Fresh And Fruity Facials

As Good For The Outside As The Inside!

Spa treatments that incorporate food have gained popularity over the years. In this article, we are going to discuss “Fresh And Fruity Facials” that are great for your skin. This isn’t just hype, there are certain elements in food have proved beneficial for the skin. Calcium, for example, is found in apples, bananas, dairy products, and nuts, and has been known to improve bone and teeth development, as well as promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. When applied topically, foods containing calcium hydrate and nourish dry, flaky skin. Another element, zinc, found in caviar, nuts, cocoa powder, and dairy products is useful in anti-aging and tissue rejuvenation treatments. I have often recommended zinc to my clients who have undergone surgery in order for their skin to heal faster. Ingredients like cocoa powder, bananas, wheat, nuts, and ginger include potassium that helps with muscle function and metabolism. When these foods are applied to the skin, they alleviate dryness and enhance elasticity.

Your skin is the body’s largest respirator. It’s a fragile, protective barrier that wards off disease, prevents infection, protects internal organs and releases toxins. Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the elements.

What can protect the skin from chemicals, pollution, bacteria, impurities and the harmful rays of the sun that contribute to premature aging? You may not be surprised to hear, that it is what you consume and what you put on your skin that makes the difference.

We all purchase sunscreen, sunglasses and cover-ups and hats to protect our skin from the summer sun, but research shows that some of the most effective combatants in the battle against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can be found in the produce section at the local grocery store, or local spa.

It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables are important for good health. According to the National Cancer Institute, eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day can reduce the risk of cancer. Several national health organizations concur with those recommendations for the prevention of heart disease and other illnesses.

A less well-known fact, however, is that summer fruits like peaches, nectarines and plums also have phytochemicals that are important for healthy skin.

A study from the University of California-Davis showed peaches, nectarines and plums are good sources of several phytochemicals which act as antioxidants. These compounds are critical in maintaining healthy skin. Antioxidants are substances that protect the body by capturing free radicals and eliminating them. Free radicals cause cell damage and can contribute to aging.

Here’s how antioxidants work to protect the skin. People experience two types of aging: intrinsic aging, which is mainly affected by genetics and lifestyle; and photoaging, which refers to skin changes resulting from exposure to UV rays.

Aging happens when there is an imbalance of pro-oxidants, free radicals, and antioxidants in the skin’s cells. The sun’s UV rays can accelerate free radical production while at the same time depleting antioxidants. Photoaging happens when damage from UV rays affects skin cell function, usually reflected in rougher, drier, wrinkled and less elastic skin.

Antioxidants protect skin cells by counteracting free radical activity. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, carotenoids, which are orange or red-colored substances found in many fruits, and provitamin A/beta-carotene is the most notable.

Beyond Organic

The articles that follow will show you spa treatments, home recipes, and products that will bring out the very best in your skin and provide you with greater protection from the elements as well as keep your skin younger-looking longer.

Fruits help you to put your best Face forward!

Apple Facials

An Apple A Day In 2 Different Ways – Apples & Chinese Apples (Pomegranates)

The next time you are at your favorite spa, you may decide to eat the apple from the fruit bowl and have it applied to your skin as well. Spas that use these incredible fruits in their facials or body masks already know the benefits of these wonderful fruits. Apples have been known to keep the doctor away, now it may also keep plastic surgeons away. Apples contain malic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid, which gently sloughs away surface dead skin cells.

Chinese Apples known as Pomegranates are rich in Polyphenol, Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich.

The Green Apple Day Spa, South Daytona, FL features apples in their Fruit and Vegetable Anti-oxidant renewal. A great first time facial/anti-aging, this facial uses only organic ingredients, the skin is encouraged to gently exfoliate using this edible anti-oxidant apple cocktail.

While the Elements Day Spa, in Memphis, TN, features the fruit acids of apples in their Earth Facial to tighten the pores and refine the skin. Their AHA Fruit Pulp Treatment exfoliates the dead skin and refines and stimulates cell renewal.

Beyond vitamin C, superfoods like pomegranate have popped up on the radar as a source for providing significant changes in the skin. Pomegranate and Cranberry remove even the most stubborn of dry skin. In the Le Mani Day Spa, Winchester, MA Body Wrap treatment, they begin by choosing an exfoliation specifically suited to your skin type. Next, a gentle polish refines, and buffs away dead skin cells to uncover beautiful smooth skin. This is followed by a deeply intense hydrating body butter ideal for healing dry chapped skin.

