A few days ago I had the pleasure of experiencing yet another amazing spa treatment in Bali.  This time it was an absolutely sinful massage that included hot stones, cool slices of cucumbers and warm lavender towels at my beloved Amo Spa.  While the massage was absolutely incredible, what impressed me even more was the Full Body Dry Brushing pre-treatment that was was offered as an add-on to my massage.  I was completely unfamiliar with dry skin brushing, so of course I HAD to try it. The Full Body Dry Brushing treatment is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.  My entire body was brushed in circular motions with a dry brush for about thirty minutes and is something you can easily do at home, as well.  Unbeknownst to me dry brushing your skin has a ton of  benefits.  It aids in cellulite and stretch mark reduction, boosts metabolism, eliminates fat and toxins, stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system, and of course, it exfoliates. I am violently ticklish so at first the thought of having someone brush my skin seemed like voluntary torture, but the dry brushing was actually very soothing.  Thus far I've only had one dry brushing treatment so it's too soon to tell if it had reduced any stretch marks, cellulite or fat, but my skin was unmistakably smoother, softer and more luminous after the treatment.  I plan on acquiring a body brush of my own as soon as possible and make dry brushing a part of my regular beauty routine. Have you tried dry skin brushing? Has it made a difference in your skin? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

It’s almost summer and that means more skin exposure than anytime of the year! Obviously you will want to look your best while getting in your swimsuit or light summer clothes. One of the greatest factors that influences how we look is the health of our skin. Most skin damage is directly related to the sun’s harmful UV rays. For this reason it important to take precautions when exposed to sunlight and to also ensure that your skin remains looking its best during the warm summer months. Thankfully there are many options available to help skin look brighter, fresher, moisturized, and rejuvenated. So next time you go on a summer outing consider the following treatments to ensure that your skin looks fresh and healthy!

Chemical Peel

With over 1 million Americans undergoing chemical peels last year, it is among the most popular and most effective skin treatments out there. Plus it yields fast results!

So how does it work? A chemical peel targets the damaged, outer-most layer of skin through the application of a chemical solution. The process only take minutes and involves little to no pain. Once the patient leaves, the unwanted top layer of skin will gently shed leaving behind a healthy new layer of skin. This procedure is typically performed in the facial area and results in smoother and healthier looking skin.

Facials

While we have all seen that tacky lady walking around with green cream on her face, a facial is actually a terrific approach to achieve healthy skin. A facial uses a specially designed solution to exfoliate, moisturize, and clear skin pores. With that said facials are effective at restoring a youthful, fresh face and are great at treating conditions like acne or rosacea.

GloMinerals Make-Up

If undergoing a chemical peel treatment or sitting down for a nice facial is not your thing, then the application of GloMinerals make-up may be the best route towards healthy skin. GloMinerals is unique in that it consists of high quality pharmaceutical ingredients such as:  antioxidants, vitamins C, A, K, E and green tea extracts. In addition to being cosmetically pleasing, the exclusive formula is effective at improving skin health and the prevention of free radical damage. So not only will this make-up enhance your appearance but it will also enhance your health.

Healthy Skin

Do not fall victim to unhealthy looking skin. As explained there are various options available to enhance the health of your skin. These treatments offer great results that are followed by a nice boost in confidence. While summer may be a great time to showcase healthy looking skin, it important to stay protected from too much sun exposure and to ensure that your skin is always looking its best.

 Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ Dr. Lawrence Broder is a cosmetic surgeon in Austin, Texas and founder of Beleza MedSpa.

