Our first spa to be featured is  Little Organic Day Spa located in Picton Ontario.   This spa has been a client of ours for close to 1 year and has been selected for this feature due to the unique services & concepts they provide and for their experience in creating a successful healing spa

Interview:

Owners of little Organic Day Spa: Ria & Rod have been interviewed for this profile.

1. Can you share some key features of what makes your spa and services so unique?

“We offer raw, organic, Canadian, Thalassotherapy treatments featuring a very relaxed, friendly and informative environment. We like to ensure that everyone understands the treatments by providing as much information as possible to help them further their knowledge and create that relationship to Canada’s indigenous qualities.”

2. What inspires you to continue on this path?

“The feedback and quick response we get in each therapy. how so many Canadians truly can benefit from therapies like these.”

3. What treatments do you offer with Beauty Through Balance and specific reason you chose this line?

We use the entire Signature Series for all of our body, foot and hand therapies because of the healing benefits and aromatherapy it offers and because of the concentration of organic seaweeds. And its Canadian.

 4. Do you have any feedback or comments from yourselves or your clients you would like to share on these products?

“We find the products amazing to use in our treatments and very easy to retail. They are so low maintenance and always consistent. Don’t stain. Smell amazing. Go far. Cost effective. Effective in treatment. Great packaging”

5. What is your #1 selling retail product from Beauty Through Balance?:

“By far, the Pacific Seaweed Soak. We order it by the CASE load (24-30) per month and sometimes sell 6 at a time! Our clients love it and it is the most concentrated seaweed soak out on the global market – easily. “

 6. Can you share any advice or tips on what makes for a successful spa?

“Invest in your clients and they will invest in you. We follow our passions and are booked 4-6 weeks in advance for our treatments. Our #1 selling therapies are Body Wraps – which is known to be the least popular with most Canadian spas. We make them affordable so our clients can afford to take home their therapy with the retail products. It is far more rewarding for us to have our clients overcome severe pain and reduce inflammation because they were able to come regularly so they could experience the benefits. Now they are clients for life and send us more referrals. We cannot keep up!”

 7. feel free to share a skin care or health tip

“ADDITIONAL TIPS: If you are going to offer healthy treatments, try to walk the walk. Be aware of ingredients. Give samples after every facial or body therapy and they always buy something of this line. Keep the retail stocked up – bare shelves scare sales!”

 Contact Information:   littleorganicdayspa.com Email: info@littleorganicdayspa.com Location: 4 Ena Street Picton, Ontario k0K 2T0 Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 8pm By Appointment Only   

 We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ria and Rod from Little Organic Day Spa for sharing their feedback and wonderful tips!  We hope our readers of this blog have found this information beneficial and informative

Please feel free to share your comments on this blog post

Thank you.

Skin care formulas often contain a range of extracts which can originate from plants, flowers, roots, steams, barks, fruits, etc.  If the correct processing method is used, a pure extract can capture the true essence of that plant providing a concentrated substance to be used in a cosmetic formula or even as a herbal medicinal tincture.

In order for a skin care product to be the most effective and bring results, it must contain active ingredients that are in a form which are synergistic to the skin’s chemistry. For example, it may be beneficial to rub pineapple on your skin however it would be even more effective to extract the active component of the pineapple (bromelain) and use that in a cosmetic formula as it can directly interact with the skin bringing faster and better results vs the whole fruit.

Extracts can only be beneficial if the correct processing method is used so that the raw ingredient source does not get denatured in anyway. Gentle and advanced methods using natural solvents such as vegetable glycerine ensure that the end result is a concentrated extract that maintains the true integrity of the original plant source. One other key aspect to creating a result oriented extract is the sourcing. It is critical that the herbs, plants etc. used are of the finest quality and not grow in an environment where any harsh pesticides or chemicals are used.

One of the issues and biggest challenges in the industry is the lack of specific methods that can verify and validate through quality control these types of extracts. Due to this the market is often full of so called “extracts” that have been incorrectly processed and have little if any nutritional value. Therefore it is important for the manufacturer to have specific methods and analytical procedures to authenticate the validity of the extracts created and used in their formulas.

