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Dry Skin Prevention Tips
As winter begins, our skin starts to become dry and itchy, and many start to get sore throats and common colds. Check out these tips to prevent and avoid these annoying winter symptoms!
The best percentage of humidity for people is 40%~60%. It’s so important to keep your body hydrated and skin moisturized all year round. Placing a humidifier in your home during the dry winter months can help prevent your skin from becoming overly dry and itchy.
Where to place the humidifier?
Because a humidifier reaches all over the room, it really doesn’t matter where you place it. However, it’s better to keep it away from walls and windows. If it’s too close, mold or mildew may develop from the condensation. What’s important is which heater and which humidifier you actually use.
When you use a humidifier it’s best to place it at least 1 yard away from you so it hydrates you well. Only one humidifier is needed in each room and be sure to close the door. When you’re away from home, turn off the machine and leave the door or window open to let the humidity go.
Which humidifier do you recommend?
-Shizuka loves the Air-O-Swiss Humidifier.
What are other ways to prevent dryness?
It is important to take care of your skin but it’s also important to take preventative measures before your skin gets too dry.
1) Avoid hot water and harsh soaps- Hot water and harsh soaps strip moisture away from your skin. Use a natural wash cloth rather than a synthetic one.
2) Take a bath by soaking the body in warm water. This will soothe nerves and enhance the cell metabolism and increase blood circulation which leads to beautiful skin. Also, it opens up and drains pores. The ideal water temperature should range between 96F to 105F. If the water is too hot it may overburden your body. Bath agents or bath oils are recommended to moisturize your skin and further relax you as well.
3) After taking a bath or shower, pat your body with dry towel quickly and apply moisturizer. It penetrates into the skin when skin is still wet and soft. However, if you leave the skin too long without applying anything, skin gets drier due to water evaporation.
These products are great for combating dry skin:
- Shizuka NY Hyaluronic Acid Gel (Hydrating Serum)
- Shizuka NY New Barrier Repair (Moisturizing Cream)
- Shizuka NY Hyaluronic Acid Mask (Hydrating Mask)
Dhani Jones On Extreme Spa Adventures
Stop Water from Running Down Your Arms!
Ever get annoyed when water runs down your arms when washing your face, doing the dishes or cleaning the shower? Well never fear, we’ve got the perfect product here at SHIZUKA NY!
- The unique stretch material of the cuffs allows you to slip onto your wrists without tearing.
- Requires snug fit, push cuffs up your arm to tighten if needed.
- If cuffs get heavily soiled rinse with warm soapy water, squeeze out excess water and allow to dry.
ON THE CUFF®’s sponge bracelets catches and stores the water as it begins to run down your arm, leaving your arms (and counter top) dry, dry, dry!
It comes with a FREE custom made “T” stand to keep your cuffs clean and dry. The 4 pair pack is ideal for keeping cuffs at the bathroom sink, kitchen sink and even an extra pair for when you travel!
To use: Simply place cuffs around each wrist, then wash your face, dishes, etc. as usual.
After use: Place cuffs on “T” stand to keep clean and dry.
The Art of The Bath
We reviewed in a previous blog post about effective ways to take baths. As a follow up, we’re introducing some customized bath treatments to fit your skin’s needs. Check out these creative and soothing soaks:
Milk Bath: Cleopatra was famous for her beautiful skin. Her beauty secret was that she soaked in baths of fresh milk. The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, a natural material that dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together. Milk cleanses the skin down to its deepest layers. Soak for a good 20 minutes. Gently rub your skin with a washcloth to slough off the dead skin. Rinse your body thoroughly after soaking.
Sake bath: Sake cures dry skin issues by deeply moisturizing and reducing fatigue. Japanese Sake contains koji acids that can brighten the skin complexion and prevent skin from aging. Fill your bathtub with hot water; add two or three cups of sake, then stir.
Rice Bran bath: Rice bran, which is rich in oil, makes an effective exfoliant and contains phytic acid, a B-complex vitamin that can help improve blood circulation and stimulate cell turnover when used topically. Renowned for its skin smoothing and lightening properties, rice bran powder can be purchased at any natural foods stores. Put 1 cup of rice bran into a cotton bag and place it into hot water. Gently rub on the face for lightening blemishes, freckles and brown patches, and for elbows, knees, feet, and hard skin areas – for extra-smooth skin. Rice bran is used in our Geisha facial at Shizuka NY!!
In addition to the above, you can put your favorite essential oil or herbs wrapped with gauze into the bathwater. Also, at Japanese grocery stores, you could buy a variety of bath agents like those shown below.
