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It's Prep Time!!!

Yikes! It's December already. Is your Christmas shopping done? Your calendar booked with special events with family and friends?  Does work seem madder than ever and are the days passing with rapid momentum?

You may have already purchased a new dress and sandals for the office Christmas party and something special to wear on Christmas day, after all, you'll be catching up with people you may not have seen all year and want to look your best....however, your roots need touching up, those legs are a little pale and please don't get me started on the toes! Yikes!  Does this sound familiar?

If so, then it is definitely time to start getting into shape!

Before you start repeat this mantra:

• This year I will not have to battle the crowds on the last shopping day to buy gifts.
• This year I will not have to beg my hairdresser to squeeze me in because I left my booking so late and he/she is fully booked.
• This year I will not try to get an appointment at the spa for emergency hair removal, bronzing and buffing at the 11th hour only to be disappointed and have to do all of the above myself with mediocre results.
• I will not go to my Christmas Party reeking of self tanning cream that I slapped on the night before, or with my nail polish bearing the imprints of my bed sheets because I painted them at midnight.

This year I will be organised and breeze through Christmas looking glam and polished and bearing the greatest gifts ever given.

Better get started!

• First thing is first....venture out this weekend and begin your gift shopping if you haven't already.  Order the food you need for your Christmas feast (if like me in a moment of insanity you invited the entire family over on Christmas day).
• If it's difficult to get out and about, then consider gift shopping online. Remember however that some online shops take a few weeks to deliver and you don't want to miss out on great deals because you left it too late.
• Book your beauty appointments now!  I can't stress this enough, most spas are booked a month in advance at this time if not further and you don't want to miss out!!!  And while you are there, purchase some gift vouchers, they make wonderful gifts for anyone.  A facial, a massage or a sublime relaxation retreat never goes unappreciated. Often you can order your vouchers online and have them delivered or alternatively call the spa to organise delivery over the phone.  Visit our Search a Spa section to find your nearest spa. 
• If you are entertaining you should begin cleaning the house now.  Each weekend do two rooms so it doesn't become overwhelming. Clear the clutter and vacuum the webs and before you know it your entire house is ready to receive guests and you won't ruin the day by wearing yourself out on the morning they are due.
• Spend an hour or so pampering yourself at least once a week, more if you have the time. Exfoliate, hydrate, file and polish and treat your skin to a deep cleansing skin treatment.  
• If you are travelling over Christmas we recommend purchasing a convenient travel pack with the essentials you need to look great every day.  We love  Spa Travel Essentials Kit 

Home Prep Essentials

Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser - use it once or twice a week to give your skin a gorgeous glow

Balancing Fundamental Mask - with pore cleansing clay and hydrating goodies

Silky Skin Body Scrub - eliminates dry dead cells that dull body skin and ruin a self tanning treatment.

Micro Emulsion Massage Cream - Massage it all over before hopping into the bath for your own home spa aromatherapy treatment

Dry Oil Body Moisturiser - Spray on wet skin for a deeply hydrating boost

Professional Treatments you simply "MUST HAVE"...

Spa Pedicure and Manicure - if you have short nails it only takes a month of TLC to grow them!  Regular manicures are ideal but at the very least have your hands and feet pampered and painted so they look fab in new sandals and with all that new jewellery you get at Christmas.

Body Scrub and Massage - your skin will be silky soft and deeply nourished as you get rid of all that "end of year" tension.

Balancing Facial - incredibly relaxing and your makeup will look so much better on refined and glowing skin.  Remember to include a brow tidy and lash tint!

Spray Tan - a light golden glow will make you radiate health and give you an immediate boost.

Start preparing now and you'll look your absolute best through the festive season.  You deserve it, you've worked hard and we all know that Christmas is a time of love and giving.  There is no better way to enhance that giving spirit than by giving first to yourself.

Eat your way to healthy skin!

Have you ever wondered how you can improve your skin from the inside out! By eating the right foods not only will you  improve your general health but you'll also have beautiful, healthy and younger-looking skin!

So what foods are the best for improving your skin health?

AVOCADO: Avocados are a wonder food for the skin! Avocados provide nourishment and are packed full of B-Vitamins and essential oils that are dispersed to your skin when you eat them. Avocados also contains Niacin, which works as an anti-inflammatory, helping to calm sensitive skin.

