Why Did We Make Our Own Skincare Brand?
Luxury, natural and science-backed brand made by the skin expert It was my mission to use my experience from the practice in ASPA mixed with my study of plant science and chemistry to make effective plant-based skincare for the real skin needs of the modern woman and man. Products made with all the know-how of the skin expert are really something! Because not all cosmetics are made by experts, although it often seems that way. When I was 25, I got very bad skin overnight. I was living in London at the time and war had just broken out in my native country … I had terrible acne that took me to the doctor. I received medication from him, the complaints disappeared, but my skin became terribly dry. And as soon as I stopped taking the medication, my complaints came back. From that moment on I started to study skincare and nutrition even more. That is where my passion arose and when I was 40, I retrained as a skin therapist. Skincare made in practice To find the best and most effective botanical ingredients for effective skincare, you need to know your business. And that’s what you get if you, as a skin therapist, treat women and men day in day out and provide the right solutions for their skin needs. My philosophy is simple: I formulate products that I personally use, that I am confident will achieve the result I want, with ingredients I know, trust, love, and am deeply proud to share with you. Why is AZRA Botanical Simplicity Different? Our products combine high-potency, scientific, cosmeceutical active ingredients with refined botanical plant extracts for outstanding long term results. AZRA Botanical Simplicity products are made to simplify skincare routine without sacrificing results, multi-functional skincare! Our mission is to create products unbound by gender, age or time; effective formulas that respect the integrity of skin and provide real results. I studied plant science and worked for many years as the skin therapist, therefore I understand exactly which ingredients function well and work together in skincare routine of different skin types. It became my mission to create a truly effective skincare brand in which high-tech and natural ingredients are combined with not too many ingredients, so that the simple but powerful formulas minimize the chance of irritation. We offer two different types of face cleansers Soothing Cleansing Gel and ALL CLEAN BALM. INTENSIVE SERUM can be used in the morning and evening routine, but our SUPER GLOW SERUM is really only for the morning use. NO RINSE HAND CLEANSER is effective yet mild on-the-go hand gel from Azra Botanical Simplicity that smells nice thanks to a little bit of peppermint essential oil which has an invigorating aromatherapy function. It will clean your hands, but not dry your hands out. Why not? It contains an extract of White Water Lily and glycerin which ensure that your hands do not dry out. Comfrey extract, a medicinal herb, protects and conditions. This quick-drying, non-greasy hand gel for in your bag cleans and cares for your hands at the same time.
Laser Hair Removal
Do you know that we offer laser hair removal treatments for body and face? If you would like to know which type of laser we use here is more information. Our laser machine, the FormaTK Spark Pro, is the most advanced 808nm diode laser yet. It offers excellent results and unparalleled comfort for all skin types. The hair removal laser, the FormaTK Spark Pro, produces a very highly concentrated pure light beam of a wavelength of 810 nanometers. This light beam is only emitted on the skin for a fraction of a second. The pigment of the hair absorbs the laser light and converts the light into heat. The heat causes destruction of the nutrient medium in the hair follicle, so that it is no longer able to develop a new hair. Achieving optimal results means understanding that every patient is different. That’s why in the laser machine they developed five unique hair removal treatment modules that allow a more precise, effective and comfortable treatment for every patient at every stage of treatment. This laser machine is clinically proven and FDA approved. MORE PRECISION, BETTER RESULTS Treatment parameters are determined based on several factors, including: skin type, hair color, hair size and density, treatment stage and body part. Formatk’s permanent hair reduction devices have been specifically designed with these considerations in mind, enabling practitioners to achieve better results by tailoring each treatment according to the patient’s physiology and treatment stage. Prior to the laser treatment, it is important that you do not epilate, wax or use the string method yourself more than six weeks in advance. An “empty” hair follicle cannot absorb light and cannot be treated effectively. The laser treatment is most effective and safe on fair skin. That is why we strongly advise not to expose the area to be treated to the sun or tanning bed for at least six weeks before the treatment. During your first visit it is important that the hairs are clearly visible. The skin therapist can then determine the hair type, precise depth and localization of the hair follicle. This is necessary in order to properly set up the laser equipment during treatment. After each treatment, less hair will return and the hair will be thinner and less stiff. Except for any light hairs and small down hairs, the dark hairs will eventually disappear. The skin will also be smoother and less ingrown hair, inflammation and irritation from shaving will be visible. It is possible that in the future new hair follicles will be activated or down hairs will turn to thicker hair. This process can occur independently of the laser treatment, for example due to hormonal influences, hereditary predisposition or use of medication. On average, six to eight treatments are required. This has to do with the different growth phases in which the hair is located. With dark hair and a light skin type (high contrast), fewer treatments can give the desired result. With light hair and a tinted skin (little contrast), more treatments are sometimes required. The exact number of treatments differs per person and cannot always be predicted in advance by the skin therapist. During the treatment period, progress will be regularly evaluated with you. If you would like to book your laser hair removal treatment, we have several offers available. Please, contact us via info@aspadirect.com
How do you adapt your skincare to the beautiful weather?
