1. Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells

Dead Sea salt also helps clarify the skin through its ability to slough off dead skin cells, which can augment clogged pores, skin roughness, and blemishes. The slightly rough texture of Dead Sea salt makes it a mild, yet reliable exfoliant.

Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub

1. Combine half a cup of finely ground Dead Sea salt with a quarter cup of coconut or olive oil.
2. Enjoy the many skin benefits of a Dead Sea salt scrub by rubbing it with your fingertips using small circular motions, working your way from your feet to your neck.
3. Allow the scrub to soak in your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it with slightly warm water.

2. Helps Diminish Fine Lines and Wrinkles

One of the many remarkable benefits of Dead Sea salt for skin is its ability to promote a youthful glow. In assessing the effects of Dead Sea salt on aging skin, a study was conducted and found that this helps reduce skin roughness which partly contributes to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Keeping your skin perfectly moisturized is also essential to keeping your look youthful. The mineral contents in Dead Sea salt may help the skin retain its hydration.

Boost the moisturizing and age-defying properties of Dead Sea salt by using skincare products containing purple tea. This antioxidant-filled tea plant has been a subject of scientific and beauty researches in recent years for its powerful health benefits.

3. Minimizes Large Pores

Pores are small openings through your skin that allow it to breathe. These little passages secrete natural oil to keep skin hydrated and also excrete toxins from your body.

Skin pores appear visibly enlarged when clogged with excess oils, makeup, pollutants, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria.

Exfoliating the skin with Dead Sea salt may help unclog skin pores while removing dead skin cells, exposing healthy new skin.

4. Boosts Detoxification

The minerals from the Dead Sea salt help detoxify the body from the outside by assisting in blood circulation. This, in turn, may help diminish cellulite. In addition, minerals which are released from the salt may help break down the old fat cells, which are also responsible for the dimpling effect on the skin.

5. Promotes Strong and Healthy Nails

Do you suffer from weak and brittle nails? This might just be the perfect time to soak your fingernails in Dead Sea salt solution.

Dead Sea Salt Nail Soak

1. Mix up 1 teaspoon Dead Sea salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of water and a half teaspoon of olive oil in a small bowl.
2. Soak your nails in this solution for about 5 minutes before rinsing.

6. Soothes Sore Muscles

Dead Sea salt bath can help relieve muscle cramps and soreness and offers a relaxing therapy to ease the pain and discomfort of fatigued and tense tissues.

According to one study, bathing in the Dead Sea over the course of 10 days showed significant improvement on the severity and frequency of symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition represented by muscle pain.

Alleviation from muscle pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, anxiety, and joint swelling was prompt after treatment. More often than not, the best remedies in life are the simplest. Nature can offer us solutions to restore our health that we may not even know about.

Now that we have looked about the many Dead Sea salt benefits to our overall health, this might be the right time to indulge in this simple yet extraordinary skincare product more often.

Have you tried using Dead Sea salt on your skin? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.

7. Soothes Chronic Skin Conditions

Chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can make the skin appear scaly and feel really itchy. According to a study, getting a salt bath may have therapeutic effects on psoriasis vulgaris.

Enjoy your bath by adding a quarter cup of Dead Sea bath salts to your tub of water and soak for around 20 minutes. Do this three times a week until the skin itch subsides.

Stop immediately if irritation occurs.

8. Helps Fight Bad Breath

Bacteria break down food and release volatile sulfur compounds. These are responsible for the foul odor associated with most bad breath.

Gargling mineral-rich Dead Sea salt solution may help fight off halitosis-causing bacteria.

If monthly facials are a stretch for your budget, you can still reap many of the benefits by ensuring you get at least 4 facials per year. It is the perfect time to revamp your skincare routine to keep up with the change in weather.

Paraffin wax treatments in particular have great benefits for the skin, muscles and joints. These paraffin treatments are said to have been used since the times of the Roman Empire because of their benefits when used in massages and as an esthetic treatment on the skin. This ancient technique is still practiced in many spas today as well as in some sports medicine clinics. In the past, paraffin treatments have been used to treat a variety of ailments such as:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Eczema
• Fibromyalgia
• Fibrositis
• Inflammation
• Muscle Spasms
• Overworked/Fatigued Muscles
• Psoriasis
• Scar Tissue
• Stiff Joints
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow

Benefits Of Paraffin Treatments

Paraffin wax is unlike other kinds of waxes used in spas for hair removal procedures in that it is a softer wax that will not stick or cause any pain upon removal. It has a low melting point and is heated in a special paraffin wax heater to ensure it is warm enough to reap all the benefits but not hot enough to cause burns.

