Why Use a Facial Toner?

A few clients have been asking: “Why is toner important for my skin?”

First off, what’s most important is your own skin’s reaction to the toner.

Absolutely do not use any toner that irritates your skin. Any irritation disrupts your skin’s natural healing process and reduces healthy collagen production.

The purpose of toner is to rebalance and restore skin’s pH balance after cleansing. Your skin needs a range of ingredients like antioxidants, glycerin, fatty acids and ceramides to restore and repair its surface (skin can never get too much of these important ingredients!) The right toner can do wonders for your skin, giving it what it needs for a healthy, radiant glow.

Skipping toner can cheat your skin of the beneficial ingredients it needs to become healthier and smoother. Using toner within a particular skin care line is always a good idea because the products are formulated to work together (cleanser, toner, and moisturizer).

>>In the news: Tune in to the Hallmark Channel to watch the debut of Marie Osmond‘s new talk show October 16th, 2012 at noon. Shizuka new york Day Spa will be featured in the “Extreme Beauty” segment!

At Home Pumpkin Enzyme Facial

It’s that time of year when we see pumpkins popping up everywhere—as festive décor, in desserts, even as seasonal ale! Why not apply pumpkins’ sweet hearty goodness to your skin too?

Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel utilizes pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. This peel also includes antiseptic herbs such as cinnamon bark, oregano and rosemary extract that help clean and soften skin. It smells so good, you’ll want to eat it (PLEASE DON’T)!

We use this peel in some of our Shizuka NY facials and also offer it as an add-on treatment.

Use this peel on normal to oily skin and give yourself a mini-facial at home 2-3 times a week. Here’s how:

1. Apply 1 tsp of Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel to clean skin and hold face near a stream of hot water (can be done in the shower) to allow steam to activate the enzymes. Massage with fingertips and leave on for 3-5 minutes, rinse and towel dry.
2. Rebalance skin with Shizuka NY’s Skin Freshener to help close pores and remove excess oil.
3. Finish by applying Shizuka NY’s Oil Free Moisturizer to hydrate and restore normal barrier function without clogging pores.

Green Tea Eye De-Puffer

You may remember our blog post earlier this year about the many health benefits of green tea, but did you know green tea can also help soothe puffy eyes– fast?

After steeping two bags of green tea, let them cool (or stick them in the refrigerator), then place over eyes for 5 minutes. The Vitamin C, antioxidants and tannin from the green tea will help reduce swelling and tighten skin around the eyes.

Miso Soup for Healthy Skin

Miso soup, a traditional food staple in Japanese cuisine made from fermented soybeans, while delicious and wholesome, is also great for the skin.

Some benefits include:

- Strengthens immune system
- Prevents aging: high in antioxidants and protects from free radicals
- Provides protein, vitamins B12, B2, E, K.  Miso is also a good source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and helps facilitate the body’s absorption of calcium and magnesium
- Promotes supple skin: miso contains linoleic acid which helps your skin stay soft and pigment free

Even today, in some parts of China and Japan drinking miso soup every day is associated with a long, healthy life.

This soup is so versatile you can add your favorite veggies for added flavor and nutrition.

Summertime Lavender Skincare

During these hot summer days, we invite you to cool down and relax with some soothing lavender for your skin. Shop around our store for some fragrant summertime skincare treats:

Aloe Cleansing Gel – A foaming sulfate-free cleanser with a refreshing blend of Aloe Vera and Lavender that gently clarifies the skin while maintaining natural moisture.

Lavender Honey Balancing Mist – A refreshing blend of balancing Lavender and moisture rich Honey helps tone and hydrate the skin while restoring equilibrium to the mind. This can be used as a toner after cleansing the face or throughout the day as a skin refresher.

Lavender Protective Moisturizer w/ SPF 17 – This nourishing emollient cream combines micronized Zinc Oxide to help protect the skin from UV damage with antioxidant Turmeric Root to help reduce redness. Apply a liberal amount to skin 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. The SPF 17 blocks over 95% of sun’s damaging rays. (Note: this product is not water-proof).

Lavender oil, known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, can be found in our Shizuka New York Skincare line as well:

Shizuka NY Moisturizer – This moisturizer is a non-greasy and absorbs immediately to hydrate, condition and rejuvenate, and works to clarify and brighten the complexion.

Shizuka NY Foaming Cleanser -This Foaming Cleanser is used in most facial treatments in our NYC day spa and contains a slew of other nourishing ingredients leaving the skin renewed, softer and more supple.