From the top: Placenta bath agent, Onsen ( hot springs) bath agent and Sake bath agent.
Left : Chamomile powder with Japanese bath agents.
Here are a few of the many other unique bath methods performed around the world: In Ireland, seaweed baths treat rheumatism and arthritis. In Korea, “Dr. Fish” baths (where fish nibble off dead skin) are considered a folk remedy for skin conditions such as psoriasis. Also, salt baths (when correct amount of salt is used) can promote the healing of psoriasis and eczema, as well as help relieve muscle strain, rheumatism and arthritic pain.
DIY Face Transforming Lashes!
On a recent episode of The View (3/9/12) Lori Klein, Barbara Walter’s personal make-up artist, highlighted eyelash tips that will “transform your whole face” even without make-up.
In addition to eyelash extensions, Ms. Klein featured products you can apply yourself for fuller thicker lashes (we offer both at our spa!):
– Latisse: “The first FDA approved prescription treatment that grows your eyelashes”. You will need to first obtain a prescription from your doctor then purchase this product from your local pharmacy. Request an appointment with one of our doctors for a Latisse consultation.*
* For a limited time only when you come in to SHIZUKA NY for your Latisse prescription, you will receive a coupon good for $40 off the retail cost of $72 or more. Good until May 31st, 2012 only!
– Revitalash Advanced: An over the counter product that promotes eyelash growth (no prescription necessary!). Purchase it for $150 at SHIZUKA NY!
Learn more about Latisse here >>
How to get Celebrity (flawless) Skin
“I insist on exfoliation, even if you have dry skin,” says Susan Evans, M.D., a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist, “You have to remove old layers first before products can really penetrate.”
Check out Shizuka Bernstein’s appearance on Good Morning America with Dr. Evans >>
Shop online for Naturopathica’s Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub >>
Product Highlight: Naturopathica’s Rose Geranium Soothing Mist
From IN TOUCH Magazine:
“While Naturopathica’s East Hampton boutique spa pampers the likes of Liv Tyler, Julianne Moore and Meg Ryan, anyone can indulge in their holistic products.”
We use Naturopathica’s Rose Geranium soothing mist in most of our facials here at SHIZUKA NY. This mist helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while it moisturizes, soothes, and enhances skin radiance. The uplifting scent will leave your senses feeling balanced, refreshed and wanting more!
Featured ingredients are: Rose Geranium Flower Water, Geranium Flower Oil, Galactoarabinan (for fine lines and wrinkles).
Order now from our online store >>
Celebrity Red-Carpet Manicures
Adele’s Louboutin-inspired Mani
Adele’s super glamorous Louboutin-inspired manicure at the Grammy’s this month has certainly caught our eye! This lux look only works on longer nails, so take a month or so to grow out your nails, then visit our nail spa for this sing-your-heart-out celebrity treatment!
We also think Zooey Deschanel’s Tuxedo Nails from the Golden Globes are super adorable (and also do-able in our nail spa!)
How Prioritizing Self Care Can Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
Why Prioritizing Self Care Matters
So you’ve made a fabulous list of resolutions this year- GREAT! but some may be asking, “How do I actually make it happen?” The USC School of Social Work explains that most don’t follow through with their plans after three months (see infographic below), especially if self care isn’t a priority.
Mari Miyoshi, an occupational therapist and director of the Brain Gym Learning Center NYC, shares how prioritizing self-care can propel you to accomplish more things faster:
Ensure you participate in activities weekly that bring you ease, and help you relax. By making this a priority, your brain’s electro-chemical activity enhances, allowing you to release stress, rest better and have more energy left over to take on new challenges.
Prioritizing self-care means ensuring you are taking necessary steps to limit the amount of stress (whether it’s emotional, mental, physical, etc.) you feel on a daily basis. As you take conscious steps towards fulfilling your resolutions, the fear of change will quickly turn into the exhilaration you feel after you’ve tried something new.
Related Blog Post:
Shizuka’s BeautyZen Corner: 5 Japanese-Inspired ways to Relax & Rejuvenate
How do you plan to keep your resolutions this year? We’d love to hear from you!
Learn more by visiting the original infographic on the [email protected] blog
Fat Burning Power of Green Tea
The secret of green tea’s health benefits lies in the fact that it’s rich in catechin polyphenols, a powerful anti-oxidant that’s known to (and these are just a few):
1) Inhibit cancer cell growth
2) lower total cholesterol level
3) Slow down the aging process
4) have bacteria-destroying properties that can help prevent food poisoning, dental plaque and promotes odor elimination.
