Anti-ageing: The 5 Benefits Of A Facial Massage

DMK Skin Care December 11, 2020

We all know that our skin becomes thinner and less elastic as we get older. At a certain age, wrinkles and fine lines seem unavoidable, so what can you do to delay their appearance as much as possible?

Here are five ways facial massages can help you rewind the clock.

Increase Circulation 

Poor circulation is often the cause of tension, swelling, tightness and pain in the body. A facial massage increases blood circulation to enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the face. It also helps lymphatic drainage and decreases water retention.

Working upwards from the neck and décolletage (don’t forget about them!), work slowly up to your forehead with gentle upward movements. Be sure to concentrate on the eye area with gentle circular motions to assist fluid drainage and prevent puffiness.

A Natural Face Lift

Collagen is key to skin elasticity and is what keeps our skin looking plump and glowing. It is our bodies’ natural anti-ageing method. Facial massages help increase oxygen flow to stimulate collagen production and give the face a more lifted look.

Relieve Tension 

Whether we’re conscious of it or not, most of us hold a lot of tension in our face, neck and shoulders as a response to emotional or physical stress. The more tense the face is, the more likely wrinkles and fine lines are going to form. Regular facial massages can help you relax and release unwanted tension.

Make Your Moisturizers Work

Do you ever feel like you’re piling on products but they never entirely soak in? A 10-step skincare routine is of no use if none of the products go into your skin. A facial massage encourages product absorption to maximize its benefits, so spend some time to apply your serums and moisturizers; you’ll feel more relaxed too!

Release Toxins

Regular facial treatments that incorporate facial muscle stimulation through massage can improve the overall appearance of your skin. Toxin build-up from environmental pollution, chronic stress, and beauty products contributes to fine lines and breakouts. Facial massages can stimulate the lymphatic system and help flush out waste and toxins from your skin to keep it healthy inside and out.

No matter your skin concerns and needs, our team of trained professionals at European Beauty Toronto has got you covered. Call us now to book a facial massage and reap the benefits today!

Are Facials Good For You? The Positives And Negatives Of This Popular Skin Care Treatment

facials Toronto December 8, 2020

Almost everyone into beauty has heard of facials. Facials can include treatments like lotioning, steaming or exfoliating. Any skincare enthusiast will recommend a facial for any skin problem you might be having. But is it worth the money to keep getting these facials? And are they actually effective? Most will say that they have done wonders for their skin, but the science doesn’t always agree. Here are some of the positives and negatives associated with facials.

Facials work great at bringing some rejuvenation to your facial skin. Facials work to cleanse and hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling fresh. Most facials usually include exfoliation, and this removes dead skin cells that build up on your skin’s surface. This allows new skin cells to grow and take their place. The moisturizers that your dermatologist or esthetician applies are usually rich in nutrients, which also promotes healthy skin. If your skin is a bit worse for wear from those dry winter months or harsh heat, then a moisturizing facial might be what your skin needs.

Facials are also awesome for removing your blemishes or pimples. So, not only is your skin thoroughly cleansed, but if you get your skin steamed during your facial, this can open up your pores. After your face is steamed, your esthetician will probably exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells and other debris that clogs them. This is the cause of how blemishes and pimples form. This process will help clear your skin up, so it can get back to looking its best. There are special facials out there for you if you are looking to clear up your acne or other blemishes.

But besides the major moisturizing that a facial can bring to your skin, there is little science to support that they have other benefits. There is no scientific proof that facials help with anti-aging or anti-inflammatory benefits. While experts can confirm that facials help you with moisturizing and cleansing, they most likely don’t help in other ways, especially when it comes to microdermabrasion or microneedling.

Some facials can have dangerous consequences, depending on the type of facial. For example, there is something called a vampire facial. During this type of facial, your skin is micro needled and requires blood to be drawn. For these types of facials, it is important that the spa follows all sanitation guidelines to keep things hygienic and prevent the spread of disease.

When you are getting a facial that involves needles pay attention and make sure the syringes or needles are being opened in front of you and are brand new.

Most facials will run you anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars. So even though facials do have some benefits, their cost might outweigh their benefits. If you’re experiencing dryness or mild blemishing, a facial can help. But microneedling or chemical peels might be more trouble than they are worth.

