Even with gellack on, have you noticed how much shorter your manicures last in winter? From chips, shattered nails and even the entire gellack polish coming off in one piece, manicures just don’t last as long. Why is this?
The main reason for chipped or even shattered nails in winter is the cold. Our nails are so much drier and more prone to damage.
During cold weather, the nail plate becomes dehydrated, resulting in peeling and splitting nails, which fray at the edges. As a consequence, the nails may break and become more fragile, and can easily catch on clothing. You can chip a nail from doing the slightest thing, even with gellack.
The reason gellack can lift and slide off in one piece is also connected to this, we use more moisturizers and oils in winter, which in turn makes the nail bed greasy meaning gellack doesn’t bond as well.
Here are a few tricks to help make your manicure last a bit longer in winter.
Don’t soak the nails before a manicure – soaking them can distort the nail and when you paint over this, it then shrinks and causes the polish to chip.
Don’t forget to push back the cuticles, if you get polish on the cuticles it peels more easily and will ruin your manicure
Use a cuticle oil – while oils and moisturisers can cause lifting of the polish, it will help to keep your nails healthy. It’s important not to use oil based products on your nails before applying colour. Make sure to cleanse the nails before applying colour, using an acid free primer can help with this issue.
Rubber gloves! Don’t do washing up or use cleaning products without putting on some rubber gloves, the hot water and chemicals will weaken the gellack.
Don’t cut your nails between manicure appointments, this will cause the seal to break, which can result in lifting and peeling of the nail polish.
Do you sometimes find that your moisturiser just doesn’t seem to be doing the job? You’ve bought a new, much hyped product, and you don’t get what all the fuss is about?
One common mistake is to moisturise when your skin is dry, your skin should be clean and slightly damp for the best results. Damp skin will help lock in the moisture, it really needs to penetrate the skin which it won’t do if the skin is dry.
Make sure you apply the moisturiser with clean hands! Sounds obvious, but I bet it’s something you forget occasionally.
Do you apply your moisturiser as gently as you should? Often we slap it on quickly and give it a quick rub, the skin on your face and neck is very thin and more sensitive than the rest of your body and needs to be treated accordingly.
Don’t forget your neck and décolletage, ensure you rub it in with an upward motion. The skin here is just as delicate and thin and a facial moisturiser will work better than a body one.
Does your moisturiser contain any harmful ingredients? All the marketing will of course say no, but maybe you need to check. Sulfates for example can actually dry out your skin in the long run, literally the opposite of what you’re trying to do.
We love Dermalogia products at Glow Concierge, try a facial with Laura to see how you like their products, or you can order directly with Dermalogica and take advantage of your Glow discount of 10% using the code glow10 (code is case-sensitive)
During a reflexology session, the therapist applies pressure to different points on the feet, hands and sometimes head. The theory behind it is fairly simple, each point on the pressure area corresponds to a part of your body. Ancient Chinese believed that by touching the feet and palms of the patient, the therapists could send their energy to the “ill” part of the body and heal it.
In the 1890s, British found another explanation for the magical effects of reflexology. The scientists discovered that nerves run through the whole body, all the way from the skin to internal organs. Moreover, our body tends to adjust to the outside factors, which includes the gentle touch of the practitioner. Therefore, as soon as the body feels the warmth and calm energy of the therapist’s palms, it sends
Whatever explanation you prefer to believe, it’s a proven fact that reflexology is a great relaxation technique used by masseuses, chiropractors and physical therapists all over the world.
BENEFITS
A study concentrating on patients with lymphatic system impairments examined the effects of reflexology on their condition. Significant improvements in fatigue and pain levels and their quality of sleep were found.
Based on the findings of the British scientists, a reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and also improve one’s mood and reduce stress.
MINI REFLEXOLOGY
Foot massage is just perfect to combine with other treatments or to use as on opportunity to chat with friends on the side. On demand, Glow Concierge Offers 25min Reflexology sessions to supply your Spa Event or Girls Evening.
Reflexology is a treatment equivalent to the full body massage, and in certain cases can bring even more benefits. This therapy can be easily performed in your home as well as in the office and brings the patient in a calm state like no other.
