THIS SUNDAY Nov. 2nd

BUZZ WORD #1

We constantly hear industry buzz words thrown around but how many people actually fully understand the benefits and or downsides to many of these words? This week we are going to feature a different "it" word each day.  First up....

PEPTIDES
What Are They:
A type of amino acid, peptides, which are naturally found in the skin, encourage the production of collagen and elastin to maintain healthy skin cells and give a plumper, more elastic look because they can dictate to skin cells how to repair themselves and function properly. Think of peptides as collagen-stimulators and skin problem-solvers without the need for injury or inflammation.

How They Work:
Since the aging process causes a natural decline of peptides in the skin, synthetic versions found in serums and creams help strengthen collagen and elastin levels. The smaller the chain of peptides in a product, the more impact there is on collagen production because collagen is made of proteins that are bonded together with peptides. Using peptides on the skin makes the skin think it is experiencing a breakdown of collagen internally and therefore prompts the body to make more collagen. Peptides also work well with glycerin, which together helps bring moisture to the outer most layer  of skin and lock it in.

Information courtesy of New Beauty.

Five Ways Baking Soda Can Boost Your Beauty*

We love trying the next big product as much as anyone (possibly even a little more), but we’re also huge fans of a good old-fashioned at-home beauty remedy. While there are many kitchen goods out there that can be put to good use in your beauty regimen—like vodka for shiny hair—one product that should definitely be on your grocery list is baking soda. Here are five reasons why:

1. For your hair:
Rinsing your hair with a couple teaspoons of baking soda mixed in with cup of water works as a great clarifying rinse. This is especially useful since removing dead skin cells and product buildup from your scalp can actually help your hair grow.

2. For your skin:
Some people use baking soda as a way to give their cleanser an extra boost and exfoliate. Simply mix half of a teaspoon with your favorite cleanser to turn it into an exfoliator to slough off dead skin and dirt.

3. For your feet:
We all know that foot odor can be annoying and downright embarrassing. So rather than investing in expensive odor busters, you can simply sprinkle a bit of baking powder in your smelly shoes and it will absorb the odor overnight.

4. For your teeth:
While it may not have a minty fresh taste, baking soda is also a great way to remove those stubborn tooth stains. Just brush your teeth with a little baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide to scrub the stained teeth. Just be careful not to go overboard with the brushing so you don’t cause any damage.

5. For your nails:
We love our dark nail polish colors, but we don’t love the stains they leave behind. It turns out that you can get rid of this common nail problem by scrubbing them with some baking soda mixed with water and an old toothbrush.

*Article courtsey of NewBeauty.com and Anna K. Fryxell, Social Media Associate

Club Cash Bonus time

Spring Club Cash Offer

From now until June 9 you can earn a Club Cash Bonus of 10% to 20%! This Club Cash Bonus Offer is the perfect opportunity for you to explore our vast array of Club offerings.  Club Cash Bonus Club Cash must be purchased in increments of $250. Bonus Club Cash NEW Total 10% $250 - $1000 $275 - $1100 12.5% $1250 - $2500 $1406.25 - $2812.50 15% $2750 - $4000 $3162.50 - $4600 17.5% $4250 - $5500 $4993.75 - $6462.50 20% $5750+ $6900+ Take advantage of this limited-time offer today. To purchase Club Cash please contact one of our membership coaches by phone (617.923.2255) or email: Mike Thornton, mthornton@mountauburnclub.com, ext. 406 Dory Berman, dberman@mountauburnclub.com, ext. 362 Lauren Prokator, lprokator@moutnauburnclub.com, ext 309 Sarah Sinclair, ssinclair@mountauburnclub.com , ext. 305

  

Additional Club Cash Information:

• Club Cash can be used toward any club services including tennis lessons, personal training sessions, Pilates sessions, spa services and in our café.
• Club Cash never expires and any unused portion of the actual dollar amount purchased will promptly be refunded if you leave the club. 
• Club Cash may be purchased through Mike Thornton, mthornton@mountauburnclub.com, Lauren Prokator, lprokator@mountauburnclub.com, Sarah Sinclair, ssinclair@mountauburnclub.com, or Dory Berman, dberman@mountauburnclub.com. 
• You can check your current Club Cash balance at any time through the Web Self Booker.
• Purchased Club Cash is transferable and may be used to purchase items for other members and guests. 
• Bonus dollars have no cash value and bonus dollars are the last to be spent. 
• Club Cash cannot be used toward Membership dues, Gift Certificates, or any already discounted items. 
• Club Cash may not be combined with any other offers or promotions.

