Wash Face

While exercising is great, it’s also important to make sure you are washing your face right after. Leaving sweat and dirt on your skin can lead to breakouts just the same. If you go to a gym, pack your products with you. Make it a habit to jump in the shower as soon as you finish a workout.

Your skincare lineup should include a gentle but clarifying cleanser to remove makeup, oil and grime; toner to purify and prep skin for products, and a calming treatment like Crème 15.

Crème 15 can be applied under moisturizer to any areas of the skin where you experience breakouts. The cream soothes irritation while also eliminating acne-causing bacteria with burdock root and sage extracts. Oil production and breakouts are reduced and skin is left purified, softened and balanced.

5. Indulge in a weekly mask or acne treatment

Face Mask

Doing a bi-weekly mask or acne treatment is a great way to keep skin balanced and oil under control. Masque 103 is a good mask for oily skin, and you can also use Crème 15 dually as an intensive acne treatment.

To use Crème 15 as an acne treatment, apply a thick layer of the product to clean skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. After the time has passed, simply massage any remaining product into the skin. You can do this treatment up to two times per week for an added purifying and soothing effect.

6. Drink more water!

Water

There was never an easier way to keep acne at bay than by drinking more water. Not only does drinking water hydrate you from the inside out, it helps flush out toxins that could be leading to breakouts. To make it easier, squeeze in some lemon for added flavor or infuse your water overnight with sliced fruit.

7. Wear sunscreen every day.

Wear SPF

Breakouts shouldn’t be an excuse to skip sunscreen. In fact, it should be more of a reason to wear it every day!

Sun exposure can dry out skin leading to more oil production, and the inflammation from a sunburn can actually make acne worse. Not to mention that scars and hyperpigmentation become darker when exposed to sunlight. Don’t make your acne worse. Make sunscreen a staple in your daytime skincare routine.

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

Washing Your Hair

How infrequently you wash your hair has become somewhat of a badge of honour. Going three days sans shampoo used to be an accomplishment to be proud of. Now, women are boasting about washing their hair every five days or even once a week. If all of this sounds like madness to you, allow us to show you how it’s done.

Keep reading to find out how to go multiple days without washing your hair! 

636 Somerset Street West 613 695 7709 /pygmalionspa

Wed 11 - 8| Thu 11 - 8| Fri 10 - 7| Sat 9 - 5| Closed Sun - Tues

According to Science

Our thoughts toward the magical brown elixir known as coffee usually veer along the lines of “godsend” and “life necessity.” When it comes to coffee and our skin, however, things get a little murkier. Some say that coffee can exacerbate acne and dryness, while others say it doesn’t affect your skin at all. Our editor went coffee free for three weeks to see if her skin would change… and was left with inconclusive results (though she did see a marked improvement in dry patches). Thus, in honor of National Coffee Day (as if we needed another reason to reach for our good ol’ cup o’ joe), we did what we always do in times like these: turn to science. Ahead, you’ll find out the truth about coffee and your skin, based on some pretty eye-opening scientific studies.

Keep scrolling to get schooled!

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