Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to help to promote clean, clear, and youthful skin.  The nutrients and proteins in essential oils help to maintain the “mattress-like” bounce and stimulate growth of new, healthy cells. Essential oils can also help to stimulate blood circulation of blood, which helps to oxygenate the cells, thus allowing for regeneration.  Additionally, some essential oils contain hormonal-like qualities which encourage a firm and youthful appearance.

As you read through the following tips on using essential oils for the skin, remember the following:

• You can use any one of these oils or you can combine them to make your own custom blend.
• Use essential oils in a bath or as a face & body oil.
• Allow at least thirty days to see a difference in the condition of your skin.

Method:

• Mix 10 to 15 drops of the essential oil or essential oil combination of your choice with a Tablespoon of carrier oil.
• Apply the oil mixture sparingly to the face and allow it to penetrate overnight.
• For the body, massage the essential oil blend into skin, then soak in a warm bath while massaging the skin with a soft bath mitt.

Base Oils:

• Nut oils such as almond oil, hazelnut oil
• Pitted Fruit oils such as apricot kernel oil, avocado oil

Essential Oils for All Skin Types:

• Evening primrose
• Borage seed
• Carrot
• Jojoba

To Promote Youthful Looking Skin:

• Skin Over 20 – Neroli, lavender, fennel, chamomile, geranium, carrot.
• Skin Over 30 – Patchouli, palma rosa, clary-sage, fennel, rose hydrosol, carrot, borage seed, jojoba.
• Skin Over 40 – Neroli, lavender, Frankincense, rosemary, fennel, lemon, carrot, evening primrose.
• Skin over 50 – Rose hydrosol, neroli, lavender, myrrh, carrot, boise de rose, borage seed, evening primrose.

To Balance Skin:

• Chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose hydrosol, neroli, Palma rose, lemon, fennel,  jasmine hydrosol, Bois de rose, frankincense, benzoic.

For Normal Skin :

• Chamomile, sandalwood, Boise de rose, patchouli, rose hydrosol, lavender, hyssop, benzoic, calendula, geranium, Palma rosa, rosemary, neroli.

For Oily Skin:

• Chamomile, juniper, Palma rosa, lemon, lime, orange, Frankincense, lavender, geranium, cypress, marjoram, rosemary, Ylang-ylang, rose hydrosol.

For the Lips:

• Mix 6 to 8 drops of any of these essential oils in your hand and dab onto lips.
• Geranium, lavender, chamomile, palma rosa, carrot, lemon, rose hydrosol.

These oils are mild enough to be used without a base oil, especially if used with carrot oil and/or Palma rosa oil.

To Make Your Own Astringent:

1 oz witch hazel
1 oz rose hydrosol or orange flower hydrosol
1 tsp cider vinegar
2 drops juniper oil
1 drop lime oil
1 drop grapefruit oil

Combine all ingredients in a clean jar or bottle and apply to the face using a cotton round.

Please note: Some of the suggested oils are photo-sensitizers. Angelica and cold pressed citrus oils should not be used on the skin within 12 hours of exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. If you choose to use one of these oils on your face, please use it only at night.

Before using essential oils for skin care, always test the oils on a small patch of skin to be sure there will be no reaction or irritation.  Always check with your doctor before using essential oils on skin with a chronic condition such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.

February is almost here and we are welcoming the month with open arms. Why you ask? Because here at Glen Ivy we LOVE love and this month is filled with things that we’re sweet on.  Here are just a few things that we’re excited about for February:

• Valentine’s Day Contest- Have a memorable, romantic or funny Valentine’s Day experience? Then we want to hear from you! Submit your entry Tuesday, February 7 – Monday, February 14 on the Glen Ivy blog for a chance to win a spa day for two!
• Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup- We’ll be welcoming this fabulous line to the Hot Springs this month! Join us for the Jane Iredale launch party, Rose & Romance: Kissable Lips and Touchable Skin, February 11 & 17. You won’t want to miss out on experience Janie Iredale makeup, get color matched by our Skin Care Experts, win prizes, and take home some great gifts with your purchase.
• Rose Hydration Facial- We’re excited to introduce our newest facial that rehydrate your skin with the essence of custom distilled organic roses. This 50 minute treatment will leave your skin and mind feeling balanced, refreshed and renewed….a true indulgent rose experience! As if this facial couldn’t get any better, exclusive to this facial is an Opal Eye treatment and Moroccan Oil Scalp Treatment.
• The Art of Racing in the Rain- Selected for the winter edition of the Glen Ivy Book Club, we are loving this New York Time’s Best Seller.  What we’re the most excited about is that the author, Garth Stein, has stopped by to join in the conversation! Whether you are reading along with us or have already read it, we’d love to hear your thoughts.
• Love is in the Air- From our Massage for Two: Learn to do a Basic Couples Massage to Lunch & Learn with Spa Chef Bill: Romantic Dinner for Two, we have plenty of romantic things to do for the perfect date day with that someone special!