The Vampire Facial

Why Are Celebrities Injecting Their Faces With Blood?

The science of the "vampire facial"

Article By Francie Diep via popsci.com

Kim Kardashian shows off the effects of a "vampire facial" or "blood facial." 

 

Kim Kardashian has gotten one. So, apparently, have other ladies in Miami.
A "blood facial" or "vampire facial" is a cosmetic procedure during which a doctor draws a couple vials of blood from your arm, centrifuges the blood to separate out the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells, and then adds the platelet-rich plasma back into your face. For extra absorption, the doctor pokes your face all over with a bunch of micro-needles before applying the plasma. 
Read the full article here.

Meet the Pun-Loving Mani Queen Who Names OPI's Nail Polishes

So you're at your standing manicure appointment trying to decide between "You Don't Know Jacquesi" and "Lincoln Park After Dark," and you find yourself wondering: Who is the creative mind who comes up with these fantastically punny nail polish color names?

Mystery solved: It's Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, the co-founder and artistic director of OPI, who was kind enough to let us pick her brain.

Cosmo: So, how does the nail polish naming process work?

Suzi: I create all of the shades first. Soon after, six of us sit in a boardroom to come up with the clever names. Usually you can find us eating something unhealthy; it really gets our ideas flowing! If you notice, some of our polish names even take a play on food. "Suzi is Hungary Again" is one of the most popular. The idea for this name was me around 3pm asking around the office if any one has a good snack. Many of the names come from our life experiences—good and bad—and our travels.

Cosmo: Do you ever take suggestions?

Suzi: We don’t take suggestions outside the boardroom, but sometimes we invite someone on staff to sit in as a guest listener. I've found over the years that our guests have some of the best ideas!

Cosmo: What is your favorite polish name ever?

Suzi: I love polishes with names that tell a story. In 2006, we had the OPI Mexican collection color, and My Chihuahua Bites!—a bright orange polish that earned its name because the weekend before, I was bit by a chihuahua. Ouch! Not the best story, but a great name and polish certainly came out of it.

Cosmo: How do you decide on your colors?

Suzi: I always look to the fashion trends from Paris and Milan so I can see what fabrics and color schemes the top designers are using for the upcoming season. Then I try to envision what would look best in nail polish. Our themes run alongside what is current in pop culture. With the release of the new Disney movie Oz: The Great and Powerful, we created an OPI line with names from the movie alongside colors that best fit the characters. Two times a year we do our seasonal collection. I find the most inspiration for colors in countries I have visited.

Cosmo: You've done polish lines with Mariah Carey and Katy Perry—are there any celebs you're dying to work with in the future?

Suzi: I am so lucky because when it comes to celebrities; they love the brand. I don’t have to do much to approach them. The new celebrity OPI line is someone I have been wanting to work with forever, I can’t tell you who, but I know you will love them!  

Article by Danielle Adone at cosmopolitan.com

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images 

Skin Tip

 

Want to make your lips more kissable today?

Mix Daily Microfoliant, PreCleanse, and a bit of water, and polish away for smoother skin! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shelf Life

Did you know that even if your skincare products
don't have a specific expiration date, they still have
a shelf life? You'll notice this little icon on most of
your packaging. It indicates how many months
that product is good once opened. Just in case
you don't see the open jar icon here is a good
rule of thumb:

• Face cream 1-2 years
• Organic or Plant Based 6 months - 1 year higher chance of contamination due to non-traditional preserving methods.
• Face Wash 1-2 years
• Eye Cream 1 year because this is near your eyes, there is a higher risk of contamination.

Thanks to www.themakeupgirl.net for the guidelines.