An extract is usually in a liquid form or powder form and is concentrated so only a small amount is needed in a formula for maximum benefits and results. Often when purchasing or creating a pure extract or tincture there will be ratio associated with it to show the concentration of the herb or plant vs the base or solvent. For example a ratio of 4:1 means that the mixture used to produce the extract was 4 part plant and 1 part liquid. Common ratios are often 1:1 or 2:1. However some companies completely dilute their extracts.

Some examples of pure powerful concentrated natural extracts used in our Beauty Through Balance formulas include; green tea, grapeseed, rosemary, aloe vera, organic acai berry, and many others.

We welcome your comments and questions!   www.beautythroughbalance.ca

Processing methods used by some of these cosmetic companies are often inferior and involve wastage of much of the plant creating seaweed in a form which has been depleted of its nutritional value.

 Beauty Through Balance Spa Products incorporate one of the fastest growing kelp plants(Intergrifolia Pacific Kelp – Organic)  – indigenous to the Pacific West Coast and harvested in the most pristine areas North of Vancouver Island where there are no shipping lanes and reflects the purity found in the waters over 200 years ago

In order to capture the full value of the seaweed we use Cold processing which is highly advanced method and differs from cold pressing. It creates a seaweed extract that is over 98% concentrated..packed with vital nutrients, live enzymes, vitamins and more to feed the skin and body. Seaweed used in many other skin care products on the market tend to be 50% or less in concentration and have lost much of its value from incorrect processing methods.

The finished seaweed used in our products is in a thick liquid form over 98% concentrated pure whole seaweed and does not have a harsh or overly pungent seaweed smell however you will enjoy all the benefits of the seaweed in the skin care product due to its potency and purity.

Key Features on our eco-friendly harvesting:

• Hand harvested using experienced divers that follow very strict guidelines in properly and
  safely pruning.
• Harvesting only twice a year to avoid harvesting in the spring to protect herring and also  between June to August during salmon runs.
• Harvesters remove the tip or first 9 feet of the seaweed which grows back in just 3 to 5 days. The fast growing nature of this specific kelp plant means no disruption of the eco-system and marine life that rely on the plant for nutrients
• Our harvesters work directly with the cooperation of the government and with maintaining aboriginal interests.

Sustainable Processing methods

• Cold Processing is an  advanced yet very gentle method which unlike other processing methods
  maintains all of the seaweeds nutritional value without the use of any  high temperature or pressure. The method of cold processing, using every bit of the seaweed leaving no wastage whereas other processing method  such as cold pressing, dehydrated etc involves wastage of certain key active parts of the seaweed which in turn leaves a finished end product that contains a lower nutritional value.
• Cold Processing used in our seaweed is highly nutritious maintaining the extensive mineral range in this seaweed plant.
• Our process team power washes all incoming kelp with fresh water to remove surface salt and residues. Then, without any heat being applied, we start the cold processing
• Please note that we do not waste any of the kelp tip we have harvested…..every part of the tip is processed!
• In order for seaweed to actually benefit the skin topically it needs to be processed in form that will maintain its nutritional value and ensure purity.  Many skin care products that use seaweed are inferior due to processing methods that involve wastage of key parts of the seaweed plant and poor harvesting practices

All The Benefits of Seaweed without the Pungent Seaweed Smell!

Our Seaweed does not have this strong pungent smell as the stalks are processed 8 to 12 hours after picking before they begin to decompose. They are then washed with purified water and the cold processes is used to capture the seaweed in its freshest ,
live state. In addition we incorporate pure therapeutic grade essential oils into the formulas to create an amazing scent! Using Seaweed in skin care formulas that have been processed and harvested using the right methods will ensure that the seaweed is maintained in its live state. in this way there is no further decomposition to the seaweed and therefore no pungent off putting smell!

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The benefits of using fresh and properly extracted seaweed in skin care formulas can be highly beneficial in helping to target issues such as; inflammation, dry/dehydrated skin, fluid retention, signs of age, replenishment of lost nutrients and much more!

Click here to read more about the fresh 100% Organic Pacific Seaweed used in development of Beauty Through Balance spa products.  http://www.beautythroughbalance.ca/natural-spa-products/ingredients-profile/signature-intergrifolia.htm

Written By Sherina Jamal. Product Developer and Founder of Ancient Secrets Inc.