These may be our top five things we’re excited about but there are many  more Events and Activities and Specials happening in February that we can’t wait for and we hope to see you around the spa enjoying them right along with us!

What are you looking forward to most in February at Glen Ivy? Let us know here or on Facebook!

With just one more day left in our “5 Days of Giveaways” underway, we want to thank everyone who has followed along so far. Congratulations to Jennie who we will be contacting to send out her very own Primavera Moisturizing Lip Balm from Day 4!

Primavera’s Revitalizing Intensive Seed Oil Capsules are biodegradable, vegetable-based capsules that provide your skin with the hydration that it needs. Each capsule is filled with Organic Rose Essential Oil which helps reduce broken capillaries and promotes cell renewal for a radiant, even tone. Also included in each dose is Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil, Sallow Thorn Oil and Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil. The combination of these  oils help repair, restore and condition the skin to help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and visible sun damage. Simply twist open a capsule before bed and massage the contents onto the face. Improving your skin’s appearance and preventing signs of aging has never been easier.

Thanks to everyone for sharing some great recipes, you can check them out in the comment section of  Day 3 Primavera Giveaway.  Congratulations to Heather F. who gave us a yummy  “pomegranate tea” and won her very own Primavera Revitalizing Serum!

With cold weather comes chapped lips. Since there is less moisture in the air during the winter months, your lips are more prone to becoming dry and cracked. To help protect against chapped lips, we turn to a pocket sized product that packs a big punch — Primavera’s Moisturizing Lip Balm.

It’s great to hear that so many of you prefer organic in your lives on a daily basis.  Congratulations to Nikki B. who shared “Whenever there is an option for an organic version I always opt for that! Food, skincare. I even have organic cotton sheets! It’s just a much healthier way of living” and won her very own Primavera Cooling Eye Roll-On.

Primavera’s Revitalizing Serum is just the kind of protection skin needs to keep it looking and feeling healthy and radiant. While some serums leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy, this satin gel formula leaves skin silky smooth. Full of antioxidants, Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil and Silver Tip White Tea help protect skin from the environmental and free-radical damage. Other key  ingredients like Organic Licorice Extract and Organic Rose Water work synergistically calm, soothe, tone and balance sensitive skin while restoring its suppleness. Two to three drops is all you need each morning and evening and you’ll be on your way to experiencing a brighter, more even skin tone.

The real star of Primavera’s  Revitalizing Face Care line is none other than Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil. Now we have all heard what a miracle fruit the Pomegranate is, but what exactly are it’s benefits? In addition to being loaded with antioxidants, Pomegranates can help lower the risk of heart disease, reduce cholesterol and control your weight.  They are also one of the few fruits whose juice is just as beneficial as its edible fruit and seeds. That’s because that beautiful crimson-red peel, (which you can’t eat) contains most of the fruit’s antioxidants. They are released in abundance when the fruit is squeezed for juicing, and the inspiration Chef Bill Wavrin’s Effervescent Pomegranate and Ginger Elixir. We suggest it as prelude for a Primavera facial, to experience the benefits of the beautiful pomegranate and your own natural beauty, outside and in.

Effervescent Pomegranate and Ginger Elixir

by Glen Ivy Executive Chef Bill Wavrin

For both inner and outer beauty, Glen Ivy Chef Bill Wavrin suggests this energizing elixir made with pomegranate, one of Primavera’s signature ingredients, revered for it’s powerful antioxidants and majestic crimson red color.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh squeezed pomegranate juice
1/3 cup honey, preferably lavender
½ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon fresh ginger thinly sliced
5 cup sparkling water (or sparkling mineral water) ice
6 thinly cut slices of fresh lime
6 mint sprigs

Method:
In small pot, bring the pomegranate juice with the ginger to a low simmer. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Stir in the honey until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Strain into a large pitcher.

In the pitcher, combine the chilled pomegranate infusion, lime juice, sparkling water, ice, and slices of lime. Stir to mix. Pour Effervescent Pomegranate Elixir into six glasses, garnish with fresh sprigs of mint, and serve.