If you would like to book a facial or want to learn more, contact European Beauty today.

The Normal Ageing Process: What to Expect

DMK Skin care September 18, 2020

Ageing is an inevitable part of life and everyone will experience changes in their body and skin as they get older. As you age, every aspect from your hair to your mind will change and this is something a lot of people fear. While it can sound scary, the reality is that the ageing is normal and there is nothing to be scared of. Knowing what to expect can make the process easier and being informed may even allow you to embrace a few of the changes.

The ageing process will affect your entire body and one of the first things people notice is changes to their skin. You will experience a loss in elasticity and will notice that your skin is not as resilient as it was in your youth. Teenagers and young adults will have vibrant looking skin, even after staying up all night, but the older you get, the less you will experience this type of skin in the mornings. Most people start to have looser skin in their forties because of the loss of tightness and your fifties are when you will see sagging skin and droopy eyelids. Hair is another obvious change that most people notice because graying hair is a very common sign of ageing. The older we get, the less melanin production we make, which is the part of the hair follicle that is responsible for its colour. Additionally, thinning hair and lack of shine are also part of the ageing process, so you may notice a change in the colour, texture and thickness of your hair. Nails are also known to change and they often become dull and brittle as you age.

Our bodies change as well and it’s natural to have less energy as you age. Regardless of how healthy you are, you will notice aches and pains, as these come along with ageing. Our metabolism slows down quite a bit as well and this change can happen as early as your late twenties, which is when humans stop growing bone. Your metabolism will slow by at least two percent every decade and this is why a lot of people experience weight gain as they age. This change can be slow and steady at first although it can begin to accelerate. Hormones will start to decline as well, so there is a lot for a human body to deal with.

While this information may be overwhelming, knowing what to expect will make a positive difference and will cause you to stress less. You will also be happy to know that while certain changes are inevitable, you can slow down the ageing process for some of these changes. Sleeping well, exercising and a healthy diet are all ways to slow down signs of ageing as is a proper skincare routine, and this is where European Beauty can help! We offer DMK skincare treatments, facials and more, so if you are in the Toronto area and want younger looking skin, give us a call today!

What Does A Facial Do?

Facial Service Toronto July 21, 2020

Facials are a great addition to your skincare routine and can provide you with a clear and well-hydrated complexion, along with a more youthful appearance. They are incredibly popular and a lot of people enjoy them because facials are relaxing and can improve your skin.

If you’re not familiar with the process, it is natural to wonder what facials actually do and it is important to know that they are designed to do more than just help you relax. Facials are essentially customized treatments for the face and neck that can help treat and prevent a number of problems. A smooth and glowing complexion is only part of the equation and facials can also remove dead skin cells, boost the production of collagen, improve the appearance of fine lines and clear away pores. Facials can also help with blemishes and will moisturize and hydrate your skin as well. The goal is to provide you with healthier and younger-looking skin and facials are known to produce results.

One of the most important aspects of a facial is that they are done by a professional esthetician at a dermatologist’s office or spa. Only a certified individual should complete your facial; otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your skin. It’s also important that you determine the type of facial that would be most beneficial to you as there are different types. You can choose from deep cleansing facials, acne prevention facials, anti-ageing facials, rejuvenation facials, chemical peels, vampire facials and microdermabrasion, just to name a few. Brightening and rejuvenation facials are very popular during the summer months.

Harsh exfoliating products should not be used four days before your treatment and you should know all of the products you are currently using so that you can discuss them and determine whether or not they are contributing to your skin concerns. If you have a big event like a wedding or a work function, you should not get a facial the night before just in case you experience side effects. Post-treatment breakouts and irritation can occur as can redness and blemishes. Booking a facial at least a few days before your event is ideal because your skin will look flawless and you will be able to see the full results.

Generally, facials last about 60 minutes, although this will vary based on your skin type and type of facial you want. Different tools will be used depending on the facial you are having done and the esthetician will also provide you with information regarding your skin type and the different ways you can maintain a proper home care routine. This knowledge will allow you to take better care of your skin to maintain its healthy glow between your facial treatments.