Home Recipe:

Apple A Day Facial

Ingredients: 1 Small Apple, Water

In the blender, mix half of a small peeled apple with a tiny amount of water until smooth. Apply the pulpy liquid with a cotton ball to your face, throat and chest. Allow to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Apples contain malic acid, a mild alpha-hydroxy acid that sloughs off the surface layer of dead skin cells.

Apple Product: Pear & Green Apple Sugar Scrub, Eminence Organic Skin Care Hydrating Skin Polisher for the body

Benefits:
• Helps to refine and smooth the epidermis
• Helps to exfoliate and deeply hydrate
• Helps to increase micro-circulation
• Supplies great nutrition to the epidermis

Pomegranate Product

Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15, Murad has created a full range of products that utilize the power of pomegranate, including supplements that are meant to increase the efficacy of sunscreen by 25 percent.

Radiance, Sequencexo Purity of Life.

Drink away fine lines and wrinkles with a delicious citrus berry phyto-nutrient beverage. This beverage makes it easy to enhance the natural beauty of your skin, hair, and nails. Before or during your spa treatment, why not improve your skin’s quality, structure, and appearance from within. A perfect blend of antioxidants and amino acids, Radiance helps to fight and restore the damaging effects of free radicals. Radiance contains Pomegranate extract and is available at only the best spas.

Banana Facials

Yes! We Have Some Bananas

Bananas not only make great skin hydration, they also can improve the health and natural elasticity of your hair. These tropical fruits lubricate the hair, leaving it feeling soft and more manageable. Bananas are also rich in potassium, which strengthens the hair, making it the perfect remedy for all the damage inflicted by processing treatments like coloring and straightening.

The spa treatment Ali’i Banana Coconut Scrub, at the Spa at Manele, at the Manele Bay Hotel, Lanai City, Hawaii tops the list. Skin-smoothing banana and coconut are blended with sea salt to exfoliate and revitalize body skin.

Banana Moisturizing Mask

Home Recipe:

Banana Moisturizing Mask for After Sunning

Ingredients: 1 mashed ripe banana, 2 teaspoons jojoba oil

Mash banana together with jojoba oil so that it forms a creamy paste. Spread a thin layer onto face and neck and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Wipe it off using a warm, wet washcloth; rinse away any remaining residue. Sprits with green tea toner follow with your favorite moisturizer.

While this beauty mask can be used at any time to protect dry, flaky skin, it’s perfect for a sunburned or wind-burned face after a day on the dunes – or on the slopes. The banana acts as a protective barrier for damaged skin, shielding it from further oxidation and allowing it to heal. This is a surprisingly rich mask, so it’s not recommended for oily skin types.

Avocado Banana Moisture Mask

Avocado Banana Moisture Mask, Juara Skincare

Rich in Vitamins B6, A and F, as well as a variety of fortifying minerals, bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available. When applied topically, bananas have been shown to help maintain the skin’s moisture level, making it an excellent ingredient to hydrate all skin types.

Pumpkin Facials

Pumpkin Patch Peels

Pumpkins are good for more than pies; they are filled with antioxidants, vitamins A and C. In addition, pumpkins contain enzymes that, when applied to the skin, loosen the bonds that keep dead tissue cells clinging to the surface of our skin. Pumpkin peels not only banishes dull outer cells but also delivers a burst of anti-aging and hydrating botanicals, leaving skin smooth and radiant.

Carve years off of your face with Pumpkin peels at these fine spas: Yelka Day Spa, Los Altos, CA, diminishes fine lines and reveals silky, smoother, more radiant skin, with their Pumpkin Pie Refining Peel. Natural pumpkin pulp extract with glycolic and lactic acids work in synergy to loosen dead skin cells and keep pores clear. A pie in the face never felt or looked so good before.

For those wanting to carve years off their body, the Cloud Nine Salon & Spa at the Grace Inn offers a total body pumpkin indulgence. The Head 2 Toe Pumpkin Peel offers full-body pumpkin peel and massage improves circulation and results in nourished, hydrated skin.

Pumpkin Face Mask & Peel

Home Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 miniature pumpkin, 4 pineapple chunks, 1 tablespoon finely powdered oats, 1 tablespoon finely powdered almonds, 1 teaspoon milk, 1 teaspoon honey.