Detoxing is Essential to Healthier Living

 

 Article by Nancy Zare 

Any discussion about detoxing begins with the understanding that our planet and bodies are loaded with toxins. Research has shown that, even in utero, humans test positive for a host of substances that don’t belong in the body. Since World War II, industrial nations have introduced more than 70,000 chemicals into the environment. Here’s a list of the usual ways in which most people currently expose themselves to toxins:

• Consuming highly processed foods and beverages
• Eating cooked foods, especially items microwaved in plastic containers
• Living/working in urban areas that are full of air pollution
• Drinking fluoridated and/or chlorinated water
• Using non-organic household cleaning agents 
• Using non-organic hair and skin care products
• Having mercury amalgam tooth fillings 

 

 

A person who is laden with toxins lacks energy, feels sluggish, is prone to illness, has poor digestion and elimination and may even be depressed. Any healthy living plan should begin with detoxing to both decrease exposure to toxins and remove the toxins that are already there. Consider these recommendations to begin with:

• Strive to eat organic foods with minimal processing and consume lots of raw produce
• Eat fruits high in antioxidants, such as pomegranates and blueberries
• Because of the widespread use of hormones in animals raised for food, avoid animal products when possible
• Take high quality, whole food supplements to make up for nutrient deficiencies in today’s food
• Drink plenty of pure water. The rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces, which is the amount lost through urination, respiration, and perspiration. Ionized water is preferred over tap, bottled, well and filtered waters because it’s brimming with antioxidants and is highly alkaline. Drinking ionized water also supports the kidneys and bowels. 
• Use an air purifier
• Expel old air from your lungs with deep breathing exercises
• Oxygenate your cells by exercising; a mini trampoline is a fun way to do this
• Use a loofa to remove dead tissue from your skin, which is an organ of elimination; saunas, ionic foot baths and detoxifying foot pads are also helpful
• Have regular bowel movements, since many toxins reside in any matter that’s retained in the bowel

 

Nancy Zare, Ph.D., is an international health and wellness consultant and an independent representative of Kangen Water Ionizers.This article appears in the January 2013 issue of MIDS

Oprah.com on fascia

 

You're Achy, You're Sore, and You Have No Idea Why

It feels like muscle pain, but unlike a tight hamstring that makes you yelp when you stand up, your ache isn't triggered by a particular movement, and you can feel it in different places at various times. The culprit could be your fascia, says Mary Ann Wilmarth, DPT, chief of physical therapy at Harvard University Health Services. This sheet of tissue, made up of densely packed protein fibers, weaves throughout the entire body, and it binds and supports your muscles, bones and even your organs. While bodywork specialists have been passionate about fascia for decades, Wilmarth says it took new research on how fascia and muscles work together (some of it presented at the first international fascia research conference at Harvard in 2007) to get different health pros—from orthopedists to MDs and pain experts to personal trainers—to catch on.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/How-to-Keep-Your-Fascia-Healthy-Fascial-Therapy-Foam-Rollers/1#ixzz2ENixwc9N

Glycolic FAQ's

Q: What is a Glycolic Treatment and how does it work?
A:  It is a highly concentrated exfoliation treatment that accelerates the removal of the dry surface layer of photo-damaged skin. It will help diminish the visible signs of aging as well as firm, tone and re-new the skin.

Q: Is a Glycolic Treatment appropriate for me?
A: Glycolic is great if you are looking for a deeper exfoliation, fading of acne scars, or reduction of sun damage. It is not recommended if you have been on accutane medication in the last year. You should also avoid glycolic peels if you have kidney health issues. If you have any skin health problems, such as open sores or active herpes (cold sore) infection, treatment should be postponed until the skin has healed.


Q: What does the treatment feel like?
A:  After examining and cleansing your skin, your Licensed Esthetician will gently apply the glycolic acid to the face. The acid is left on for a short set period of time. During this stage of the treatment, you may experience some slight discomfort and light burning. It is important to communicate with spa staff if the sensation becomes too much. The glycolic acid is then neutralized with a gel. This will create a cooling/soothing sensation. You will finish the treatment with the application of a nourishing mask and moisturizer.

Q: What are the after effects?
A: Right after your treatment the skin may be red and slightly irritated. The tender skin should be protected with an oil free sunscreen. Oil free makeup can be worn as well. If you do experience redness it should fade in a day or two. Some people experience slight flaking as the dried skin cells shed.


Q: What percentage Glycolic do you use in your treatments?
A: We use either a 20% or 30% professional glycolic acid in our treatments. Your esthitician will examine your skin and discuss which percent would be most appropriate for you. Often people will begin with 20% and work their way up to the 30%.


