Naomi's bodykör Blog

Do you find yourself leaned up against a corner trying to satisfy that itch in the middle of your back, much like a bear does on a tree? Or do you feel as if even after a hot steamy shower, within an hour your skin is back to feeling dry and scaly? For me, I call all of this The Winter Itchy and Scratchy Show which essentially is a season of constant itching and mild (or for some) extreme discomfort. If only we can all go to a spa everyday….BUT there is a great remedy that may help!

Spa facial treatments usually include an intense steam treatment directed at your face at some point in the procedure. This works to both open your pours and hydrate your skin, prepping it for pour treatment.

You can give your skin a similar boost of moisture therapy at home by using a humidifier. Depending on the amount of moisture normally in your environment (which in some areas changes dramatically depending on the season), you may benefit from using a humidifier set on low in your bedroom. We spend more time in the bedroom on average than any other room, yet they are often the driest room in the house due to low air circulation. Be sure to try the humidifier out first to determine it’s noise level. Though you may find the hum soothing, some units can be quite loud.

Your skin is constantly shedding skin cells. Adequate air moisture allows new skin cells to have accessible hydration, giving them a healthy start, and keeping you looking your best.

TIP: Experiment using drops of your favorite scented oil in the humidifier water for an enjoyable aromatherapy experience!

Ahh the holidays are over and it’s that time of year where many of us are putting our bodies back in check. Translation:  Get back on that treadmill.

How many miles does it take to burn all of those sugar cookies and egg nog? A lot, which is why so many people this time of year are hitting the gym more often.  Great news for you and keep it up.

BUT, be sure to be prepared for your skin to protest your high impact, sweat til you drop mantra. You may notice more breakouts that include sudden acne, redness and for some; inflammation. And this may occur not only on your face but dare we say, other areas of that precious body of yours. So, here are a few tips to help you while you chisel away those calories from grandma’s Christmas Apple Pie:

1)   We’ve said it many times before, but we’ll say it again..drink water. More than usual, especially if you are really working out hard. Our bodies lose hydration as our workouts get more intense. Your skin needs extra hydration so drink up!

2)   Be sure to wear breathable, workout friendly clothing. Clothing that specializes in channeling perspiration away from the body is ideal such as moisture-wicking work out gear.

3)   Shower as soon as you can after that power work out. Many of us work out at a gym so shower there if at all possible.

4)   Stick to your skin care routine. Don’t run out and try something new because you notice you have sudden acne after your NEW work out regiment has gone into high gear. Stick to what you do but hopefully it already includes cleansing with a mild soap and moisturizing at minimum. A gentle exfoliation is key to preventing sweat breakouts as well.

5)   Lastly, keep it all up. A lot of us give up our new year’s resolutions by February. Stick with it, whatever it is. A happier you can mean a healthier you.

Happy New Year!

For many of you, Halloween wouldn’t be complete without piling on several layers of thick make up. Whether you are going for the ghoulish costume or just make up to add to the festivities of dressing up, either way your skin will go through a work out.

You may want to be aware of some potential skin issues that may develop after Halloween. First, Halloween make up is often made up of vastly different ingredients than your typical everyday make up. Especially the bright colors such as purple, orange and green as they contain minerals that can irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction. We recommend doing a patch test on your forearm and wait a few hours.

Second, Halloween make up tend to be based in grease-paint foundation which although gives great coverage for that creepy look you may be going for, it can clog your pours. Especially when you combine this with perspiration! (For those acne prone or oily skin types, avoid grease paint make up altogether).

Be sure to gently cleanse after that fun costume party and give your skin some extra hydration and rest. Enjoy the ghouls!

The summer has come and gone and your skin may be needing some extra TLC. The runways show a new trend… or perhaps a recycled dream we all wish we had, which is a smooth, clear and even complexion with little help from make up. Alas, for those of you who wake up in the morning with perfect skin, good for you, and keep up whatever you are doing. For the rest of us, getting our skin ready for fall and can take a few steps. Here are a couple of steps to start off with this autumn season…stay tuned for winter tips!

1) Gentle Lovin-Cleansing and Exfoliating are a must year round BUT your skin has been through some work soaking up the sand, sun and perhaps salt water so be gentle this autumn. Use a mild, non-drying cleanser this time of year, as well as a gentler exfoliating system. This will help your skin transition into the winter months. We recommend of course our bodykör Microdermabrasion Scrub, but whatever you use, use it less frequently and mix a little water before application (or wet your face) for a milder scrub. Also, our Citrus Face Wash is a wonderfully gentle, but very effective cleanser.

2) Added Touch of Silk-Wrinkles Anyone? It seems this time of year, as we’re exposed to colder weather, strong winds, and harsher temperatures, that our skin; and perhaps we, feel older and start to see the signs of aging. Dry skin can result form many causes, including aging and environmental factors. Serums are a perfect added touch of continuous hydration throughout the day. If done in combination with a good moisturizer, your skin won’t even know it’s getting colder—only you will!

No product you can buy is better for your skin than water. This is especially true in the summer months. Drinking water aids in flushing toxins and helps to eliminate bloodstream pollutants. Impurities that are not properly flushed from your body can eventually make their presence known in the form of skin blemishes, irritation and flakiness.

Hydration is especially important in the summer months, when increased exposure to sunlight, wind, and increased perspiration can take their toll. So enjoy the summer, the wonderful outdoors, and all the benefits of outdoor activity — just remember to drink plenty of water! (and use sunscreen)

Extra tip: if you live in an arid climate, consider using a humidifier at night. Sleeping in an arid environment can cause mild topical dehydration, which can lead to a premature aging of the skin.