5) be rich in Vitamin C
Green tea also contains caffeine, which gives you a boost and helps burn fat. However, excessive caffeine consumption can cause insomnia or headaches. At Shizuka NY, we serve either green tea or houji tea (roasted green tea) per our clients’ request. Houji tea contains significantly less caffeine, so we recommend choosing this tea for a reduced caffeine option.
Also, we’ve been asked what gives our green tea its rich green color? Well, our tea is a special mixture of finely chopped green tea leaves and matcha. Matcha is powdered tea often used for tea ceremony in Japan (it looks like finely ground coffee beans). Matcha immediately gives the tea an extraordinary bright green color.
On your next visit, please enjoy our tasty teas with rice crackers at Shizuka!
Maintaining Healthy Hair and Scalp
Sometimes we forget that the skin on our scalp needs our love and attention just as much as the skin on our face and bodies — in fact, a healthy scalp means healthy hair!
A scalp massage with nutrient rich scalp serum will nourish your scalp evenly and fully. It may even prove a great way to wind down and relax.
At SHIZUKA NY we incorporate head and scalp massages into most of our facials including: Signature Micro Facial, Classic Facial, Geisha Facial®, Lifting Facial, Lightening Facial, Microcurrent Facial, Ionizing Facial, and Omedeta Maternity Facial.
Request a facial appointment with head and scalp massage here >>
Check out the WebMD Slide show about hair health here >>
Want Beautiful Skin this Winter? No Sweat!
We all know that a good workout is healthy for our bodies, but did you know a good sweat is just as good for the health of your skin? When you sweat, your pores open up allowing the sweat to carry impurities like bacteria, dead skin cells and toxins from environmental pollution up and out of your pores. One way to give your skin an intense “sweat cleanse” is through hot yoga. Classes are usually 90 minutes long and take place in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, so your pores get a good cleansing (while you simultaneously work on increasing flexibility and muscular strength, of course).
If you want to sweat without the physical activity, check out far infrared saunas. Unlike traditional steam saunas, infrared saunas use the same rays that come from the sun, with the UV rays filtered out. The infrared light heats you up from the inside out, leading you to sweat out impurities while you relax and decompress. We offer 1 hour private infrared sauna sessions that include a steam shower at your perusal. Plan on recurring appointments? Purchase 10 sessions up front, and get the 11th on us!
Check out more information about our Far Infrared Sauna here >>
Request a Sauna appointment here >>
Make them go “Ooh la la” this New Year!
Kardashian Khaos Grand Opening – December 15, 2011
Ever wondered what you’d look like with Kim Kardashian lashes?
Our Full Set with frequent touch ups won’t give you that exact “falsy” lash look but we can get you pretty darn close!
Shizuka NY Eyelash Extensions Before and After w/ Full Set
See our current Spa Deals here >>
Check our Eyelash Extension page for maintenance guidelines and FAQs >>
Melt Away the Cold with Paraffin Wax
Skin conditioning during the cold winter months can be an ongoing task, so we like to encourage our clients to try different treatments to find out which works best.
A Paraffin Wax treatment for your hands and feet is an inexpensive, speedy, yet luxurious way to warm and hydrate your skin while relaxing stiff muscles and joints. The wax contains paraffin oil making it softer than, for example, wax used for hair removal. Because it’s softer, the wax melts at lower temperatures, so it won’t burn or blister your skin. Add a Paraffin Wax treatment to your favorite manicure or pedicure or get it on its own for a quick and soothing treatment for your hard-working extremities!
Here’s what our Paraffin Wax treatment entails:
- First our estheticians lightly massage your hands or feet using SpaRitual Organic Moisturizing lotion, with Geranium essential oil.
- Then you will submerge your hands or feet into melted paraffin wax until your skin is generously coated (for feet, the process is slightly different to ensure that hands and feet aren’t dipped into the same wax).
- Your hands or feet are then covered with plastic and then slid into terry cloth mitts to keep the wax warm.
- After about 5 minutes, the process is complete and the wax is removed all at once.
Your skin will feel deeply moisturized and softened without being oily or greasy.
Paraffin Wax treatment by itself:
Glam It Up with Stunning Nail Art
Looking for a fun new way to look dazzling at holiday parties? Check out these festive LED Gel Manicure designs created by the talented manicurists at SHIZUKA NY! Combine any of these nail art designs with our current 20% off LED Gel Manicure specials and get absolutely stunning nails for LESS until December 31st, 2011!
Call (212) 644-7400 or inquire online about pricing and appointment availability.
Request an appointment NOW! >>
Check out our current Holiday Spa Deals >>
Aromatherapy Tuesday anyone?