BOOST WITH: Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate for sensitive skin

COTTAGE CHEESE: Cottage Cheese is another wonder food because it's full of calcium (also good for your bones). It's also loaded with Selenium, the number one most promising nutrient in skin cancer research. Selenium is vital for your skin’s appearance and health. Selenium regulates normal cell growth, especially important for mature skin and it is a vital antioxidant in which help obliterate free radicals.

BOOST WITH: Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

MUSHROOMS: Mushrooms are essential for younger skin because they contain Riboflavin. Riboflavin is a Vitamin B supplement that repairs and sustains the skin tissue.  So mushrooms are wonderful to help heal, rejuvenate and strengthen the skin.

BOOST WITH: Pevonia Reactive Skin Care Cream to aid faster skin repair.

BLUEBERRIES: Blueberries are incredibly beneficial for younger-looking and healthier skin. Blueberries improve your skin’s appearance because they are abundant with antioxidants that help to counteract premature free radical ageing. Berries in general have some of the highest antioxidant contents in the entire food chain. Eat blueberries to fight off harmful free-radicals (found in pollution, cigarette smoke, and sun exposure), and you skin will glow with radiant health.

BOOST WITH: Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate to dose the skin with potent anti-oxidants and nourish the skin.

WALNUTS: Walnuts are amazing for all skin types. The fatty acids in walnuts slow down the skin ageing process. These fatty acids help to re-build healthy cell membranes, which provides more protection against harmful toxins or free-radicals entering the skin cells. By helping to support strong skin cell membranes, these fatty acids also create better through-ways for essential nutrients that your skins needs to maintain its vibrancy. A stronger membrane will also hold more water, allowing your skin to retain more moisture for longer periods of time.

BOOST WITH: Pevonia Age-Defying Marine Collagen Cream to help boost moisture levels in dry or dehydrated skin

And last but not least, in order to maintain healthy skin and a younger-looking appearance, do not forget to drink water!

For more information on Pevonia Botanica products and treatments visit our website on http://www.pevonia.com.au/

Skin Care through the ages - 30's, 40's, 50's & 60's...

With so many "anti-aging" products on the market it can become very confusing when searching for the best products for your skin. Ceramides, Liposomes, Anti-Oxidants...does your skin need all of these things? 

In this article we attempt to de-mystify the abundance of information by addressing what is MOST IMPORTANT for your skin depending on your age.

thirties

It's sad but true, skin ageing really begins at 30.  Particularly when you've exposed yourself to the sun. Fine lines develop as Collagen and Elastin start to break down, and our delicate skin under the eyes begins to thin. Skin generally becomes drier, quicker. Broken veins may start to show up as tiny red dots, and towards the end of this decade, age spots and brown pigmentation marks, or 'sun spots', may appear. Under-eye puffiness may become a problem, taking longer to subside after you wake.  Arrghhh! you may say, but don't panic, there is a lot you can do to halt the ageing process...

What you need: Moisturisers with sun protection.

• Hydrating moisturizer such as Pevonia Collagen Cream
• SPF 15+ day protection such as Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen
• Eye cream or cream/gel such as Pevonia Evolutive Eye Gel

forties

Deeper lines begin to etch around the mouth and eyes, furrows appear on the forehead and circles under the eyes may grow into pouches. Most women's skin becomes noticeably drier. In the run-up to the menopause, and during this phase, skin may also become more sensitive. What's more, skin loses its resilience due to a breakdown of Elastin and Collagen.

What you need: Your daily regime should embrace products that offer specific benefits to counteract skin problems such as: sensitivity, hyper-pigmentation, anti-aging

• Lip and eye care products such as Pevonia Youthful Lip Cream and Evolutive Eye Cream
• Hydrating moisturizer with Elastin such as Pevonia Marine Elastin Cream
• Soothing serum to protect capillaries such as Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate

fifties

By now, skin starts to acquire true 'character' in the form of fine wrinkles, and the lines you develop in your fifties and sixties may deepen into folds. This is because, post-menopausally, there's much less oestrogen being produced and without oestrogen, skin becomes thinner and more fragile. It is also less able to retain moisture and the production of collagen and elastin slows down significantly. In the fifties, skin tone is also likely to become more uneven, with an increasing number of 'sun spots'

What you need: Products that minimize the appearance of lines, contain phyto-estrogens and protect the skin from the sun or even fade sunspots.