From Eastern Aargau to Zug and Frauenfeld, our providers offer this miraculous treatment wherever you are. Still need an encouragement? Try it out with a special 5% discount promocode REFLEXOLOGY5 and don’t forget to share the results by leaving a review.
Carrying a new life is a happy but challenging time for any woman, but it is not always stress free. We’ve talked with Joanne, a trained pregnancy massage specialist, about why she decided to learn this type of massage and which benefits it brings.
Prenatal massage is a technique very similar to the Swedish massage, which focuses on long, sweeping strokes, avoiding direct pressure on the body. This massage puts the needs of the future mother first, concentrating on the areas which are most swollen or sore. Pillows are often used for support, as the massage can also be done while lying on the side.
This is what Joanne says about the benefits:
“A pregnancy massage is so beneficial in many ways as firstly it helps you to relax and take some time out for yourself. This is really important for both you and your baby as your baby can feel if you are stressed, so the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be.”
Joanne is a mother of two beautiful girls, so she definitely has experience with what a pregnant woman might need. When Joanne went through the whole process of her body changing, she decided to learn the pregnancy massage technique to help other women.
“Secondly, it has many benefits on your body by reducing tired swollen limbs especially the legs and feet and the blood flow is automatically increased, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized”
Improved blood flow brings many benefits to the body. Releasing the tension in the nerves and muscles the massage helps blood circulate actively in the regions where it couldn’t before, reaching all the vital organs as well as your brain.
“I finish the treatment with a face and scalp massage, which again is so beneficial as there are many muscles in the face and head that are often neglected and can lead to tension headaches.”
If you can do one thing for yourself during your pregnancy- treat yourself to a massage because you are special and you deserve it!
We’re almost three weeks into September – exactly the time when your mind has already forgotten all about your last vacation, but the body is left to sort out the consequences.
Whether you hopped on a flight to your favorite spot, or staycationed closer to home, we definitely all indulged in that extra bowl of pasta and glass of wine this summer. To get you back to feeling your tip top best, here are our weight loss tips.
Drop the soda… and the wine. Get back to basics with the good stuff, water. Try drinking warm water eight times a day – it acts like a dishwasher for your digestive system, cleaning out all the gunk and toxins as it goes.
Take a break from stress. Stress hormones are brilliant at storing fat! Great when we were cave people, but terrible for modern day weightloss. We want to reduce the body’s instinct to produce the stress hormone. When stress can’t be avoided, make sure you give your body a reset with something calming like a hot bath, restorative yoga or meditation.
Bring back breakfast! As tempting as it is to skip a meal, its actually counterintuitive for losing weight. Having a healthy breakfast featuring protein, fiber and healthy fats will keep cravings and snacking at bay as it stabilises your blood sugar.
Make home cooking fashionable again. This is fundamental for weight loss success. Not only does this control your portion sizes, but it means you know exactly what’s going into your meal. There’s no chance of hidden additives, non-organic ingredients or secret sugar.
Move your body. Increasing your daily activity isn’t just about calories burnt – it helps manage stress and boost your mood. Getting in those sweaty work outs is amazing, but don’t forget to have fun. Dancing to your favorite songs is just as effective. Remember to have a little protein after your workout to aid muscle repair.
Daisy Quin – Yoga Instructor and Nutritionist from LA
Is your skin experiencing a summer hangover? It often happens that, as the humidity of the air lowers in the autumn, the skin starts losing its fresh summer looks and becomes dry. In this article, we’ll see how we can help our skin adjust to the new cooler weather.
In autumn, not only our skin but also our bodies go through some adjustments. The immune system suddenly gets more factors to fight with and less support from the sun. Therefore, the skin barrier can get quite fragile, resulting in the increased sensitivity and dryness. Moreover, the “damaged” barrier can let more pollution and other external aggravators deeper into the skin – increasing the chances of inflammation and redness.
Here are some tips to help you reinforce your natural skin barriers:
1 CLEANSE
Life in the city is not easy on our skin. Even in Switzerland, you can find some pollutants that would eventually settle on the skin. Cleaning the natural dead cells as well as the accumulating “debris” ensures that none of your pores is open and ready to receive the next cream or serum. Cleansing cream or milk fitting to your skin type is a great choice to nurture the skin while cleaning it.