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday and all the days from now til the new year, there’s bound to be some hullabaloo in store for all. We figure there’s always ying and yang right? To temper your holiday excitement, try relaxing your nerves with some aromatherapy. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy says, “Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.” Some holistic health specialists claim that aromatherapy can help transform anxiety or even depression.
At Shizuka NY we offer an aromatherapy treatment called AromaScape Massage, with three themed options to choose from: Center, Glow and Inspire. Our massage therapists create a wholly calming and intricately crafted experience, combined with massage, to take you away on a journey through your senses. You can also create your own aromatherapy experience wherever you are. Use your favorite essential oils in a diffuser, in the bath, or even throughout the day as perfume.
Here’s a quick list of some more popular scents and their uses (from Oprah.com’s Dr.Oz):
Lemon
Uplifting and relaxing, it can be used as a purification agent in skin cleansing, taken internally to soothe indigestion or as a home deodorizer.
Clary Sage
For pain and insomnia relief, and it can be helpful for balancing hormones. Should be used topically on the skin.
Roman Chamomile
Relaxing, soothing to muscle aches. People often drink chamomile tea for the same reason, but you can drop this essential oil in a cup of hot water or apply it topically to your skin.
Rosemary
Stimulating and uplifting. Taken internally, it helps to promote good digestion and immune health.
Myrrh
Used as an antiseptic, this is my family’s secret weapon against canker sores. Simply swill a mouthful of water plus a drop or two of myrrh in your mouth for 30 seconds twice daily and watch them disappear!
Read more of Dr. Oz’s article on Aromatherapy here >>
Find out more about aromatherapy including safety tips from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy here >>
Check out our other aromatic products, like our Maddison Avenue soy candles or Alora Ambiance 8 oz. Reed Diffusers (diffusers not sold online) here >>
Preventing Acne, is there an App for that?
What’s one thing we carry around all day, use it indoors and out and it touches our hands and faces? Our phones! A recent post on Allure.com’s Daily Beauty Reporter mentions that disinfecting our cell phones can easily be a preventative measure for reducing acne. The article quotes New York City dermatologist Patricia Wexler: “Phones are a breeding ground for bacteria we touch them repeatedly with dirty hands and often hold them to our faces for long periods of time,” she says. “That could certainly cause breakouts.”
Makes sense to us! Simply, give a quick wipe of hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to the outsides of your phone a few times a week to keep any acne-causing bacteria at bay.
Check out a few more day-to-day acne prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic:
- Avoid heavy foundation makeup. Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they’re less irritating.
- Remove makeup before going to bed. Going to sleep with cosmetics on your skin can clog tiny openings of the hair follicles (pores).
- Clean make-up brushes regularly. Be sure to throw out old makeup and clean your cosmetic brushes and applicators regularly with soapy water. *Shizuka stresses the importance of this because brushes can transfer bacteria back and forth from powder to skin.
- Shower after exercising or doing strenuous work. Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria.
Read more acne-prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic here>>
What’s helped you prevent acne? We’d love to hear from you!
Sensitive Skin Moisturizers
Recently, clients have been asking us: “Which moisturizer should I use for my sensitive skin?”
Caring for sensitive skin can be tricky especially if you’re prone to inflammation, dryness, irritation, or itchiness. Everyone’s skin condition is different so we came up with a list of our best selling Shizuka NY brand moisturizers that will sooth and hydrate even the pickiest of sensitive skin:
Anti-Redness Gel– Anti-Redness Gel is preservative and fragrance free and helps to minimize the appearance of redness and small capillaries. Anti-Redness Gel also contains Green Tea and Vitamins C and E to nourish the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Gel– Hyaluronic Acid Gel enhances skin moisture while stimulating collagen formation, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hyalauronic Acid Mask– Our Hyaluronic Acid Mask is a water-based gel mask that soothes dry, sensitive skin without clogging pores. Hyalauronic Acid is naturally present in the skin, contributing to its elasticity.
New Barrier Repair Concentrated Cream– Use New Barrier Repair Concentrated Cream for dry, irritated or itchy skin. It includes hyaluronic acid to provide deep moisture, Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract for its anti-inflammatory properties, and the antioxidant Green Tea.
Shizuka new york Moisturizer– Shizuka New York Skincare’s Moisturizer is a water-based moisturizer that absorbs immediately into the skin to deeply hydrates and refreshes. This silky smooth formula of Japanese botanicals & Mt. Fuji water is suitable for all skin types.
Vitamin C Power Gel–Vitamin C Power Gel is a silicone based Vitamin C-infused gel which together with Green Tea extract reduces dryness and skin irritation.