It has been a never ending winter here in the northeast and my skin is really not happy about it. In one of my last posts, I was so excited to add two new products to my daily beauty line up for dry skin…but now we can make that three. I’ve never had such a problem with dry skin before, especially on my face. If you live in an area with brutally cold temps and you’re experiencing this same sensitivity and dehydration on your face, meet the Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Balm ($36) from Sarah McNamara. While a vitamin C serum was a great addition to my daily routine, the never ending freezing cold temps were still leaving areas around my nose really dry. It was actually kind of embarrassing and I felt so self conscious that I couldn't get that area under control. I’ve never had to deal with skin issues like this before and my heart goes out to those with regular dry skin. On the coldest days, I felt like nothing was giving me the relief and hydration my face needed until I found Sarah McNamara’s Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Balm. Miracle Balm is a multi-use beauty balm and creamy oil designed to hydrate sensitive, irritated skin and enhance the skin’s own natural repair process.  It’s made of a unique formula blend of waxes, oils, botanical antioxidants, and reparative ingredients like Manuka Honey and Japanese Licorice Root Extract.  It's pretty much a combination of a bunch of really great ingredients for your skin that replenishes, calms, restores, repairs, and quenches your thirsty skin. I swear, it couldn't have come at a better time for me. Actually it's a blend of over 30 moisturizers! This is not your average moisturizer, it really is more a balm. Thicker, more concentrated, and so creamy you really only need a dab. If harsh winter weather has left you painfully dry, Miracle Balm provides instant relief and protection for distressed skin and is for anyone with severely dry, dehydrated skin due to harsh weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments, or environmental reactions. TRUTH! I feel like I'm preaching now, but seriously the harsh weather has been sucking any moisture from my face and a few little dabs on Miracle Balm puts the moisture right back in. Miracle Balm is totally soothing solution for the driest areas of your face and body. Just apply Miracle Balm with your fingertips to soothe irritated skin.  It's safe to apply anywhere on the body including face and lips. If you're not sure about this because of the price tag, I should also mention again that this is a multi-use product. It's not just for your face!  You can use it for dry area of your face and body, but is also super convenient to have on hand to smooth fly-aways, condition lips, use as a face highlighter, and even to transform powder eye shadows into creams. There are tons of different uses for Miracle Balm! Aside from hydrating your face and body, Miracle Balm can help you deal with many skin challenges like reducing redness, soothing areas post-waxing, healing and smoothing cracked heels, stings and bug bites, and even after sun exposure. Try it and let me know what you think! If you found this skin care review helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure

Proper skin care is not something that you only teach your daughter or the female in your life, but is something I feel boys need to learn, as well. Of course, I'm biased having four sons and all. Yet, we know it's true. Where are the ads on TV or in magazines marketing exfoliators, moisturizers, serums and sunscreen to men? (With the exception of acne products like Proactiv, of course.) When have you ever seen teen boys incorporated in skin care commercials? You simply don't. So how does a young man know how to treat blemishes, or how to exfoliate his face or know the right products for his skin type? Moms: It begins with you. When my oldest son, Gavin, was about 13, I began to explain the importance of washing his face both day and night. "No, Gavin, putting your face under the water in the shower doesn't count," I told him. I sat him down and explained the difference between cleansing his face and exfoliating his face, as well as how often he should be doing each (cleansing everyday, exfoliating 1-2x per week.) Directing him to wet his face first, I demonstrated for him how much product to use - because let's face it, kids POUR stuff out of the bottle. I showed him that you pump out about a pea-sized amount of product onto your finger tips, then tap them to your other hand and massage onto your skin in a circular motion. I then told him that he needed to rinse his face with cooler water (because I could totally visualize a screaming teenager saying "MOM! I just burned my face!" and no thanks.) The beginning was trial and error. As with any teenager, he was half listening to me, so the first few times he used products in the shower he would use way too much. Or he would conveniently forget to wash his face at all and later complain that his face was an oil slick. Or he'd glob on the moisturizer. I also explained to him how important it was to wear a moisturizer, day and night, as well as sunscreen. We're working on the sunscreen part still because he is in the typical "My skin will be just fine because I never go outside" phase. He's good most of the time about applying moisturizer at least once a day. What's he's best at is taking care of and treating the occasional blemish that erupts. He knows not to pick at his skin and I taught him how to gently extract whiteheads (washing his hands first then using a tissue and light pressure - and only once it is really ready - otherwise, hands off!) He knows that aloe and/or an ice pack will help decrease the inflammation. And he also has his favorite acne products: Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment and CoralActives Penetrating Acne Serum Gel.