• De-aging products such as Pevonia Caviar Line or Lumafirm Line
• Products with phyto-estrogens such as Pevonia RS2 Line
• Products rich in collagen and elastin such as Pevonia Power Repair Line
• Sun protection and pigment fading products such as Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen and Pevonia Lightening Gel

sixties

Dryness. Your skin has a hard time retaining moisture and natural oil production slows down. Dullness. Cell turnover continues to slow - a process that started in your forties. Dark spots. Between the lack of oil, the loss of collagen and elastin, and the dryness, dark spots can really start to stand out. Actinic keratoses. Areas of scaly roughness often seen on fair-skinned women that can be a precursor to skin cancer.

What you need: Products that minimize the appearance of lines with a stronger emphasis on exfoliation.

• De-aging products such as Pevonia Caviar Line or Lumafirm Line
• Exfoliating products with aha’s such as Pevonia Glycocides Cream
• Products rich in collagen and elastin such as Pevonia Power Repair Line
• Sun protection and pigment fading products such as Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen and Pevonia Lightening Gel

To find out more about Pevonia Products and Professional Treatments visit http://www.pevonia.com.au/

Skin & Body Care - the questions everyone wants to know

A very big thanks for all the great questions for our blog. Over time we'll answer all of them! In the meantime we asked Pevonia Australasia's Director of Education & Marketing, Liane Scior to shed light on some of the questions that everyone wants to know...

SKINCARE

Why do I need a different moisturiser for day and night?

"The skin has different needs in the day to those of the evening when you are sleeping. During the day your skin is exposed to pollution, UV rays and the elements. You may wear makeup, be in air conditioning all day, all these things affect the skin. So during the day your moisturiser might have a higher level of anti-oxidants to help quench free radicals, sun protection to deflect UV damage and moisture binding ingredients to keep the skin well hydrated. In the evening however, your basal cell regeneration is higher so rejuvenating and repairing ingredients work more effectively, ingredients such as Retinol from Vitamin A will be more effective in the evening when you are resting. Some ingredients may make your skin sun sensitive; acne preparations, lightening ingredients and even botanical bases with essential oils, these should be used in the evening too. In a nutshell the rule of thumb is in the day; protect in the evening; correct and repair."

We recommend: For daytime: "C" Evolutive Eye Gel & Hydrating Sunscreen with Anti-oxidants for face and body and for the Evening: Evolutive Eye Cream and Power Repair Line

What’s the difference between a face mist and toner?

"A mist is generally a hydrating spritz that contains moisture binding ingredients such as hyaluronic whereas a toner or lotion is wiped on the skin to aid in the removal of water soluble pollutants and complete the cleansing process."

We recommend: Phyto-Aromatic Mist

How can you temporarily zap pimples?

"Most pimple preparations contain ingredients such as peroxides which oxygenate the skin, ideal as bacteria cannot survive in oxygen, however many are drying so organic peroxides are now the preferred choice. Anything which helps to reduce inflammation is helpful, the quickest way to reduce a red and angry pimple is by rubbing ice over the area and keeping the skin clean."

We recommend: Clarifyl Spot Treatment

Why does my skin feel taut after cleansing?

"If your skin feels tight and taut after cleansing then your skin's pH is too alkaline, in other words your skin is dehydrated. There are a number of factors that contribute; excessive sweating, medications, low fat diet to name a few, but the most common is dryness associated with cosmetic products that are too harsh or agressive for your skin. Sometimes using a lotion can help to restore the pH of the skin however it is better to switch to a mild cleanser and use it sparingly."

We recommend: Hydrating Cleanser and Hydrating Lotion

How do you get rid of open pores?

"Open pores are a manifestation of an oily skin and the best way to treat them is to address the oiliness first. Skin care preparations that contain oil gland sedating essential oils such as grapefruit can help and the addition of tiny micro-sponges in products helps to absorb the oil before it builds up in the pores. Regular gentle exfoliation and maintaining a healthy moisture level in the skin will also help refine the texture. One of the most beneficial ingredients for refining open pored skin is a marine DNA ingredient that helps to swell the opening making it appear much smaller. "

We recommend: Pevonia Power Repair Line DNA

BODY CARE

What products should I use to get rid of dry elbows and knees?