Tip 1:  Our #1 tip for home care and for spas, is to use a natural based exfoliant before the spray tan.  The exfoliation product is used to slough of the layer of dry/dead skin cells, stimulate blood flow, introduce specific minerals and nutrients into the skin and will help to create a balanced skin tone/texture which is ideal to achieve a more even tan all over.  Use of a natural gentle exfoliation helps to prepare the skin for a more evenly balanced tan.

 Select an exfoliant where the grains used are gentle and not aggravating and one that incorporates key ingredients such as natural plant oils, essential oils, nutrient rich raw super foods such as seaweed, and anti-oxidants.  The exfoliant is used before the spray tan and can also be used at home in between tanning sessions.

 Tip 2: Well hydrated and moisturized skin is a key tip to helping achieve and maintain a natural looking tan. Utilizing a natural based body cream, or gel moisturizer containing rich butters, anti-oxidants, and nutrient rich ingredients such as seaweed and vitamins at home  will help keep skin well nourished in between tanning sessions.

 Tip 3:    Address signs of age to help showcase your best tan.  In addition to a quality body and facial cream, the skin requires a more advanced treatment 2 to 3 times a week at a spa or at home to provide a deeper level of hydration while helping to address signs of age on the skin.  Advanced serums for face and body, or spot treatment hydration masks containing ingredients such as Vitamin C, Green Tea, Hyaluronic Acid, Seaweed, Mineral Clays, and pure Essential Oils,  help to treat dehydration, signs of age and visible signs of cellulite from the inside and out!

 Whether you are a spa professional or consumer, incorporating the above tips will help to achieve your best possible tan gently and naturally.

 Marketing Tip for Spas: If you are a spa owner, create a complete tanning care program to offer your clients. Provide this program as a discounted package that includes x number of tans, x number of body exfoliations plus the home care maintenance system that would include the right take home product your clients can use in between tanning sessions.  In addition,  you can include an in spa full body wrap once per month to help further address signs of age and signs of cellulite in between tanning sessions so your clients can look and feel their best this summer season and all year around!

Written by Sherina Jamal

For more information about natural skin care options,  go to the Ask Sherina  page of this blog to send your questions.http://sherinajamal.wordpress.com/about/contact/    Or post your comment below.

With the increase in more organic and natural skin care products in the market, it is vital that the products you purchase have been manufactured according to proper GMP and Quality assurance standards. 

GMP refers to Good Manufacturing Practices which is a critical part in the manufacturing process of natural and organic skin care.  GMP standards relate to specific systems put into place to ensure the product’s quality and safety.  For a product to be considered Quality Assured, the manufacturing process needs to maintain a certain standard of quality at all levels. Quality assurance of cosmetic product  manufacturing should include set procedures that support product stability and safety, proper documentation records, specific tests along with set standards for validation.

Under GMP and Quality Assurance standards for skin care manufacturing, the facility must also use proper equipment for production, mixing, filling etc that is clean and well maintained.  In addition, specific regulatory tests should be conducted on specific raw natural ingredients and finished product regularly to ensure the product complies to safety and performance standards.

 These tests can include:

Microbial Testing -  Testing of the raw ingredients and finished formula provides data to show if the product or ingredient falls under safe and allowable levels of these microbes. The manufacturer is required to maintain these documents on file and conduct regular microbial testing on their products. Contamination of the ingredients and product can also occur from exposure in an environment that is not clean and also from improper handling as well as storage.

Preservative Challenge Testing -  When a skin care product has a shelf life claim the company needs to verify this shelf life through preservative challenge testing. This testing should span the length of time that relates to the shelf life claim and helps to verify that the preservative complex used will keep growth of microbial’s to an acceptable and allowable level over the course of the claimed shelf life.

Other tests are also conducted on cosmetic product to test performance, levels of skin irritations, pH, allowable temperature levels the product can be exposed to and others.  The product manufacturer and supplier must keep on hand for each batch, proper documentation including Certification of Analysis, MSDS sheet and documents that indicate batch lot number with date of manufacturer.

Is organic better when it comes to skin care?  A controversial subject that continues to be debated and with growing use of marketing gimmicks used by companies to sell their products it has become more challenging for consumers to know what truly makes a good quality natural product.