European Beauty can provide you with more information regarding facials and DMK skincare, so if you are in the Toronto area, give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Beauty Hack – Swallow Your Skincare

DMK Vitamin E Supplement Toronto April 20, 2020

We all dream of a quick and easy solution to beautiful, healthy skin. If only there was something that you could take before bed, and wake up with a flawless complexion. The good news is that there is, and we are here to tell you about it.

As with anything else skin-related, everything takes time to work and internal skincare is no exception. A good way of determining your timelines to reaching your skin goals is to think about how long you have seen the condition. After determining that duration, add six months to it, and that will be approximately how long it takes you to reach your skin goals. Remember that almost all skin conditions come with an internal factor, which is often developing for a few months or weeks before it begins to surface on the skin.
Internal Skincare
Internal skincare is about treating the body for the inside out. Below is a quick breakdown of some of the most popular internal skincare supplements that you can take.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a major contributor to cellular renewal and healthy skin. It significantly reduces sebum production, which makes it ideal for those with overly oily skin.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is enriched with antioxidants, which are very important for cellular renewal.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E will protect the skin against premature ageing that is caused by sun damage and environmental pollutants. It is a potent anti-inflammatory that works well with Vitamin C to encourage the reconstruction of collagen, allowing your skin to maintain its youthful appearance.

There is no single supplement that holds the key to beautiful healthy skin. It is actually a combination of a number of vitamins and minerals working together to create and maintain healthy skin cells.
What Do Skin Cells Need To Be Healthy?
They need energy in order to encourage the body to jumpstart it’s natural ability to heal.
Your body is made up of 70% collagen, which is a protein. As we age, the collagen in our bodies break down faster and we eventually stop producing it.
Fluids, like water, are crucial in maintaining healthy functioning cells. Water is very important for overall hydration and transporting blood and nutrients.
Good fats are necessary for both men and women. Fat not only lubricants the skin and joints, but for women, it is where the body stores hormones. Omegas 3 and 6 and essential fatty acids that the body cannot create on its own, but should be getting it from an outside source like supplements.

For all of your skincare needs, look no further than European Beauty. We offer a wide range of services for all skin types. Contact us today to learn more.

Is It Bad To Cover Acne With Makeup

DMK Skin Care Toronto February 26, 2020

Covering up acne with makeup is not bad as long as you’re doing it properly and using the correct products. Applying makeup incorrectly will defeat the purpose and make the acne more visible, so if your goal is to make pimples and zits appear faint or wish to make them look as though they’re not there at all, you will have to apply the right techniques so that you cover the acne successfully.

Reaching for a full coverage foundation is not always the right answer because the improper application or wrong product can actually make your acne worse. Remember that some makeup can cause acne, which is why this combination must be taken seriously to ensure you’re not doing anything wrong and harming your skin. Makeup-related acne can occur when you do not remove makeup properly or the products are old, in which case they could be contaminated with bacteria. The problem with acne is that it’s individual so the response is not the same in terms of formulas and each person will react differently towards certain brands or types of makeup. No one type of foundation will accommodate everyone and a product that works well for a friend may not have the same effect on you and may cause breakouts.

Start by familiarizing yourself with your skin type so that you can use products that are suitable. For example, oily skin and acne will require different formulas than those who have dry skin and acne. Figure out which ingredients bother you and which ones work well for your skin so that you can focus on specific products that will cover your acne instead of making it worse. Do not dip makeup applicators back into the foundation bottle, especially if you tap it against a pimple because this may cause bacteria to enter into the bottle or tube and that product will be contaminated going forward. In order to avoid cross-contamination, apply your product to the back of your hand, after which you can apply it to your face. Always apply makeup to a clean face; otherwise, grime will become trapped under your makeup and on your skin, which can lead to breakouts. Make sure your face is freshly washed before applying makeup and use moisturizer suitable for your skin type.

Never use dirty makeup brushes and do not share makeup with anyone because this can make your acne worse and cause more breakouts. Dirty brushes can contain germs, so be sure to wash them regularly before using them on your face and the presence of foreign dead skin cells present from sharing your brushes can trigger a breakout, so be mindful of these aspects.

When it comes to makeup and acne less is always more and the experts at European Beauty can provide more information regarding this topic. Located in Toronto, we offer DMK skincare treatments and facials, so if you want clear skin, give us a call today!