Last week, Gavin (who is about to be 15 now) pointed out to his brother Connor (12) the blemish on Connor's nose, saying, "Look who's in puberty!" I expected the hazing to go further than that, but it didn't, and to my surprise (and pleasure) Gavin began talking to Connor about taking care of his skin and how to handle blemishes. It was definitely a proud moment for me as a mom and skin care fanatic. Connor, Gavin and I then had a great 20 minutes bonding and talking about about skin care. Connor asked a lot of questions and many times Gavin was quick to answer before me. When Connor asked me what pores were, I basically had to dish about the large pores on my nose and show him what happens when you don't start taking care of your skin from a young age. I feel good watching my boys invest in their skin and I like knowing that Gavin and Connor will also be share their knowledge when the time comes for Brody and Duncan to start taking care of theirs, too. Have you taught your son(s) the importance of proper skin care? If you found this post helpful, please Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Combination skin friends rejoice! I've discovered an amazing moisturizer that gives your skin the moisture it needs while keeping your skin looking matte.

Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel is an oil-free moisturizer that is lightweight. It's also formulated with a powder that comes to the aid of that oily t-zone and reduces the shine without reducing the hydration needed to keep skin balanced. Since most of us with combination/oily skin tend to be acne prone, this hydrating gel doesn't clog pores.

Dew Over feels like a gel-moisturizer combo texture to the skin, applies smoothly and absorbs quickly. It has a nice honeysuckle and white tea fragrance, which is very light and fades within moments of wearing the moisturizer on your skin. There is absolutely no greasy residue whatsoever.

While this has been a great moisturizer this winter for me, I am most looking forward to Spring and Summer when my skin is a mess from heat and humidity. A hydrating gel will be the perfect remedy. Have you tried it yet?

If you found this skin care review helpful, please be sure to Like, Share and Pin it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Check out our natural bath and body line!

*Disclosure

When it comes to achieving beautiful skin, I believe that it's always best to start from the inside out. I've seen firsthand the difference in my skin when I eat a healthy, clean, well-balanced diet as opposed to when I eat processed foods.  Not only do I feel more alive and energetic when I eat healthy, but my skin looks so clear, glowing and healthy that I can actually skip makeup.  Since I am a bit...a big bit...OK, a huge fan of snacking, I try to make sure that I snack on foods that are also healthy, nutritious and great for my skin.  I've gathered a list of snack foods that are tasty, filling, healthy and have amazing skin benefits.  Walnuts: This is my favorite snack food.  I love the taste and texture of walnuts. They contain essential fatty acids, which are responsible for healthy cell membranes that act as a barrier to harmful substances, are also the passageway for nutrients to get in and out and for waste products to get in and out of cells.  Since it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. (And that means plumper, younger looking skin.) Almonds: Almonds are loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants, which  protect skin from UV-spawned free radicals.  Vitamin E is present in skin's top layers and guard cells' outer membrane so cells stay healthy. And like walnuts, these strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated. Berries: I especially love blackberries, blueberries and strawberries as they are loaded with antioxidants that protect skin cells.  The antioxidants found in these berries protect skin from free radicals (like the kind formed from sun exposure) and can help to lessen any damage to your skin.