As words such as  “ all natural”, “all organic”, “preservative free” and “eco-friendly” are often used to describe personal care products, it is important to do your due diligence to determine if the company can back up their claims.

What makes for a quality natural product is not always based on whether the ingredients are organic or not but more so what harvesting methods and processing methods were used in the production of these formulas.  If a company starts with an organic ingredient but then uses processing methods which are too harsh or not sophisticated enough, the benefits and integrity of that raw ingredient will be diminished. It’s most important to ensure that the raw ingredients used in the formula have been harvested and processed in a way that has maintained the ingredients nutritional value and has rid the ingredient of any harsh residues and contaminants.

Here are some tips and guidelines you can use when trying to find a quality natural product:

1. Make sure the product has been made in a licensed and certified lab facility that specialized in the production of natural personal care formulas.
2. If a company claims that their products are organic try to inquire as to what percentage of the ingredients used in the formula are actually organic
3. Remember the more natural and organic a product is the more likely it is to grow bacteria, molds and yeasts so it is important the products do contain a preservative system and have been tested for stability.
4. It is more important that a product is safe and stable and has used proper quality processing methods in the raw ingredients used vs if a product is organic or not. try to research or inquire about some of the processing methods used in the development of the product before you buy
5. What actually makes a formula beneficial is the synergy and state of the raw ingredients used. In order for a raw ingredient to be effective for skin care the ingredients need to be in a form that is synergistic to the skin’s chemistry. To turn a raw ingredient into this form the right processing methods need to be used along with quality manufacturing that will maintain the integrity of the raw ingredient while transforming it into a proper extract or form that will interact with the skin in a positive way providing the benefits the company has claimed.
6. Avoid products that contain ingredients that can cause skin irritations such as synthetic detergents, artificial colors, fragrances, petroleum, and propylene glycol

Both organic and non-organic products can provide a range of benefits to the skin but whatever product you do choose do make sure it  has been created  based on  science and proper manufacturing,  processing and harvesting procedures and not based on marketing gimmicks.

Here the different butters and their remarkable healing benefits are explained:

Shea Butter:  A fatty, rich oil extracted from the nut of the African Shea trees coming primarily from West and Central Africa.  The use of shea butter by aboriginal people of these African  regions to revitalize dry skin and heal wounds or skin conditions dates back hundreds of years.  Its primary benefit in cosmetic formulas is to target signs of age and promote skin revitalization.  Raw, unrefined shea butter is the purest source as it retains the most nutrients and vitamins.

Cocoa Butter: The most widely used butter in the cosmetic industry, cocoa butter is created from the  cacao bean and has a mild chocolate scent.  Its powerful anti-oxidant properties have shown to help soothe and heal dry/irritated skin and improve the look of stretch marks

Mango Butter: Originating from India, this butter is extracted from the seeds of the mango.  It was traditionally  used as a natural emollient, for wound healing and skin regeneration for mature skintypes. It also has shown to promote healing of sun burns, and soothes muscle fatigue. Rich in anti-oxidants it can help to repair skin exposed to harsh environmental factors.

Olive Butter: Created from the Mediterranean and cold pressed from the fruit of the olive, this butter is  rich  in fatty acids.  It helps to deeply moisturize, heal and nourish the skin while reducing the effects from the environment.

Capuacu Butter: Harvested from the Amazon Rainforest, this butter is renowned for its high water absorption factor and acting as a humectant.  It aids in skin recovery, improvement in skin’s moisture levels and improvement in the skin’s elasticity.  It is rich in phytosterols which help to regulate the lipid barrier of the skin.

Shopping Tip:  When looking for products for body care that contain these rich butters avoid formulas that use
harsh cosmetic chemicals such as propylene glycol, artificial colors, artificial fragrances and petroleum based ingredients.   In addition, avoid formulas that including mineral oil as this can be drying to the skin.

Thalassotherapy: An Ancient Healing Experience

The Science and Power of Scent

Purify the Skin with Steam

Guidelines for Selecting Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Maintain Beautiful Skin While Traveling

How Safe is Your Skin Care?

Super Food for the Skin

Be Your Own Expert: The Complicated World of Skin Care Ingredients