2 MOISTURIZE
Changing temperatures can exhaust and dry the skin. Moisturizing brings in that extra vitamins, oils and liquids that the skin might be missing. It’s important to remember to choose the moisturizer fitting to your skin type. Choose lighter creams if you tend to have oily skin. Vogue suggests “looking to ceramides and lipids to prevent moisture loss and retain hydration…”. Such moisturizers “create a layer over the skin and stop water escaping”
Creams with Vitamin C are also great for brightening dull-looking skin and hyaluronic acid for an instant hydration hit.
3 EXFOLIATE
Scrubbing is perfect for removing dead cells, improving blood flow and smoothening the skin. But don’t run to your favorite mechanical scrub yet. Your skin is already damaged by the weather, and strong rubbing is the last thing it needs right now. They will only create micro-tears and damage the natural barrier even more.
In autumn, go for some professional chemical scrubs with acids. Of course, great caution is needed while using acids. But they are perfect for polishing the skin and making it smooth. Lactic acid is a great chemical exfoliant, as it hydrates at the same time as exfoliating. And mandelic acid works great with acne-prone skin and fights inflammation.
It’s best to consult with a dermatologist or with your facial provider before going for acidic skincare. They can tell you what your skin needs and help find the products that may not be on the pharmacy’s shelves. It’s also crucial to use the right rebuilding products after exfoliating.
3 WEAR SPF EVERY DAY
If you don’t feel the sun it doesn’t mean it’s not shining. The damaging UV rays can reach you even if it’s not 30 degrees outside. Include a cream or oil with an SPF factor against UVA and UVB rays to protect yourself from micro ageing symptoms and skin cancer.
4 EAT HEALTHY
Our skin reacts to both outside and “inside” factors. Taking extra care of it while you feel stressed or don’t eat healthily is important. Autumn is a great season for eating fresh, local vegetables and fruits. Support your skin from the inside out, and maybe it’ll not react as aggressive to the changing temperatures.
A refreshing or highly moisturizing facial once a month can reinforce your skin barrier and keep it balanced. Our Providers know a great deal about skin products and can always consult you on your personal needs during the treatment.
Firming Vitamin C Facial – Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen fibers and protects the cells from free radicals, regenerates cells and prevents excessive skin pigmentation. Fights dull-looking skin and reinforces its natural glow.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Facial– A relaxing, non-invasive treatment which is recommended for everyone, no matter the time of the year or your age. It has a regenerative effect on the on your face and neck wrinkles, it hydrates the skin, reduces spots, and it gives you a glowing, healthy looking complexion. Glow Concierges Favorite!
Therma Vital Mineral Facial – A treatment recommended for all skin types, including acne and sensitive skin. Using an abundance of vitamins and mineral, this treatment quickly detoxifies, hydrates, revitalizes and regenerates a dull complexion, sensitive or problematic skin. A great booster in winter and autumn.
For any facial with Andrei, you can choose between a foot and hand massage or a neck and shoulder massage while the mask is on.
Many view massage therapy as unnecessary or a last resort in case of injury. Moreover, undressing and letting somebody touch your curves can often be the main reason for not getting a much-needed massage. These feelings result in people suffering through stiffness in the back or even impaired blood circulation for years.
The benefits of massage therapy are well known and do not really need repeating. The problem, however, lies in their underestimation as well as the unwillingness to see the preventative effects of massage. If you never had severe muscle pain, migraines or burnouts, it is easy to dismiss the necessity of treating your soul and body.
2021 American Massage Therapy Association
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, almost half of all massage consumers got their last treatment for health and wellness reasons, while the other major part needed the therapy to reduce stress and treat anxiety.
The chart above clearly demonstrates which symptoms drive Americans to discuss the possibility of massage treatment with their doctor. Most of these patients are experiencing muscle pain or migraines, which in most part could be avoided if only they used the massage as a preventative therapy.
WHERE TO START?