"The skin on your elbows and knees becomes course and dry due to friction; the constant pressure on these areas stimulates a build up dry dead skin cells. We are often told to loofah these areas but unfortunately too much of this can exaccerbate the problem as it creates additional friction. Its the skin's protective mechanism to thicken on these areas. The best ingredients for softening these areas are alpha and beta hydroxy acids which gently exfoliate on a daily basis."

We recommend: Preserve Body Moisturiser with AHA's

I have dry skin, but find body butters to thick, what’s the alternative?

"Regular exfoliation followed by more hydrating formula's tend to work more effectively as the penetrate the skin more easily."

We recommend: Silky Skin Body Scrub followed by Dry Oil Body Moisturiser

How do I prevent ingrown hairs?

"Regular use of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to reduce the cell build up around and over the hair is the best method. Be careful not to "over loofah" the area as it will actually toughen and thicken the skin exaccerbating the problem."

How often should I exfoliate my body?

"A good exfoliation once a week is ample paying close attention to trouble areas such as the knees, elbows and feet."

What’s best for my skin, soap or shower gel?

"Shower gels are generally more hydrating but some "over counter" preparations may have drying ingredients. The best products for cleansing the body are those free of sodium lauryl sulphate, alcohol and artificial perfume. A shower gel that uses a natural lathering ingredients such as soapwort or saponaria will always be the best option for keeping skin supple and soft, these can even be used on baby skin."

We recommend: Anti-Stress Bath and Shower Gel

Youthful Eye Contours

One of the things you may not know about Pevonia products is that they are based on dermatological science and are all dermatologically tested. Which means they not only feel and smell great but are formulated to achieve visible results.

How do they do that? Well, simply put, the ingredients are selected based on the innate self healing properties ie: the Ginkgo Biloba in the Evolutive Eye Gel increases the circulation around the eye area helping to reduce fluid stagnation and iron build up that leads to dark circles. So it's not just a "cooling" eye gel, it actually treats the condition.

When you use the Pevonia Eye Care line you are treating the problem, which is why these products have a cult following. This line effectively treats a range of eye conditions because it is based on science. Furthermore, all of the Pevonia Eye Care Products are opthalmically tested so even the most sensitive eyes will find them gentle and effective. Even contact lens wearers rave about these products.

In this article we explain the cause of the most common eye contour problems and how Pevonia Eye Care line can help alleviate these conditions.

A little Eye Care Education...

Wrinkles and Crepiness - Many muscles of the eye have to move in order to achieve the opening and closing of the eye lids and the facial expressions. The skin around the eye area responds to every little movement resulting in the formation of wrinkles and crows feet. As the elastic fibres are very sparse this leads to crepiness of the eye lids. Did you realise the Elastin you are born with around the eye area is all you'll ever have? Your body won't continue to produce elastin in this area of the face so we recommend protecting this area with gentle TLC to help maintain it! Decrease in muscle tone causes heavy gravity resulting in the eye lids drooping which in turn contributes to even more aging signs and wrinkles.

The major factor contributing to the breakdown of elastin and collagen around the eye area apart from expression is free radical damage from the sun.

Pevonia Solution:

Evolutive Eye Line - Ligne YeuxEyes and Lips
This rich, non-greasy triphase homogenized formula firms and tighten the area around your eyes helping to protect and maintain your own elastin. Rich in squalane oil from olives and very similar to our skin's own oils and anti-oxidant Vitamins A, E and Chitosan Ascorbate this treatment cream protects and repairs the delicate eye contours while firming.

Puffiness or Bagginess - A puffy look of the lids is due to fluid stagnation or edema, the extra-cellular spaces will be filled with excess fluids. These excess fluids in normal conditions are automatically re-absorbed by the lymphatic capillaries easing the puffy look. When this natural phenomenon slows down due to health, aging, diet or lack of care the lids will look puffy and stay puffy. When eye lid puffiness persists it could lead to cellular nutritional deficiency of the cells in the eye area. The quicker the stagnation is dealt with, the better it is for the condition of the eye lids.