Use a very sharp knife to cut the pumpkin, and be extremely careful as the peel is very hard and you could easily cut yourself if you are not cautious! Next, use the sharp knife to core the miniature pumpkin by cutting around the stem. Remove the stem and slice the pumpkin on a cutting board, loosely following the lines on the pumpkin peel. Cut about 6-8 pieces. Place pumpkin pieces (including seeds and strings) in a microwave-safe dish with about 1/4 cup of water.

Microwave for about 2 minutes, or until the flesh is soft. Remove from microwave and cool for a few minutes. Cut pumpkin peel from around flesh and discard peel. Place pumpkin flesh, seeds, and strings into a small food processor with pineapple and process for about a minute until smooth. Add oats, almonds, milk, and honey in that order, processing a bit after each. The texture of Pumpkin Face Mask & Peel should be rich and smooth, and just slightly grainy from the almonds. To use, apply a layer to clean and toned face and neck skin. Sit back and rest for 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and follow with moisturizer

Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, Eminence Organic Skin Care
Retail 5% Peel Refining and Collagen Boosting

Benefits:
• Exfoliates skin without irritation
• Infuses the skin with active vitamins and bioflavonoids
• Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin
• Wrinkle depth is reduced and fine lines faded
• Stimulates collagen production
• Refines and evens skin tone and assists with hyper pigmentation
• Antioxidant and age-defying benefits

Berry Facials

Berry, Berry, Good! – Strawberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, Cherries

Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center have ranked blueberries #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Blueberries are associated with numerous health benefits including protection against urinary tract infections, cancer, age-related health conditions and brain damage from strokes. Additionally, blueberries contain vitamins A and C, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium, and are high in fiber and low in calories.

Cranberries are well-known for their usefulness in treating urinary tract infections, in addition, cranberries also protect against cancer, stroke and heart disease.

Strawberries came in second to blueberries in the USDA’s analysis of the antioxidant capacity of 40 fruits and vegetables. Strawberries are also high in folic acid, dietary fiber, and potassium.

Raspberries are rich in anthocyanins and cancer-fighting phytochemicals such as ellagic, coumaric and ferulic acid.

The Cliff House Resort & Spa, Ogunquit, ME, features Maine Blueberries in one of their most popular treatments. The Blueberry Body Wrap uses the power of blueberries combined with the riches of the ocean to eliminate skin impurities and stimulate the metabolism. An algae wrap, infused with organic Maine blueberries, soothes dry, stressed skin on all parts of the body. A face and scalp massage using pure blueberry essence will transport you to Nirvana as you lie swathed in warm blankets.

The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, MI, has Cherries Galore. Cherries are a powerful antioxidant in their purest forms, and spa treatments are combining delicious Cherry Kiss lip treatment, Cherry Honey Glow body treatment, Cherries and Crème Bath, and even Cherry Essence Massage to soothe and cleanse your skin. Cherry Pulp is used for facials and treatments, while cherry scrubs abound for exfoliation and skin refreshment.

Blueberry Lemon Face Mask

Home Recipe:

Blueberry Lemon Face Mask

Ingredients: 4 tablespoons fresh blueberries, 3 teaspoons powdered oats, 1 teaspoon finely ground almonds, 2 teaspoons distilled water, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 drop lemon essential oil.

Nothing could be easier — put everything except the essential oil into a small food processor and process until combined evenly. Transfer to a bowl and add the essential oil. Stir to mix. To use, apply to freshly cleansed skin using upward sweeping motions to spread an even paste over the skin’s surface.

Introducing the New “Blueberry Bliss” Collection from Eminence
Everyone is craving blueberries this summer, and Eminence satisfies this hunger with their new scrumptious Blueberry Bliss Collection!

Seven new products for face and body come together in enticing treatments for face, body, hands, and feet:
• Blueberry Soy Repair Masque
• Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream
• Soy Blueberry Body Wash
• Blueberry Soy Sugar Scrub
• Blueberry Soy Slimming Body Wrap
• Blueberry Soy Massage Soufflé
• Blueberry Bliss Tea

Pineapples Facials

Tropical Treats – Pineapples, Papaya, Mangoes, Coconuts

Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which is one of the best exfoliators around, and enzymes derived from pineapple also help loosen dead skin cells, resulting in a soft, glowing and smooth complexion.