Winter Skin Treatments Hydrate Your Face

facials toronto January 21, 2020

A proper skincare routine is important all year round and more so during the winter season because the cold, harsh temperatures will affect your skin and a lot of people tend to be more prone to skin issues during this period. Hibernating indoors does not help either because of dryness, which will also take a toll on your skin. For these reasons, winter skin treatments are very important in order to maintain healthy skin that is nourished and hydrated throughout the colder months. 

The first step is to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Most people do not do this during the winter because they associate sunblock to summer but UV rays are present all year round and damage to your skin can occur at any time, including during the winter. You must remember that sunlight can reflect off snow, so your skin may be at risk of greater damage during the winter season. Treatments that protect skin against UV damage will help significantly with sun damage, which is a leading cause of premature ageing. 

Dryness is another common problem many of us have to deal with during the winter and unless it’s addressed through the appropriate treatment, you may experience red patches as well as flaking and discomfort. Your skin requires moisture to help with this issue and a professional facial massage is ideal because a surge of moisture will be applied during this treatment.

It’s also common to feel as though your skincare products at home are not as effective once winter arrives, which will result in a variety of problems during this particular season. The texture of your skin may start to feel different and uneven as a result of the coarse, dull and rough winter conditions. Luckily, a facial can help with these issues to provide you with skin that is soft, smooth and hydrated. The right facial will ensure that your skin’s moisture barrier is not compromised and professional treatment will improve the health of your skin.

It’s always important to remove bacteria and other toxins from your skin so that they do not harm it, although over-cleansing is a problem because it will strip your face of its natural oils in addition to leaving your skin dry. Dry skin can be challenging to deal with, especially in the winter, which is why facials are always the answer as a professional will know how to clean your dry skin properly.

Facials have a number of benefits and will make a positive difference in the health of your skin. If you’d like a professional to treat your skin, the experts at European Beauty can help. Located in Toronto, they offer a number of services including DMK skincare, so book an appointment with them today!

Difference Between Chemical and Mechanical Exfoliation

facials toronto December 5, 2019

Exfoliation is the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells, allowing fresh, bright skin to surface. The top layer of skin is constantly going through the process of shedding and regenerating, which can sometimes lead to unevenness or may occur at a slower pace than we would prefer.

There are many skincare products on the market, which can speed up the exfoliation process, but what are the benefits? The answer is that when we speed up the exfoliation process, we encourage the process of cell turnover, which can help your skin look younger and brighter. 

Exfoliation: Chemical and Mechanical 

There are two types of exfoliation available to you: chemical and mechanical. Both aim to reveal new skin cells beneath the skin’s surface layer. The difference lies in how they accomplish that goal. Chemical exfoliators are usually more acidic, which allows them to separate dead skin cells from living ones. Mechanical exfoliation, on the other hand, requires a rough surface (washcloth, cleaning brush) or exfoliation products (scrubs) to remove the top layer of skin. 

Chemical Exfoliation

There are two main chemical exfoliators: Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA). For oily, acne-prone skin, BHAs such as salicylic acid is recommended to break down the fatty components (oils and sebum), on the skin’s surface. For combination/dry skin, AHAs such as glycolic acid are a better option, since not only do they penetrate the skin to encourage cell turnover, but they also aim to promote hydration. If you have sensitive skin and are interested in chemical exfoliation, you will want to begin with lactic acid, which is a gentle AHA. 

Mechanical Exfoliation 

When you use a rough object such as a washcloth or a facial scrub you are performing mechanical exfoliation. While mechanical exfoliation can be beneficial, you have to be careful about what tools you use. Many facial scrubs, specifically those that have microbeads, can cause tiny cuts on the skin if used too aggressively, which can result in inflammation and increase your chances of developing an infection. Using gentle exfoliants and gently scrubbing your face will ensure your skin stays injury-free.

DIY Exfoliation 

It may be tempting to experiment with DIY exfoliation treatments, but they can cause serious damage to your skin if you are not careful and do your research. The skin’s normal pH is around 5.5%, which allows it to protect itself from harmful bacteria. Many products used in DIY exfoliators, such as baking soda and lemon, are too acidic for the skin and can actually cause burning. If in doubt about a DIY exfoliator, it is best to refrain from risk your skin’s health and safety. 