Breathe deeply, drink slowly, and awaken your senses to the uplifting scent of pomegranate while ginger’s warmth revitalizes body and mind.

Enter for a Chance to WIN your own Primavera Revitalizing Serum

What is your favorite Pomegranate recipe?
Let us know!

Leave a comment below and you’ll be entered in for a chance to WIN a Primavera Revitalizing Serum (30 mil, $80 value).

Comments for this post have been closed. Check back for the next product and your chance to win.

P.S. We’re giving away another product tomorrow for our fourth day of giveaways! HINT: This product features Organic Shea Butter.

Last week you, our wonderful fans, submitted questions for “What Would You Ask a Skin Care Professional?” during our MASK-erade Week.  Our own Glen Ivy Estheticians sat down and answered your skin care questions. Here’s what they had to say:

Are there any products that you would recommend to help lighten dark spots on the face?
With any hyper-pigmentation, you want to be extremely consistent with SPF (at least 30) regardless of the weather. You also want to stay away from tanning and excessive sun exposure. As far as products go, those that are high in Vitamin C as well a brightening or lightening serum will help with the dark spots. As always, seeing a skin therapist or dermatologist is beneficial to ensure results.

How do you keep the skin clear and what are the best products to help minimize breakouts?
Be sure to cleanse and hydrate skin in the morning and at night. Products with a Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid base would be the most beneficial for problem skin. Over the counter acne products aren’t recommended because they are high in alcohol and strip your skin of it’s natural moisture. If you continue to have excessive breakouts or acne, contact a dermatologist.

What else can I do to fend off the wrinkles?
Using products high in antioxidants is crucial in preventing signs of aging. You want to make sure you are extremely consistent with a proper skin care regimen and always incorporate sun block and moisturizer. Drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol, smoking and sun exposure will help.

Are the makeup remover/cleansing wipes made for your face really okay for my skin?
The make up remover pads have a high percentage of alcohol and perfume. We suggest a more gentle oil based or cream cleanser that won’t dry out the sensitive eye area or hurt your eye lashes.

How often should I receive a facial?
Receiving a facial every 4-6 weeks is a wonderful routine to help maintain beautiful, healthy skin.

Which is better for maintaining your eyebrows: waxing or threading?
What it comes to waxing or threading, threading is less damaging to the skin tissue but if your skin is not sensitive and you are not using exfoliating acids such as Retin-A or acne medication, than either way is effective to remove the hair follicle properly.

Have any other skin care questions? Post them here and we’ll have our skin care professionals answer them!

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is proud to offer Primavera organic skin care products in their spa facial treatments and for sale in the Glen Ivy Spa Lifestyle Store. Primavera was started over twenty years ago in Germany by a group of friends to become one of the most well known names in aromatherapy. From there Primavera took this great start and expanded it into an exceptional organic skin care line, based on the brands heritage with essential oils. Their mission is to create products that are not only natural and plant based, but also perform outstandingly and are a pleasure to use.

An environmentally and socially conscious company, they have established a worldwide network of fair trade partnerships with organic and biodynamic farmers to provide them with the pure ingredients used in their products. The company practices great care and respect for the environment every day with efforts to minimize the use of packaging wherever possible, recycling the warm air from their plant room to heat the warehouse, and have installed energy efficient movement detected lighting throughout their facility. And of course they recycle all glass, plastic and cardboard.

Today Jennifer and I took a walk over to our Spa Lifestyle Store at the Hot Springs to check out the new products (one of our favorite things to do!). Our goal today: experience Primavera, a new product line of organic skincare and aromatherapy products.

The first thing that caught our eyes while we browsed the testers was the beautiful packaging and display – and that was only the beginning. We could hardly contain ourselves as we opened all of the testers to smell the different scents. Being a bit obsessed with nail care, it didn’t take long for Jennifer to shout “I found my favorite!” There she stood, grinning ear to ear with a bottle of Primavera’s Hand and Nail Cream. Shortly after, I found Primavera’s Lip Balm – a sure addition to my ever-growing lip balm collection. Needless to say, we spent quite some time perusing the entire line!

Next time you’re at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, be sure to try the Primavera Pure Facial (description below) or stop by the Spa Lifestyle Store to smell and sample these products – they’re amazing!

Stay tuned, we’ll have more information about Primavera from an expert.

Primavera Pure Facial

This revitalizing facial uses effective, natural products including restorative Rose Essential Oil with antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Seed Oil to naturally enhance skin’s youthful radiance, ease fine lines and wrinkles, and boost firmness and elasticity. (50 minutes) $89
Upgrade to the 80 minute Primavera Pure Facial that includes a double mask along with a harmonizing facial massage accompanied with a hand and arm massage. $149

Shop for Primavera products online.