As odd as it sounds, getting your first massage can be stressful. The main thing to remember, however, is that all masseuses are people. They do their job just like any other person. Our clients often feel very surprised by the friendly and calm personalities of the providers. And this is exactly how it should be, as the main and only job of the masseuse is to make you feel at ease, almost as if you were lying in your bed at home. (Wait a second… with Glow Concierge it is actually the case😉)
For you first ever massage, treat yourself with a light Lymph Drainage Massage. It is aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system and improving the blood circulation. It is perfect for removing old blocks in your body and making you feel like a new person.
Living with acne is NOT easy. It’s a life full of trying to find out what’s good for you and what makes you look like a teenager going through puberty. In fact, many people believe the sun calms down their acne. But there’re also ones who are convinced sunlight is not good for their skin. So which one is it?
This article is only about the relationship between sunlight and acne-prone skin. To find out more about the general effects of the sun and the UV rays read this article.
Positive effects of the sun
As we get tanned it can often seem that the condition of the skin gets better. The blemishes are not seen as much and everybody’s happy. Speaking of being happy, when exposed to the sun our bodies produce serotonin – the “happy hormone”.
Sun radiation also has an anti-inflammatory effect. In the right amounts, it facilitates regeneration and repair. The need for protection from the UV rays makes our skin readjust and adapt to the changing conditions, which can often be beneficial.
It is quite easy to get distracted from your skin condition under these circumstances. The sun temporarily dries out our skin and it feels like the perfect effect. But what happens inside the skin?
Negative effects of the sun
So, you’re in a good mood, enjoying the warm days, forgetting to put the sunscreen on…. What can go wrong? Acne-prone skin is usually oily, meaning it produces too much sebum and overreacts in situations where normal skin would not. When exposed to too much sunlight even oily skin can get dry. In response to that the sebum-producing glands under the skin go into overdrive leading to blemishes.
It has also been proven that excess sun exposure can disturb the natural process of dead skin cells being shed. As a result, excess sebum does not find its way out and accumulates in the pores, creating camedones.
The bottom line
As good as it might seem in the beginning sun can be damaging for the skin. The anti-inflammatory effects do not last long and after they stop you really start seeing all those clogged pores and blemishes.
Sun protection is crucial for any kind of skin but even more so for the acne-prone one. We recommend choosing mineral-based sun protection, as it does not penetrate the skin, shielding it from the UV rays and not changing the pH levels.
Consulting a professional once a month can also be beneficial. Even a short visit for a cleansing facial can become filled with worthless advice on skincare and your personal needs.
Exercising can actually help with decreasing any PMS symptoms you may be feeling, particularly before your period. Exercise can help with fatigue and mood swings and regular aerobic exercise may lesson these symptoms. Exercise also tends to alleviate cramps, headache, or back pain associated with your period. Plus, don’t forget about that natural endorphin high! Exercise can generally elevate your mood and give you that boost of energy you need during your period.
MYTH#2 – You shouldn’t get a massage while menstruating
FALSE
A massage can help relax the body when it comes to tackling your menstrual pain as you’ll likely experience a decrease in water retention, and a release of muscle tension. Keep in mind a massage does increase the blood flow around your body which means a massage may increase your menstrual flow for a day after the massage. But this isn’t always a bad thing! The increase in blood flow also has positive effects on menstruation and can help reduce cramps and back pain
MYTH#3 – You shouldn’t have sex during your period
FALSE
Don’t let your period put a halt on your sex life. You may feel more aroused during this time of the month. The release of endorphins during orgasms is also said to reduce PMS symptoms such as cramping and will certainly take your mind off any menstrual uncomforted. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, having sex may make your periods shorter. Muscle contractions during an orgasm push out the uterine contents faster. That could result in shorter periods.
Myth #4: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period
FALSE
The facts are that although the chances are slim, it is possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period, particularly if you have a shorter cycle. You’re most likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which happens about 14 days before your period starts. Yet every woman’s cycle length is different, and your cycle length can change monthly. If you have a short menstrual cycle, your risk of getting pregnant during your period is higher. Also consider that sperm can stay alive in your body for up to seven days. So, if you have a 22-day cycle and you ovulate soon after getting your period, there’s a chance you’ll be releasing an egg while sperm are still in your reproductive tract.
