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Beauty Tips NATURAL SKIN CAREThere are 5 basic skin types: Normal, dry, oily, combination and aging. Different types require different products and a person's skin type can change over time. Natural skin care programs use products free from preservatives and perfumes. Brenda Burnett, Mountain Trek's licensed Esthetician, prefers to use products as simple and fresh as possible. Comparing a Natural skin care program to a Conventional one is to understand the 3 basic aspects of skin care: Cleansing/Nourishing/Toning. Cleansing is just that…removal of surface "gunk" (including dead skin cells). The end result will leave the pores of the skin open. Nourishing, or feeding the skin (moisturizing) is accomplished using products that often contain oils and substances rich in antioxidants, protein etc. Toning serves to close the pores. A Natural regime is based on the 3 steps done in the order outlined above. A Conventional skin care program instead is based on cleansing, then toning and finishing with nourishing (moisturizing).
A facial at Mountain Trek lasts one
delicious hour. Brenda sets the mood with a relaxing atmosphere and
soothing music quietly playing in the background. She begins with
cleansing, followed by a hot towel treatment and then gentle exfoliation.
The skin's pores are now open, at which time she nourishes it (and the
guest's sense of well being!) for 20 minutes while giving a face and neck
massage, using oils chosen for the guest's skin type. She then applies a
nourishing Mask, again chosen according to skin type. She finishes by
toning the skin, using essential oil floral waters, commonly either
Lavender or Rose. Both are good for all skin types, with Rose being best
for normal to dry skin, and Lavender best for oily skin due to its
astringent, antiseptic effects. HOW TO CARRY ON with some NATURAL RECIPES Once radiant from a facial, guests often wonder how to maintain their skin when back at home. Brenda's advice is to choose simple, natural products based on skin type. Always treat your skin gently, don't scrub, pull or tug (especially the skin around the eyes). She offers the following recipe for a nourishing Mask, and highlights the importance of setting aside quiet time. Create a relaxing atmosphere (candles, music, pleasant aromas) and prepare to soak in the tub, allowing the ingredients in the Mask to do their magic for approximately 20 minutes.
1 tbsp. powdered oats (whirl in a
blender) Mix all together into a paste using a
wooden stir stick (metal utensils are not recommended) DEEP CLEANSING/NOURISHING MASK 1 tbsp. white OR green clay Allow the clay to "sit" in the
mixture for approximately 30 minutes, then use a wooden stir stick to mix
everything together into a smooth paste. Apply to clean face and allow to
sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off and apply toner if desired. TIPS FOR SKIN CARE DURING SEASONAL CHANGES Always use sunscreen. Winter snow and ice can intensify UV rays. Keep lips protected as well. Eliminate soap and water cleansing. Conventional soaps strip the skin of vital nutrients and oils. Use a natural base oil or lotion. Cold air outside and indoor heat can wreak havoc on your skin. Combat this by increasing the moisture factor, applying moisturizers while the skin is still damp. This helps to seal the moisture in. Drinking plenty of fresh water naturally plumps up the cells of the skin. It also serves to hydrate and flush body systems. Take shorter and fewer baths and showers, using lukewarm water. This aids in maintaining your skin's natural acid mantle, which is your body's best defense against moisture loss. Keep active, finding physical activities
year round that work best for you. Systems become sluggish with
inactivity, and the end result is a dull complexion. HOW TO SPORT A "MOUNTAIN TREK GLOW" 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR As Brenda has witnessed and our guests have noted, within 1 week of taking part in a program at Mountain Trek skin becomes radiant. These improved complexions have nothing to do with lotions, and have everything to do with a lifestyle that all can "practice" at home. We provide, and strongly believe in: 1) Proper hydration: The basic rule is to start with 6-8 glasses of water per day (approx. 2 quarts or litres) The amount is then increased according to the level of physical activity, temperature etc. Thirst is not reliable, better to use the color of your urine as an indicator. Aim for very pale to colorless…apple juice colored or darker signals dehydration. Our guides are fanatical about counselling guests as to water consumption, volume to carry on a hike etc. 2) Quality diet: Although not strictly
Vegetarian in its offerings (limited fish and chicken are served), the
bulk of the days' menus feature healthy servings of fruits, vegetables,
grains, 4) Minimizing stress: We all have stress in our lives, and therefore need to find ways to keep it in check. Coming to Mountain Trek is a boon for the overstretched, as nagging worries and demanding schedules are put aside for a while. An active day leads to a deep and satisfying sleep, massages untangle knotted muscles and soothe an overactive mind. Companionable chats buoy spirits, good food nourishes, yoga helps to feel a connection to one's body in a pleasant way, and a facial at the end of a stay sends guests home with their "best faces forward". Any and all of these stress busters can be incorporated into a hectic and demanding life.
Mountain Trek Fitness
Retreat & Health Spa, |
