NEW PRODUCT- DAY & NIGHT CREAM
We are very happy to share with you that our DAY & NIGHT CREAM has finally arrived! It took us 2 years to develop this product and we are very happy to share the news with you. AZRA Botanical Simplicity CREAM is your perfect every day moisturizer. It was created to hydrate and calm the skin whilst protecting the skin barrier and plumping the skin. Active ingredients: Squalane, Ceramide NG, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18. Squalane has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling. Ceramide NG has also been shown to reinforce skin’s barrier strength to better resist external stressors. Overall, it contributes to supple, resilient, hydrated skin. Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that can enter the deep layers of your skin. Here, it attracts moisture and reduces inflammation. When applied topically, sodium hyaluronate is excellent for reducing dryness and wrinkles. Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract- The benefits of Cica read like a who’s-who of skincare needs—it improves scratches, burns, helps heal hypertrophic wounds, enhances collagen, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for conditions like eczema, and more! Liquorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome) acts as an anti inflammatory to help reduce itchy and inflamed skin. It also offers anti bacterial benefits for the skin and can also reduce skin pigmentation. Acetyl Hexapeptide 8, which is also known as Argireline, is a peptide used in skincare products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles brought on by repeated facial expressions. When it comes to fine lines and wrinkles on the face, especially around the eyes and mouth; they usually form because of repeated facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or furrowing the brow in deep concentration or frustration. When people make these expressions, the face contorts based on the contraction of the muscles beneath the skin. Acetyl hexapeptide 8 is designed to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles by intercepting messages from the brain, thereby preventing muscle contractions, similar to Botox. Pentapeptide-18 works by stimulating the deeper, matrix layers of the skin. This peptide increases overall collagen production, the production of collagen IV and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin. It also helps the skin to heal wounds faster. Use: For best results, use 1 pump of the cream on damp skin and massage into your clean face AM & PM. Breath and take time for yourself! This fast absorbing face cream will be your favourite cream to plump, balance and hydrate daily. We hope to see you at ASPA soon and let you experience this cream.
Let’s talk about sweaty feet!
Let’s talk about sweaty feet! Although it’s something that most of us experience, having sweaty feet is still a worry and source of embarrassment for many. This needn’t be the case for such a common complaint that can be taken care of so easily with the right products and know how… What are the health implications of sweaty feet? Aside from being uncomfortable, sweaty feet that aren’t looked after properly can mean an increased risk of developing infections such as Athlete’s Foot and fungal nails. Dampness can also lead to blistering of the skin which can be painful and take time to heal. Those with health issues such as Diabetes need to take extra special care as the risk of developing more serious infections becomes higher. Athlete’s FootAthlete’s How does our footwear affect how much we sweat? The shoes you wear have a huge impact on the health of your feet! Shoes made from synthetic, close fitting materials don’t allow moisture to evaporate efficiently. Sweat that remains on the skin for an extended length of time can also begin to smell and this scent can stick to your footwear. Who is most affected by sweaty feet? Most of us suffer from sweaty feet or foot odour at some point, however, it is more common in gym and fitness enthusiasts, those going through hormonal changes for instance during pregnancy, sufferers of stress and anxiety and certain medications can also exacerbate the issue. A small percentage of people will suffer from abnormally sweaty feet. This is a condition known as Hyperhidrosis and is caused by overly responsive sweat glands. Are the symptoms of sweaty feet contagious? Having sweaty feet isn’t contagious, however the skin conditions that can develop as a result of having them are. The best way to prevent sweaty feet and the symptoms associated is to adopt good foot hygiene habits and follow these dos and don’ts… – Do wash feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Follow with the Margaret Dabbs London Soothing Foot Powder to calm the skin and control perspiration. Lemon Myrtle gives it an invigorating, fresh scent that will also help to banish unpleasant odour. – Do wear clean socks every day and ensure they are made of a breathable fabric. If you are rushing to work following a heavy gym session be sure to keep a spare pair in your bag. Soggy socks will macerate the skin of the feet, and encourage the build-up of bacteria. – Don’t allow nails to become over-grown. Keep them short and clean and cut straight across to prevent fungal infections from developing. Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum with antibacterial and antifungal Tea Tree Oil is great to massage in to and around the nails. – Do remove the hard skin from the soles of the feet with a good quality foot file such as the Margaret Dabbs London Professional Foot File. These areas become an ideal home for bacteria when they become soggy and damp. Remember to always use the file on dry skin! – Don’t be tempted to wear shoes without socks as the sweat from your feet goes straight into the fabric of the shoe ruining them, and drying out your skin at the same time. It may be trendy but cheat a little and wear trainer socks that can’t be seen – it is so much healthier. – Do swab the feet with Clinisoothe if you notice any odour. Bacterial infections are normally the cause of this but the smell can by neutralised with the use of alcohol. – Don’t wear footwear made of synthetic materials as this will trap sweat and moisture. Also, try and swap shoes daily to give them a chance to air. Last but definitely not least, do invest in bestselling Foot Hygiene Cream. A multi-tasking balm developed with active ingredients to combat the symptoms of athlete’s foot, relieve itchy, sore, dry, blistered skin and discoloured nails. Emu Oil nourishes and promotes skin renewal and Tea Tree Oil provides anti-fungal and anti-bacterial benefits, keeping infections at bay. At the end, do not forget to book your monthly pedicure appointment at ASPA. Your feet will thank you for it! Hope to see you at ASPA soon.
HOLIDAY TIME & SKINCARE
Dear ASPA friends & clients, The summer is finally here! We hope you are enjoying the weather. After the past few years, we’ve never felt more in need of a relaxing summer holiday. The chance to unwind and rejuvenate is certainly something our mind and bodies need, but if you’re not careful then holidays can be less kind to your skin. From sun damage to holiday break-outs, there are plenty of pitfalls to avoid! Pre-holiday prep Prevention is better than cure, and there are a couple of changes you may want to make to your skincare regime before you go away in order to benefit your skin. ‘We always advise our clients to use a consistent skin care routine, but the week before travel we recommend they stop using products that contain retinol as this can make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. During your holiday While none of us would consider lying in the sun without applying sun protection product, it’s still incredible how many of us get it wrong, over exposing the skin and even burning. And while you might not be able to see the damage you are causing, changes will be occurring within the dermis. Sun protection products can be very difficult for the skin as well, so it is very immportant to find the right type that suits your skin. At ASPA we have the selection of sun protection products that suit every skin type. If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, just one hour in the sun, unprotected, can undo months of hard work you’ve put in looking after your skin. This is why it’s extremely important to use an antioxidant serum followed by sunscreen every day to maximise your skin’s defence and help stabilise the pigment producing cells. You should opt for a minimum SPF 50 and reapply every couple of hours. After a relaxing day in the sun your skin will be in need of a thorough cleanse. If you don’t do this you expose yourself to the risk of the dreaded holiday break-out. Constant application of sunscreen can equal congestions and breakouts, so when you’re back at the hotel, de-clog those pores and refresh skin with a double cleanse, ideally followed by a cleanising clay mask . You also want to ensure the skin doesn’t dry out, as this can leave pores open to bacteria and further holiday break-outs. Post sun exposure, it’s important to replenish the moisture skin may have lost during the day. A hyaluronic acid & vitamin B3 rich serum or gel is the perfect choice as they are light but effective at deeply hydrating the skin. MORNING HOLIDAY ROUTINE 1. Single cleanse 2. Serum 3. Sun protection EVENING HOLIDAY ROUTINE 1. Double cleanse 2. Cleansing Clay Mask 3. Serum If you have any questions about your holiday skincare routine, please contact us via info@aspadirect.com Kind Regards, ASPA Team
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.
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!
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.