Do you need to adjust your skincare to the different seasons? We get this question asked very often. Our answer is: Absolute!! The weather is getting warmer and sunnier again. It’s time to update your skincare! You will be exposing your skin more to the sun in the near future, so that your skin needs other ingredients. And yes, it’s fun to change your routine. It gives you the opportunity to discover new fantastic products. From cold temperatures to sun You may have noticed that your skin feels very different in the winter than in the summer, but did you also know that you can notice a difference in the transition from winter to spring? Consider, for example, the fact that the heating has been on a lot recently (this gives you dry air in the house). This dry air can really affect your skin by pulling a lot of moisture from your skin. Result? Tight and dry skin. Fortunately, we are now leaving that time behind us. The heating is less necessary, the shower is less hot and we spend more time outside. Does my skin need more moisture in spring/summer? Yes absolutely! We have to replenish the moisture reservoir in your skin to restore your skin and make it resilient for the summer. More on this later, but first I would like to talk about why you should replenish the moisture reservoir of your skin. Where many skin types often needed a little more oiliness in the winter, you can now switch to lighter products based on water (hyaluronic acid). Let’s talk about TEWL (transepidermal water loss). TEWL is the evaporation of moisture from your skin. The degree of evaporation can differ per season, temperature or environmental factors (heating, etc.). We see a big increase in moisture loss in summer and winter. So now is the ideal time to properly replenish your skin’s moisture reservoir. It is important to compensate for this loss of moisture and to attract new moisture from your deeper skin layers. Are you not doing this? Then your skin barrier can be damaged and skin problems (such as acne, dull skin, but also wrinkles) can arise. Our bestseller product for replenishing and restoring the hydration of your skin An important ingredient that can attract moisture is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance and strengthens the skin barrier (the outer layers of the skin), making your skin feel less dry. In addition, hyaluronic acid is able to bind with moisture. (1000x its own body weight, wow) and that makes your skin feel hydrated. That is why we recommend adding a product with hyaluronic acid in your routine. We recommend INTENSIVE SERUM to many customers, because this has a fine gel-like structure that you can use as a day or night serum -> extra buffer layer between your cleaning care and day / night cream. In addition, it is important to look at how you can actually retain that newly attracted moisture. Because if your outer skin layer is broken, this moisture is lost immediately. As a result, you will still suffer from dry and tight skin. You can do this, among other things, by using a serum with vitamin B. This was the reason why we combined in our INTENSIVE SERUM both hyaluronic acid and vitamin B, so that you need to use one product which has multiple fuction for your skin. Our bestseller treatment for replenishing and restoring the hydration of your skin The PRX-T33 Skin-Booster is a new treatment method intended to improve skin structure and condition quickly and long-term. The most important active components are hydrogen peroxide, TCA and kojic acid. The unique composition of TCA with hydrogen peroxide allows to cross the skin barrier at different speeds at different depths. The aging process is delayed and the skin is revitalized without damaging it. The booster stimulates the skin to renew, allowing us to achieve long-lasting results and restores the complexion and elasticity of the skin. Immediately after the treatment you see an improved complexion and a healthy glow. The booster also stimulates the formation of fibroblasts and growth factors that help to delay the aging process. The skin will tighten and wrinkles and skin folds will be considerably reduced and is more hydrated.
Our Best Tips for the Glowing Skin!
Our Best Tips for the Glowing Skin! Many people think that drinking water helps to hydrate your skin, but often this is not enough to reduce dry skin. The water you drink will pass through your skin too quickly, so that your skin will experience little or no benefits from it. Food, on the other hand, does a lot!These foods help reduce dry skin: – avocado – Strawberries – Pineapple – Fatty fish (herring, salmon, mackerel, eel) – Oil (hemp seed oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, linseed oil) – Nuts (walnuts) Some other tips we want to give you to reduce dry skin: 1. Stop exfoliating your skin immediately: the grain of a scrub damages your skin. Instead, opt for a fruit acid-based exfoliant. We recommend glycolic acid or lactic acid for dry skin.Both lactic and glycolic acid have a moisture-attracting properties. A mild peeling is suitable for every skin type and should be done 2-3 times per week. At ASPA we have the selection of different peels for each skin type, just ask us. 2. Schedule an intensive home treatment every week: In addition to your regular skin care, we recommend that you do an intensive home treatment every week to hydrate and protect your skin. That way you get rid of your dry skin faster. A real hydration bomb is our Intensive Serum which you can use as a mask and mix it with a few drops of Olixia facial oil. 3. Or opt for our favorite treatment for a glow: microneedling! Have you ever scheduled a microneedling treatment for yourself? If not, highly recommended! The treatments are not relaxation treatments, but really effective facial treatments to give your skin that well-deserved glow again. Microneedling is a proven effective cosmetic treatment method, which is extremely popular! It ensures a radiant, even and younger-looking skin. After the age of 25, the production of collagen, a protein that ensures a radiant and plump skin, decreases. Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen, among other things, and thus prevents skin aging. It is therefore not surprising that everyone wants a microneedling treatment. Here you will find more information about our microneedling treatments: Meta Therapy SkinPen Do you want to purchase one of the above products, but are you unsure whether this will help you? You can always email us on info@aspadirect.com . We really only sell products that we stand behind 100%. The products have proven themselves time and again and have been extensively tested. Your skin can also glow again. And we are happy to help you with that!