 

For all of your exfoliation needs, come into European Beauty. We have a team of exceptionally trained estheticians who are skilled in a variety of facial and body services for your specific needs. 

Difference between Over-The-Counter Skincare and Medical Grade Skincare

facials toronto November 26, 2019

When it comes to skincare, it’s natural to want the best, which is why many people wonder about the differences between medical-grade skincare products and over-the-counter ones. This is a common question and with all the ads we come across, it can be difficult to determine which is best. Everyone claims their skincare products work wonders but which is true?

Skincare products need to produce results and the quality and quantity of the ingredients will play a big part in this. This also happens to be one of the key differences between medical-grade products and those you can get over-the-counter or at beauty stores. The formula you get is different because medical-grade skincare products can use a higher percentage of each ingredient, which over-the-counter products cannot. If a product has a long list of ingredients, it doesn’t mean it is better, so don’t confuse that to mean quantity because really it’s the dosage that matters. 

Take vitamin C for example; products found at department stores may contain a high percentage of this ingredient but it’s likely that it’s not in the stable form that medical-grade products offer, meaning the ingredient is not present in its full strength and won’t have as much of an effect when placed on your skin. A higher concentration of an ingredient will produce better results and this higher dosage will only be found in medical-grade products as over-the-counter products have limitations regarding quantity, which inevitably affects the quality.

Quality ingredients and products take time and research. When it comes to medical-grade products, scientists and skincare professionals are involved, meaning the different ingredients have been harvested from different parts of the world while other ingredients are developed to come up with the perfect product that works and produces real results once it is applied. Medical grade products target specific skin concerns and find the proper ingredients to treat and eliminate those concerns, which can take years of research to develop, which over-the-counter products cannot do. When it comes to skincare products, you often get what you pay for, so if something is a few dollars, it’s not likely that a lot of thought has gone into it.

Over-the-counter products do not have the same research and testing standards that medical-grade products do, so when you purchase the latter, it means you’re getting a product that has been researched thoroughly and contains data proving that it works.

The experts at European Beauty in Toronto can help you with all of your skincare needs, whether it’s DMK or facials and use only the best products with proven ingredients to ensure results. For quality products, a fantastic experience and healthier-looking skin, give European Beauty a call today!

 

The Importance of Medical Grade Vitamin C Serum

facials toronto September 23, 2019

If the application of vitamin C is not a part of your daily routine, you should consider adding it to your daily regimen because of the benefits it provides for your skin and the significant difference it can make over time. Adding a vitamin C serum should not be viewed as a chore but rather a necessity whose application will provide remarkable results. 

Vitamin C is essential for many skin and cellular functions. This includes collagen synthesis, maintaining skin strength and its integrity, as well as wound healing. Another very important element that vitamin C helps with is UV protection. It also offers protection against stress signs, pollution, sun and smoking, all of which damage the DNA of the cell and causes premature ageing. In addition to offering the necessary protection against these elements, vitamin C also helps boost collagen production and can even reverse cell damage, resulting in firmer and younger-looking skin. It may even reduce the appearance of brown spots and prevent pigmentation.

Now that you know how important vitamin C serum is for your skin, it’s important to know how to select the serum that’s right for you. They are not all created equal, so you need to take a close look at the form of vitamin C, concentration and formulation. It may sound confusing but vitamin C comes in different forms that have different absorption rates. A common form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, which most serums contain but there are many others so research which is most effective and talks to a professional.

Concentration refers to the strength of the acid, so check the percentage to see how strong the serum is. Products can have an acid concentration of 10, 15 or even 20%. A high concentration alone is not as valuable as having other antioxidants and boosters like vitamin E combined into the serum which will be more effective. Lastly, consider formulation. The combination of vitamin C with vitamin E as well as ferulic acid provides more benefits because it becomes much more of a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is an antioxidant in itself that helps maintain the skin barrier while enhancing the function of vitamin C, so check to see if all of these ingredients are present in the serum. 

Healthy skin is very important but not always easy to achieve, which is why the professionals at European Beauty can help. Located in Toronto, they offer a variety of facials and DMK skincare to help you get a beautiful and healthy glow. Book an appointment today and you’ll start seeing results immediately!