Call 888-GLEN IVY to book now!

We are proud to welcome Mistral Luxury French Soaps and Perfumes to Glen Ivy Spa, Valencia!

Mistral features the finest French soaps which are crafted according to a time-honored French soap tradition. Scented with the highest quality, original fragrances, Mistral Triple Milled Shea Butter soaps are recommended for everyone, even those with sensitive skin. With fragrances like South Seas and Summer Citrus, they are guaranteed to delight your senses and leave your skin silky smooth. Mistral Perfumes capture their most treasured scents in their purest form and then are beautifully bottled for you to enjoy. Ranging from ripe fruits, highly coveted botanicals and rare flowers, their wide variety of scents are sure to take you on a fragrant journey to be cherished.

“The true test of any personal care product is its power to transform you. When you apply one of our nourishing body care products, bathe with our exquisite soaps, or inhale one of our signature fragrances, your skin will soften and beautify, your mood will brighten, and your spirit will be soothed. It is this journey, both sensory and experiential, that guides our research and product development team in their quest.”

The Story of Mistral

Their story started when Matthew Tilker, Mistral’s founder and president was visiting Provence, France and met a seventy year old master soap maker who, in a family factory, still crafted soaps according to a three hundred year old traditional triple milling process, always using the finest natural ingredients. The soap maker’s artistry, love of his craft, and extraordinary knowledge and experience in soap making, left a lasting impression on Matthew. After completing his studies and returning home to California, Matthew imported soaps directly from Provence and sold from his mother’s home.

The soaps were so popular, that within months, Matthew opened the first Mistral boutique on a quaint street in his hometown of Solana Beach, California. Over the next several years he returned often to the South of France experimenting with different fragrances and unique formulas as he worked with the best perfumers in Grasse. Matthew’s talent and passion for fragrance, as well as his background in natural healing, encouraged him to create and develop an extraordinary line of soap scents, which continues to be embraced wholeheartedly by Mistral customers. In 2001, a second Mistral boutique opened in Los Angeles, and has since been featured on the pages of Vogue, Town & County, Better Homes and Gardens, and Real Simple, to name a few.

Visit Glen Ivy Spa Valencia and pick up a few bars of Mistral’s luxury soaps or a bottle of perfume for yourself or as a gift!

Skin Scanning using the Ultra Modern Reveal Imager

Now available at Glen Ivy Spa, Valencia
SPECIAL: Free with any full length spa treatment (50 min or more) through May 31, 2011. Call 888-GLEN IVY to reserve. Based on availability.

This imager uses polarized light to take pictures of multiple layers of the skins’ epidermis, thus creating a blueprint of the topical view of the skin. These images can then be used to detect sun-damage, dehydration or hyper pigmentation that needs special attention. Our trained estheticians can then help develop a skin care program to best suit your skin’s condition.

Your esthetician may also use the skin scan images taken over a period of time to document the progress of  your skin care treatments, showing how skin conditions have improved or changed.

NEW Clarisonic  Brush Head Available
in Glen Ivy Spa Lifestyle Store, Valencia

NEW! With the same powerful cleansing ability as the other brush heads, the new design of the Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Head is able to target those hard to reach areas of the face thanks to dual action inner rings that move with skin for optimal results. Compatible with the PRO Skin Cleansing System, also available in store. Clarisonic cleansing brushes are used in all facial treatments at Glen Ivy Spa, Valencia.

Cat comes to Glen Ivy with an extensive background as a make up and tanning artist. She has been doing professional make up for movies, television, and numerous stars for over 10 years and spray tanning for over 6 years. She is excited to be here in Brea as our Tanning Artist and is available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!

Glen Ivy Spa Brea offers Infinity Sun, the first anti-aging and all natural sunless tanning technology. Now you can have a beautiful and healthy summer glow in every season.  Used by Jessica Alba, Brooke Burke, and Britney Spears.

Enriched with antioxidants, Vitamin A and E, the Infinity Sun Sunless Tanning Formula helps keep skin hydrated while giving you a sun-kissed look. Applied with a hand-held spray by trained spa personnel, each treatment takes only three minutes and lasts 7-10 days, and includes an aloe-based neutralizer spray to help the skin absorb the tan evenly and last longer.

First time? Be sure to ask for the introductory rate!

Call 888-GLEN IVY to schedule your appointment.