AZRA Botanical Simplicity Skincare Brand
Your Performance-Proven Skincare Made by The Skin Therapist With Azra Botanical Simplicity, made by the founder of the ASPA beauty salon in The Hague, you are assured of the best ingredients in the most effective combinations and effective, sustainable and cruelty-free formulas. “My mission was to create effective skincare for the real skin needs of the modern woman and man.” Products made with all the know-how of the skin expert, they really help you. Because not all cosmetics are made by experts, although it often seems that way. Skincare made in practice To find the best and most effective botanical ingredients for effective skincare, you need to be knowledgeable. And you have that when you as a skin therapist treat women and men in your salon day in, day out and provide the right solutions for their skin needs. AZRA Botanical Simplicity combines the best that nature has to offer with scientifically proven formulas to deliver effective and tangible results. MADE WITHOUT a long list of questionable ingredients. High-tech formulas can combine with the best that nature has to offer to deliver effective results in a luxurious way.
How to reduce post-acne pigmentation and scarring
One of the biggest misconceptions you might face is thinking hyperpigmentation is the same as a scar. When the skin is wounded, with an acne spot for example, it inflames and triggers melanocyte production, which can lead to excessive melanin coming to the surface, causing those dark or red marks. Melanin can also spread to the surrounding area near the injury, meaning it doesn’t matter how small the spot is, it has the potential to leave behind a larger mark after the infection has cleared, which could linger for weeks, months or, in some cases, even years. How can it be treated? The good news is that post-acne hyperpigmentation can naturally fade over time, but how quickly varies person-to-person. A treatment and homecare routine that helps them achieve skin health will aid the process, using the right ingredients to boost cell turnover without causing excessive inflammation or damage to the skin’s barrier function. Niacinamide and certain mushroom extracts are also good at reducing pigment, while vitamin C is cited as another wonder ingredient. Retinol can also help stimulate cell renewal and improve texture. Using sunscreen daily is also crucial because UVA and UVB rays can make discolouration of hyperpigmentation much worse. What causes acne scarring? Adult acne can also leave scars, which most commonly occur when the serious types of spots (nodules and cysts) burst and damage the nearby skin. Acne scars also come in different types, with the most common being ice pick, which appear as small, deep holes that look like the skin has been punctured with a sharp object. How can it be treated? We recommend microneedling, such as Dermatude Meta Therapy and specialised peels as effective scar treatments to help to rebuild the dermal scaffolding and plump out the skin. Vitamin A taken orally, topically and in treatment can also help reduce scarring. Skin that is vitamin A-deprived will become less active and damage to DNA will not be repaired, which means melanin distribution will be irregular and collagen and elastin production will decline with poor-quality production. The success of the client’s skin journey will rely on their homecare and lifestyle choices as much as the in-salon treatments. One way to deal with acne scars is to help prevent their appearance in the first place – need to know that picking at the skin leads to scars and that sun exposure can aggravate them.
How to deal with adult acne?
We had the new client in today and spoke about her struggles with adult acne at the age of 47. We recommended the combination of topical skincare such as AHA’s and Salicylic acid to remove dead skin buildup in pores. Furthermore, vitamins A and B to reduce excess oil production and reduce inflammation. Gentle SLS-free cleanser twice a day. Our favourite skincare brands are EmerginC and Synergie Skin. To further improve the skin condition we recommended mineral make up such as Jane Iredale Mineral Make Up. Avoid make up containing oils that can clog pores. Diet- focus on healthy diet and reduce dairy intake! Actually, the gut health and the lifestyle are one of the most important parts to check and improve. Lifestyle- book your treatment with gut specialist and at ASPA we work with Martine Trouw. Reduce stress as much as possible. ASPA Treatments-book your facials and peels at ASPA and stick to the treatment plan that we recommend at ASPA as acne treatment takes the time and the dedication. Call us on 0703450215. Here is the review of one of the happy clients:
Why do we like Synergie Skin?