If you like Papaya, Pineapple, and Ginger, the facial, of the same name, at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, HI, is made to order for you. In addition to the traditional deep cleansing, there’s also a gentle papaya, pineapple and grapeseed scrub rids skin of dead skin cells, followed by a green-tea-and-ginger mud mask. These antioxidant-rich ingredients replace vital vitamins and minerals to replenish and soften the skin.

Mango’s natural fruit enzymes help rejuvenate, restore and replenish the skin, Fruit extracts have wonderful hydrating properties and are rich in nutrients like vitamin A, which is great for the skin. The ANARA Body Polish at the ANARA Spa at the Hyatt Regency Kauai in Koloa, HI, uses the spa’s signature line of mango and coconut products to give you a hydrating scrub topped off with an after-bath mist that leaves your skin smelling of the tropics.

Papaya Strawberry Antioxidant Mask

Home Recipe:

Papaya Strawberry Antioxidant Mask

Ingredients: 1/2 ripe papaya, 4 strawberries, 1 tablespoon rolled oats, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.

Grind rolled oats in a coffee grinder or small food processor until powdered. Set aside. Cube papaya and strawberries and process in a small food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside. Warm honey gently until it flows freely; do not boil it. In a small bowl, combine all of the prepared ingredients and mix well. To use, apply mixture to face and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and follow with moisturizer.

Green Papaya Nutrient Mask

Green Papaya Nutrient Mask, Astara Bio-Genic Skincare

A heady blend of exotic fruit, tree, and herb extracts combine with antioxidative vitamins to nourish, resurface, soothe, polish, and hydrate the skin while calming the nerves and senses. Papaya Nutrient Mask is a delightful, uplifting aromatherapeutic treatment suitable for all skin types.

Peach Facials

Just Peachy!

Everyone wants that peaches and crème complexion. Epidavros Day Spa, Mount Kisco, NY, wants you to relax and take a pampering break this summer with their Peach menu featuring the Peach Moisturizing Facial Masque and Very Peachy Body Wrap. Your complexion will be very peachy after this refreshing treatment Peach Pulp & Juice, high in Vitamin C and beta carotene, and honey, moisturizing and soothing, will leave your skin smooth, firmed and revitalized with a healthy luster. The wrap treatment starts with a light, creamy cornmeal scrub to slough away dead skin cells, then covers you top to bottom with a moisturizing and refreshing peach, honey and antioxidant booster mixture Your skin is left firm and radiant.

High in calcium and beta carotene, Carmichael Inn & Spa features the Peach Dew Body Masque, this moisturizing and enriching treatment restores the skin leaving a natural, healthy luster.

Just Peachy Facial Mask

Home Recipe:

Just Peachy Facial Mask (normal Skin)

Ingredients: 1 medium peach, 1 tablespoon honey, oatmeal

Cook peach until its soft, mash with a fork, add honey and oatmeal until it’s a thick consistency. Apply to skin. Let sit for 10 minutes, rinse well with cool water.

Peach Moisturizing Masque

Eminence Organic Skin Care

Benefits: Intense Moisturizing Masque. This masque is packed with vitamins A, C, B, and E, and rich with bioflavonoids making this mask extremely hydrating and rejuvenating. Clients will experience a revitalized and smooth complexion, and during the treatment enjoy the relaxing aromatherapy benefits of the natural aroma oils.

Orange Facials

Orange You Glad You’re in Florida!

It is no surprise that Florida takes the lead when it comes to spas that feature the power of Orange. In Florida, the famous saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away has been transformed into a citrus-infused spa treatment each day will keep stress at bay. Several of Orlando’s top spas offer pampering services that make good use of Florida’s native fruit.

The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club offers several citrus-inspired treatments. A Citrus Zest Facial cleanses and hydrates with citrus oils to repair sun-exposed skin and a Citrus Zest Sugar Body Scrub which combines essential oils of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and lemon with raw sugar for an effective body treatment that buffs skin and increases.

Florida citrus meets Italian ambiance in the Tuscan Citrus Cure, offered at The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Grande Lakes Orlando. The experience begins with a citrus scrub, followed by a zesty lime shower. Then you are indulged with an aromatic massage featuring lemon, green mandarin, and bergamot to awaken the senses. End your experience with a soak in a citrus mixture followed by a sweet orange body wrap to hydrate your skin. The citrus oils neutralize free radicals and renew skin, leaving hands and feet smooth and relaxed.