Dark Circles - Because of the thinness of the skin all colours are exaggerated and more visible. A lot of factors contribute to dark circles; melanin pigment, blood colour, sluggish circulation, proliferation of blood vessels, edemas, allergies, chronic swelling causing the tissue to become darker, chronic exposure to sunlight, stress, lack of sleep and fatigue, chronic illness and disease and most of all an insoluble storage from iron called Hemosiderin that lingers and tints the blood a purplish colour.

Pevonia Solution:

Pevonia Evolutive Eye Gel. This wonder product contains high-tech time-release sphérulites which deliver decongesting benefits to your delicate eye zone throughout the day. Rich in anti-oxidant Vitamin C, moisture binding Hyaluronic Acid, and Ginkgo Biloba a superior circulatory aid this gel reduces dark circles and puffiness.

So you see that not only do these products condition and smooth the skin around the eye area, they treat and repair as well effectively "halting" the skin ageing process.

Another area that suffers much abuse due to constant movement is the lip contour, fine lines begin to develop as the support structures break down, skin cells become mature and less healthy leading to fine lines and atrophy. Maintaining the skin around the lip area is as important as the eye contours if you want to stay youthful!

Pevonia Solution:

Youthful Lip Cream combines the repairing effects of Retinol which helps to rejuvenate skin cells with regenerating Collagen and Elastin, to smooth lines, hydrate, prevent wrinkles, and even coloring. Your lips are rendered smoothly toned and lusciously rejuvenated.

SPECIAL IN-SPA OFFER FOR AUGUST 2011
When you purchase Pevonia Evolutive Eye Cream you receive a FREE Travel Size Youthful Lip Cream.

See our Search-A-Spa section on www.pevonia.com.au for your nearest supplier

Winterizing your Skin

With colder weather here what steps can you take to upgrade your skincare routine in order to avoid dryness, sensitivity, and irritation? Here are 6 helpful tips to protect our skin from the changing seasons.

1. Buy a creamier cleanser. Though foaming cleansers are great in the summer to remove sweat, oil residues, and skin debris, creamier cleansers have more nourishing agents that remove less of the essential lipids (oils) in your skin. I suggest Pevonia’s Hydrating Cleanser and Hydrating Lotion for the winter, regardless of your skin type, because it has Collagen, Elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid that plump up your cells with moisture.

2. Exfoliate once a week, followed by a hydrating cream. Dead skin cells tend to stick together a lot more as skin gets drier in the autumn and winter. Exfoliate using a gentle enzyme cream (Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream), rather than an exfoliating (granular) cleanser if you are starting to get sensitive. Follow with a generous amount of a Sensitive Skin Cream or Rosacea Cream, even if you do not have that skin type. You can resume your normal skincare routine and products the following day.

3. Add an Aromatherapy Face Massage once a week at night to nourish your depleted, tired skin. Hazelnut oil and Vitamin E are 2 beautiful lipids (oils) that are great for nourishing cell membranes, regardless of your skin type. Pevonia has 3 different Aromatherapy Face Oil Blends with a Hazelnut and Vitamin E base you can use at night for a true, rejuvenating spa massage experience at home. It is like nutrition for your skin. Your skin will thank you for it and you will sleep better, too!


4. Cream. Cream. Cream. You can apply more product than normal. Most people are unaware of the dehydration that occurs to skin when taking anti-histamines and allergy medications so common during this time of year. If you ARE taking these, you can double up on the amount of care cream you use. Don’t be shy.

5. Avoid prolonged, hot showers. I know it feels so good, but hot water can increase pruritis (itching) and dry your skin out as well. Try to start your shower with hot water while decreasing the temperature and move up to warm water half way through. You should end up with tepid or neutral water temperature towards the end of your shower experience. This is so much better for your skin. Also, be sure to avoid rubbing your face with your bath towel. Pat drying works best. Leave some moisture on your skin before applying product.

6. Bundle up with clothes. Lower the heat. Heating elements and units cranked up in the cooler nights can rob the environment and your skin of moisture. Use these in moderation. Use more blankets, pull out the PJ’s and enjoy more cuddling to stay warm.