Synergie products are supported by clinical data and are entirely free of ethically questionable ingredients. This product range is highly active, easy to use, and most importantly, it visibly improves the health of your skin. This brand is Australian owned and vertically integrated, all products are conceptualised, manufactured, and packaged under the one roof. This unique methodology guarantees that each and every product is crafted with the highest excellence. With over fifty products, ranging from active serums to moisturisers, Synergie Skin offers a range that is expertly tailored for any skin concerns. This brand understands that every skin type is different, and believe in the importance of a targeted skincare routine. From acne to hyperpigmentation, by using Synergie Skin products we make it our mission to address all skin concerns and make you feel truly wonderful in your skin at every age. Synergie Skin product range does not include the following ingredients: Paraben preservatives Artificial colour (FD&C dyes) Artificial fragrance Phthalates SLS and other foaming sulfates PEG Propylene glycol Isopropyl alcohol Unfortunately, the term ‘natural’ and organic’ is used too loosely in the cosmetic industry. Natural is not always best and it is important to understand the concept of ‘natural’ in our industry and realise that natural ingredients can be extremely harmful. Arsenic, for example, is 100% natural but less than 1/8th of a teaspoon can be fatal. The beautiful oleander shrub can be organically grown but may result in cardiac arrest is the leaves or flowers are ingested! Many laboratory made ingredients used in skin care products are a bio-identical copy to the natural form. However, the laboratory synthesised form can be 100% pure and free of contaminants or pesticides as it is manufactured under sterile conditions. A good example of this is the ingredient Phycosaccharide which is an active ingredient that promotes skin repair and reduced inflammation. This complex sugar is copied in the laboratory to avoid depleting the coast of seaweed reserves where this ingredient exists in nature. In this case, the synthetic ingredient is effective, nature identical, pure and environmentally sustainable. If a particular ingredient is a laboratory made synthetic (e.g. peptides to minimise the appearance of wrinkles) and does not present as a questionable or potentially toxic ingredient, then it is, in my opinion, a perfectly valid addition to a product. Natural is not always best. Clean Science formulating uses the very best of both science and nature in synergy. Harnessing the positive attributes from both will result in a product that produces the best results with the highest safety profile.
Dermatude Meta Therapy
Dermatude Meta Therapy: A natural face lift alternative Dermatude Meta Therapy is the new method for skin rejuvenation great for skin firming, pigmentation issues, skin hydration and more youthful appearance. We perform this treatment on the entire face, neck, décolleté, or specific areas such as deep or fine lines, acne scarring or pigment marks. Dermatude is 100% safe, 100% natural The advanced digital device with precision hand piece and patented modules guarantee optimal results without risk of skin damage or scarring. For the best safety and hygiene, all modules are single use only and disposable. The safety membrane inside the modules prevent cross contamination. Treatment duration The facial course starts with one treatment per week for the first month. During this initial period, you will see significant improvement in the skin. We then reduce the treatment frequency to one treatment every two weeks for two months. Once you achieve the desired result, you should schedule a maintenance treatment every four to six weeks. Book your Meta Therapy online or call us on 070 345 0215.
HIFU Treatment
HIFU (this stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) at ASPA Den Haag is a new treatment on our offer! It is a unique treatment based on ultrasound to tighten the skin in a non-invasive way. As we get older we are faced with slackening of the skin. The collagen production decreases so that the skin looks less firm. HIFU is a treatment based on ultrasound and the energy released during this treatment ensures that the collagen production gets a boost. In this way we are able to lift and strengthen the skin in a natural way. The treatment works especially well on the jaw line and the cheeks but also on a double chin or to tighten the upper arms. Perhaps the best thing is that only 2 treatments per year are needed for a great result. Big difference in HIFU machines on the market We did extensive research before we decided which HIFU machine to purchase. We know that a HIFU treatment is completely safe. Ultrasonic technology has been used successfully for more than 50 years and the HIFU treatment has been FDA approved. However, it is important to mention that there are many types of similar (especially cheaper) devices on the market. At ASPA we work exclusively with the certified device. In addition, our staff is optimally trained and they remain up to date by constantly following new training courses. The result of HIFU treatment The result needs time. The body will start the collagen (re) production itself and the first results will be visible after about 3 to 6 months. After this period you will notice a visible strengthening of the skin and a lifting of the facial contours. The skin is fuller and fine lines and wrinkles will diminish. If you have also been treated for the chin area, you will observe a visible decrease of the double chin. Book HIFU Treatment at ASPA or call us on 0703450215 for more information.