In a tribute to old Florida, the spa at Rosen Shingle Creek offers a menu of citrus and cedar inspired treatments. The Creekside Citrus and Cedar Body Revitalizer combine a body and scalp signature massage with white cedar, spruce and lime oil for an unforgettable experience. The Creekside Citrus and Cedar Body Revitalizer begins with a light citrus and cedar sugar scrub and ends with the application of orange shea butter and citrus body sprits leaving your body hydrated and revitalized.

Home Recipe:

Rejuvenating Orange Mask

Ingredients: 1tsp. Freshly Grated Orange Rind, 1 Tbs. Orange Juice, 1 tsp. Honey, 2 Tbs. Yogurt

In a small bowl, mix the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange rind, and yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and neck and let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Your skin will be revitalized and silky smooth!

Citrus Night Time Reversal

Zia Natural Skincare

Overnight repair for dry or aging skin

Reverse roughness and environmental damage while you sleep. This potent overnight treatment uses four natural alpha-hydroxy acids to clear pores and diminish signs of aging. Citrus Night Time Reversal contains red wine, buttermilk, sugar cane, and whole citrus concentrate to promote new cell production while helping minimize lines, sunspots and enlarged pores.

Avocado Facials

Don’t Forget the Vegetables

Avocados have anti-aging properties for the skin and are effective for moisturizing. Avocado is naturally low in saturated fat and will not clog skins pores and avocado oil is the closest match to oils that our skin produces naturally. Avocado oil is highly therapeutic for dry skin and eczema because it is a penetrating substance with Vitamins A, B1, B2, E, pantothenic acid, lecithin, and fatty acids. All of the avocado contains skin-soothing nutrients; make it an effective topical moisturizer.

The Fallbrook Wellness Spa, Fallbrook, CA, features their Anti-oxidant Avocado Facial. This facial is especially suited to those with sensitive, sun-damaged or dry skin. They use fresh local avocados and avocado oil, which contain high amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E to soothe the skin and protect it from free radical damage. Avocado has anti-aging properties for the skin and is effective for moisturizing. Avocado is naturally low in saturated fat and will not clog skins pores. Avocado oil is the oil closest to what our skin produces naturally.

Home Recipe:

Avocado Face Mask

Ingredients: 1tsp. 1/2 an avocado (mashed), 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice.

Slice and pit the avocado. Sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the half you won’t use and put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator so you can use it later (within a day). Mash the half for the mask and add mayonnaise. Stir the two ingredients together in a bowl until they make a smooth combination. Add the lemon juice and stir. If your skin is normal or oily, add more lemon juice for added astringency. Spread evenly on clean, damp face and leave for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Tone and moisturize as usual.

Summer Time Body Butter ~ Cocoa Butter & Avocado Butter, Fitness Chi Natural Skin Care Line

Avocado Butter Is very rich in vitamins A and D. Also includes nutrients: vitamins B1, B2 and E, pantothenic acid, lecithin and fatty acids. This oil contains unsaponifiable substance which has many healing benefits, including softening hardened tissues that have lost their elasticity as well as accelerating the wound-healing process.

Tips & Tricks for Maximum Fresh And Fruity Facials Benefits:

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• Always do a skin patch test on your arm to make sure you will have no adverse reactions before applying to your face.
• When selecting fresh fruit and veggies, it is best to use organically grown varieties. This will give you maximum benefits.
• Fruit and veggie skin care is best used when prepared and applied on the same day. Avoid making more than you need for a single application.
• Make sure you clean and sanitize all counter tops and mixing utensils before making any of the recipes.
• Leave all ingredients out of the fridge for up to an hour before mixing. Don’t let the fruits get any warmer than room temperature.
• Fresh fruits and veggies are very high in acids. Be careful not to overdo it. If you apply anything to your skin and encounter a burning sensation, remove immediately and apply cool water.

Note: If you are under the care of a dermatologist and on acne medications, please consult with your physician before any treatment.

Summer is in full season now, and so are the summer fruits. No matter how you decide to enjoy them, take a look at the spas in your area and locate one which highlights the summer fruits and vegetables from your part of the country.

Enjoy all of these Spavelous Fresh and Fruit Filled Spa treatments at a spa near you.

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