Q: What are the benefits of a Glycolic Treatment?
A: At the completion of a treatment series, the skin will be firmer, pores will appear smaller, and you will have more evenly colored skin tone.

Q: How often should I have it done?
A: Most estheticians recommend a series of treatments for maximum effect. Since everyone's skin is different it's best to discuss this with your esthetician. Typically Glycolic Treatments are best in series of 3 to 6 sessions ranging from every two weeks to once a month.

Traffic Alert

 This weekend is the Head of the Charles Regatta. 

You may need to seek alternate roots!

-Memorial Drive will be closed from the Cambridge Boat Club to Western Ave. 8AM-7PM all weekend.

-Traffic on Nonantum Rd. will also be impacted during the race.

 You can see a map here. 

Preventing Pain

Tips on avoiding pain in a technology filled world!

When using an iPad or Tablet:

• Get a tablet case that props up your device at a comfortable viewing angle
  
• Take a break every 15 minutes
  
• Shift—your hands, your weight, stand up or sit down
  

When using a laptop or desktop computer. Same tips as above for a tablet, plus:

• Use an external keyboard
  
• Keep shoulders relaxed and elbows close to your body
  
• Keep hands, wrists, forearms and thighs parallel to the floor
  
  Read the full article from Harvard Health Publications.
  

FourSquare

The Spa is now on FourSquare!

Don't forget to check in for a chance to win some Spa goodies!

Check us out here!

Age Appropriate Skincare

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Wedding Skin Timeline

Click below to view full size.

What is Shirodara?

Check out our latest video.

Did you know?

Decleor initiative in Madagascar

Our commitment to the environment is also to sustain your beauty.
The beauty resources that DECLÉOR offers you are taken from nature, from the heart of the plant kingdom their vital systems that produce essential energies. Yet, these resources are fragile, notably in Madagascar.

Fully dedicated to the energy of your beauty, DECLÉOR takes action to preserve the environment and, more particularly, will help respect the biodiversity which is threatened on this island. Since 2008, we have initiated an eco-responsible and sustainable management project that has the double aim of helping preserve the Madagascar ecosystem and improving the living conditions of local populations.

For more info click here.

Kinesio Tape & The Olympics

It's time again...The Summer Olympics are about to begin! Last time around we saw a fair number of athletes donning Kinesio Tape. Now that Kinesio Tape has become more widely recognized in both the athletic world and the mainstream I'm sure we'll see even more athletes taped up for the 2012 Olympics. Here are a few glimpses from 2008.


US Volleyball - Kerri Walsh
 







Columbia Track & Field - Paulo Villar

 

Spain Tennis - Rafael Nadal

Montenegro Water Polo - Nikola Janovic

Whether you are an Olympic athlete or an average Joe gym goer, Kinesio Tape can help with everything from knee injuries to carpal tunnel syndrome. Not sure if Kinesio is right for you? We book free 15 min. consults with or Acupuncturist & resident Kinesio Taper, Lei Ann R. She's here Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Call us at 617-924-9495 to book.

For a list of FAQ's see the official Kinesio Tape website here.

 

Ingredients explained

 

Sometimes as therapists we tend to throw around ingredient names but often forget that our clients may not know what we're referring to. With that said here are some simple explanations courtesy of Decleor.com of some lesser known product ingredients:

BRIGHT WHITE (COMPLEX) Origin: Europe & Asia

Obtained from Scutellaria baicalensis, Saxifraga sarmentosa, Vitis vinifera, Morus bombycis
Properties: brightens the complexion, reduces the coloring of pigment spots

KUDZU (EXTRACT) Origin:  Asia

Extract of Pueraria lobata roots
Properties: calms, relieves, soothes sensitive skins by blocking the inflammation mechanism

 

NEROLI (ESSENTIAL OIL) Origin: Tunisia

Essential oil obtained by distilling Citrus Aurantium Amara flower buds 

Properties: revitalises, softens the skin


  

 

SAIKO (EXCLUSIVE PATCH) Origin: Japan

Extract of Bupleurum falcatum root

Properties: firming and filling.

 

YLANG YLANG (ESSENTIAL OIL)  Origin: Comoros

Essential oil obtained by distilling Canaga odorata flowers
Properties: revitalizes, purifies and restores balance to the skin