MYTH#5 – PMS isn’t real
FALSE
If anyone ever tries to tell you that PMS is all in your head, they are lying. PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is the combination of symptoms you may experience leading up your period. These can include mood swings, feeling on edge, headaches, and spots (great!). Although medical professionals aren’t exactly sure what causes PMS, it’s definitely a real thing and is probably down to the fluctuation in your hormones leading up to your period. So next time you’re not feeling like your usual self, rest-assured it’s completely normal and okay for you to feel that way.
MYTH#6 – You shouldn’t swim when you’re on your period (especially in the ocean, as sharks will attack you)
FALSE
There is no reason whatsoever not to swim when you are on your period and what’s more it can help ease cramps (see Myth#1 above on exercise). As to being attacked by sharks: No No No …. While it’s true that a shark’s sense of smell is powerful and that menstrual fluid contains blood, there’s no scientific evidence that women swimming in the ocean while having their period are more likely to be bitten by a shark. Please enjoy a swim without fear of being a sharks breakfast.
MYTH #7 – Everyone knows when you’re on your period
FALSE
No one knows unless you choose to tell them! You don’t walk differently, look different or smell different. Menstruation is a natural healthy part of life. It is a normal bodily function. It is however common for women to feel self conscious about their period, but rest assured no one knows you are menstruating and your body’s functions are your own private business. It’s ok to be discreet and not talk about it if it makes you uncomfortable. That said you should not feel like you have to hide the fact that you are on your period, there is nothing dirty or shameful about menstruation. You might find it helps to be open about your period, particularly with people you trust. The bottom line is you are in control and you alone can decide who to share this with or not.
MYTH #8 – You cannot enjoy your life during “these days”
FALSE! Go out, do sports, organize spa days and party hard. Glow Concierge & Organic Mondays will be there to support you.
Glow Concierge would like to thank Organic Mondays for sharing this important information. Take part in our joint GIVEAWAY and win 200CHF worth of goodies from Glow Concierge and Organic Mondays.
It’s once again a rainy weekend. You’re sitting at home and struggling to find an activity that you can do indoors. And then, all of a sudden, the sun starts to shine – the clouds went away to give you the evening you were so hoping for. You put on the summer dress that was lying in the closet for a long time and, without further due, go out to enjoy the sun. What can possibly go wrong?
Most of us tend to think about sunscreen only when it comes to vacation or tanning on a beach, when, in fact, we should be using it every single day ( yes, even when there’s no sun). It’s widely known that overexposure to the UV rays can lead to skin cancer, but not many consider this danger to be real. Moreover, many scientists suggest that excessive sunlight is damaging for acne prone skin as well. Let’s first dig deeper into the UV rays and what they do.
There’re two types of the radioactive UV rays – UVA and UVB. The former are your tan-producing rays, that penetrate the skin deeply and influence pigmentation. These are the rays you should fear, as, even a short exposure, can already lead to the first signs of the premature photoaging. The UVA rays damage the dermis, which causes collagen and elastin to shrink and form wrinkles on the surface of the skin.
The UVB rays do not have such a dramatic effect on the aging process, as they generally reach only the upper levels of the skin. These rays are the ones to blame for sunburns.
After all, yes, sunlight helps us produce the “happy hormone” serotonin and is vital in the vitamin D formation. But it is important to remember that without an adequate protection you also get yourself exposed to the risks of skin cancer, photoaging and dry skin.
Using sunscreen as a part of your daily routine could help prevent the negative effects while still allowing for that vitamin and hormone production to happen. It can also happen that after a long sunny vacation, your tanned face feels dry and out of shape. Just one facial can suffice to reinforce the blood circulation and enrich the skin with vitamins. Be it our famous “Fingertip Facelift” from Eleftheria or “Therma Vital Mineral” facial from Andrei, we guarantee that you will shine from inside out after it.
Product tip: our partner Dermalogica has a line of spf products that not only protect you from the damaging UV rays, but also have antiaging and moisturising properties. Use our promocode glow5 to get a 5% DISCOUNT.