  Tomatoes: Tasty and filling, tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene, they  are also considered a high-carotenoid fruit. These nutrients may help slow down cellular damage from free radicals. I love sprinkling a bit of unrefined sea salt and black pepper on thick slices of tomatoes or combine with slices of avocado, another beautiful skin snack.  Avocadoes are a  good source of biotin and help to prevent dry skin. Greek yogurt: This skin nourishing snack carries a good source of protein to help skin to become firmer, so it's more resistant to fine lines.  I love combining Greek yogurt with berries and walnuts or almonds for the ultimate skin beautifying snack. Go ahead and nourish your skin from the inside and out with these delicious "beautiful skin" snacks! If you found this heath and beauty tip helpful, please be sure to Like, Share and Pin this post! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Yogurt tends to be one of the most versatile foods that I consume on a daily basis.  I will have it with granola and fruits for breakfast, as a post workout snack with a few almonds, in a shake or on its own.  For me it's easy, fast, nutritious, healthy and filling. After all, it is considered a super food, especially if you consume plain unsweetened yogurt. Yogurt also has some amazing skin benefits when used topically. Yogurt contains nutrients such as Lactic Acid, Zinc B Vitamins and Calcium.  Lactic Acid smoothes and exfoliates skin, moisturizes dry skin and is beneficial in preventing wrinkles and reducing existing wrinkles.  Zinc contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation caused by acne. It also helps to tighten tissue and reduces the size of acne and pimples. Zinc also regulates oil production and prevents oily skin and breakouts.  B Vitamins are essential for cell growth and regeneration.  They also protect skin cells from free radical damage.  Calcium is an amazing anti-oxidant that helps to heal skin and also facilitates skin renewal. Plain yogurt can be used in DIY Facials in a variety of ways.  It can be applied on its own to your face to help even out skin tone, fade dark spots over time and tighten the skin around pores therefore minimizing their appearance (you can never truly shrink pores.)  Just apply plain yogurt to your face and décolleté, leave on for about 20 minutes then rinse with cool water. Yogurt can also be combined with honey and oatmeal for a soothing face mask.  The honey is rich in antioxidants which prevent free radical damage, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, while softening and moisturizing skin.  The oatmeal exfoliates skin and removes excess sebum and dirt from deep within skin pores.  Just combine equal parts plain yogurt, raw honey and oatmeal and mix to form a paste, then apply to skin and leave on for about 20-30 minutes then rinse with cool water. Another amazing DIY face mask can be created by combining yogurt with honey and lemons.  This mask is especially great for acne prone skin because of the antibacterial and antifungal properties found in yogurt.  Combined with the lemons, it also helps to fade dark spots and acne scars and the honey soothes your skin.  If your skin has been a bit dry and irritated due to the severe weather most of the nation has been experiencing, just combine plain yogurt with raw honey in equal parts and apply to your face.  Honey is a natural humectant that retains water to help keep skin soft and moisturized. It is also an antimicrobial agent and is gentle enough for use on sensitive skin. Plain yogurt can be combined with a ton of other ingredients to create different face masks customized for whatever skin conditions you may be experiencing.  It truly is an amazing and versatile skin and body super food! If you found these DIY beauty tips helpful, please be sure to Like, Share and Pin this post! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Whenever I have any type of a skin concern, I can always count on my friends for advice. Advice, that sometimes can be great, sometimes not so good and a lot of times just plain weird. The last bit of skin care advice I received from my best friend was actually one of the great ones and one that I have been practicing weekly.

My best friend Sam mentioned that her mom uses lemongrass whenever she steams her face for skin that's clear, toned, glowing and looks almost poreless. Apparently her mom has been doing this for years and it is something that was passed down from the other women in her family in her native Cambodia.

Being part Italian, olive oil was always a staple growing up in my childhood home. As a child, I never knew the health benefits my parents and grandparents were passing on to me, all I knew is that it added delicious flavor to my food.

Once I began to work in beauty, I was mesmerized by all of its benefits to skin, as well. Olive fruit oil is high in Vitamin E, which we all know is fantastic for its anti-aging properties. It's high in oleic acid and is a good skin cell regenerator. It works to attract external moisture to the skin, while still permitting the skin to properly release sweat, shed dead skin and release sebum.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E, but also includes vitamin A, polyphenols, phytosterols and avenasterol. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and combat environmental pollutants and aggressors that we all deal with daily.

These antioxidants have the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, smoother, and healthier state. In order to craft the best lotion for dry skin, olive oil is one of the main ingredients in A Girl's Gotta Spa! ® Body Lotions. This natural moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and nourished. I've long been using soaps, lotions and body washes with olive oil and have seen for myself the profound affect it can have to keep skin healthy. If you use skin or body care products with olive oil, rest assured, you will kiss dry, itchy skin goodbye!