Still can’t decide? Visit us for a spa facial and your esthetician will recommend the best product for your skin>>
Visit our Online Store here>>
Skin Care, Ins and Outs
Check out the latest mention of our Halloween Week Special – Geisha facial here! There’s still time to take advantage of our exclusive Halloween Week spa deals. So hurry, offers end October 31st, 2011!
While the idea of a daily facial seems unlikely, especially for those constantly on the go, there are a couple things you can do daily to keep your skin happy and healthy this season.
As the weather gets cooler and the air dryer, it’s important to remain mindful of the foods we eat. It’s difficult to determine the exact correlation certain foods have on skin conditions, but for most, a slight change in the way we eat can bring a drastic improvement to our skin. Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center in New York City, says, “Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look”.
To ensure you’re getting enough essential vitamins to nourish your skin from the inside out, we’ve compiled a list of seasonal winter foods to look out for the next time you go grocery shopping. For ultimate skin protection, we’ve paired them with our vitamin-infused topical serums and potions for a customized mini-facial everyday!
Reduce wrinkles, curb inflammation, improve skin tone, increase collagen levels: Eat foods rich in Vitamin C like sweet potatoes, red peppers, pineapple, oranges, and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is best known to strengthen your immune system but can also protect your skin’s cells and tissues from premature aging. Apply our Vitamin C Power Gel for a Vitamin C boost and Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisturizer.
Soft, smooth, radiant skin: Eat foods rich in Vitamin E like fortified cereals, almonds, turnip greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, and avocado. Vitamin E helps fight off toxins in your body and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Build up anti-aging defense mechanisms in your skin, even skin tone, reduce skin irritation and itchiness: Eat foods rich with Beta Carotene like carrots, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli and spinach. Beta Carotene promotes cell growth and increases immunity. Apply Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel to naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, and for mature skin apply Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel which is infused with both Beta Carotene and Vitamin C.
Reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles and skin discoloration: Eat foods rich in Vitamin K like olive oil, scallions, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus, broccoli, and pears. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health but also helps heal skin discolorations and scarring. Apply Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum to under eye circles and our Anti-Redness Gel (also infused with Vitamins C and E) to reduce the appearance of redness and small capillaries.
Smoother, naturally hydrated skin: Eat foods with Hyaluronic Acid like fish and poultry. Hyalauronic Acid helps to hydrate and tightly bond skin cells together. Apply our Hyaluronic Acid Gel for deep skin hydration and Glycolic Purifying Peel for both exfoliation and hydration, for normal to oily skin.
Healthy glowing skin: Eat foods rich in complex B vitamins like whole grains, poultry, fish, and eggs. B vitamins helps build healthy cells and can help even out skin tone.
Check out our current Spa Deals here>>
Can’t make it to the spa? Check out our online store>>
Halloween Week Spa Specials
Hey Shizuka NY Insiders!
With Halloween right around the corner, you’ll scream at these Halloween Week Specials, good October 24th – 31st, 2011. Appointments are going fast, so reserve your spa TREATment now by requesting an appointment online, or calling (212) 644-7400.
Geisha Facial®, $90 (Reg $180) Save 50%!
Halloween beauty never looked so good! Save a whopping 50% on this exclusive facial, seen on TV broadcasts and magazines internationally for harnessing the unique Japanese geisha tradition of cleansing the skin with nightingale droppings. This 50 min. facial also includes cleansing and light pore extraction using products from the all-natural Shizuka New York Skin Care System, a camellia oil facial massage and a green tea Collagen Mask.
Gel Nail Manicure – solid color, $38 (Reg $50)
Show off your Halloween spirit with our solid color Presto LED gel nails. Better yet, bring in a sample of your costume and let us create a custom color just for you. Mix things up a bit with festive stamps, hand drawing and glitter for an additional $10 and up.
50 min. Shiatsu or Swedish Massage , $80 (Reg $105)
Almost as sweet as a bagful of candy, our Shiatsu and Swedish massages will leave you feeling rejuvenated minus the empty calories! Treat your body and spirit to a 50 min. massage by one of our highly skilled massage therapists.
Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel , 1.7 Fl oz/50mL – $56
If you don’t feel like carving pumpkins this year but still want to indulge your festive side, try Naturopathica’s best selling Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel. By utilizing pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities, this refining peel is formulated to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. For an additional $30, sample it by asking your esthetician to add it to your favorite facial (already included in some). Or, simply take some home for yourself and let your skin glow like a jack-o-lantern all year round!
Spa deals are available October 24th – 31st, 2011. Schedule your appointment now by using our online request form or call (212) 644-7400.