Paraffin has excellent esthetic benefits. It is moisturizing and will leave rough skin (especially on the hands and feet!) extremely smooth and soft. Applying the warm wax brings blood flow to the area which can help alleviate muscle and joint pain. If you want a little extra pampering for your feet, try our Moisture and Massage treatment which includes an aromatherapy soak, massage and natural paraffin treatment!

How Does Our “Paraffin” Wax Treatment Work At Alma?

Our version of “paraffin” wax is actually a mix of organic soy wax, beeswax and a variety of hydrating oils. We developed this blend for a few reasons. First, paraffin is actually a petroleum derived wax. When we apply the wax to your skin, the heat from the wax opens your pores. Because of this, anything we apply can penetrate the skin so we want to be 100% sure that it is safe & non-toxic. Also, both soy and beeswax have fabulous emollient properties that help moisturize the skin and create a barrier to help the lotion and oils penetrate your skin.

While many spas use a technique to apply the wax in which the hands or feet are submerged in a paraffin wax bath, at Alma we apply the wax to your hands or feet with a single-use applicator to ensure a completely sanitary procedure. We also provide our guests with paraffin booties that retain the moisture and heat as long as possible to provide maximum benefit.

Repeated treatments can yield fantastic long-term effects, so if you’re looking for a skin smoothing or pain soothing treatment, give paraffin a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Tea Tree Oil originates from the leaves of the indigenous Malaleuca Tree, is known to be antimicrobial and has many uses. Below are just a few everyday uses and why we feel that it is a must-have in everyone’s “natural medicine” cabinet.

Tea Tree Oil can be used topically for arthritis pain or bruising by adding approximately 15-20 drops to a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, sweet almond or jojoba oil and massaging it into the affected area.

Apply Tea Tree Oil directly to minor cuts, blemishes, canker sores, cold sores and ingrown hairs to prevent infections and speed up the healing process.

Tea Tree Oil is also excellent for household cleaning. Not only does it act as a lovely air freshener, it can help prevent the spread of germs by adding the oil to a spray bottle of water or adding a small amount to your laundry for towels, blankets and other household items that can be prone to musty odors and mold.

The list of the amazing uses and benefits of Tea Tree Oil is almost endless and is definitely an essential oil that we recommend become a household staple. Alma Naturals Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil is now available in 10ml bottles in the spa for only $9.99.

Improved Circulation: Improved circulation helps to improve the elimination of waste.

Stimulating Lymphatic Drainage: Dry brushing regularly helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a critical role in eliminating toxins from the body. When the lymphatic system is congested toxins build up, making us sick.

Better Skin: Dry brushing will improve the look and feel of your skin by removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, leaving it is soft and smooth. It also can help reduce cellulite as it can help break soften hard fat deposits under the skin.

Dry skin brushing tips: (this is only a 2-3 minute process)

• Purchase a brush only with soft natural bristles. They can easily be found and are very affordable.
• Do not use synthetic bristles. Only use the brush dry and shower after to remove dead and exfoliated skin.
• Be gentle. Work in an upwards motion towards your heart starting at your feet and in a circular motion, clockwise on your stomach. This improves blood circulation.
• Your skin may appear flushed. This is normal. If it is irritated you are applying too much pressure.
• Clean your brush afterwards.
• Moisturize your skin after your shower with an organic oil or lotion of your choice.

Taking a few minutes a day prior to showering will result in almost immediate benefits. Your skin will feel softer and the elimination of toxins will be improved resulting in better health.

If that perception is not gone, then it really ought to have disappeared, because Science has determined bona fide benefits of meditation and meditational breathing techniques. Meditation can be practically done by anyone and in very secular circumstances.

Anyone who seeks to decrease anxiety, increase concentration, perhaps even to achieve some measure of healing from a past traumatic event may want to begin practicing meditation. There are a slew of health benefits to be gained from taking a portion of time to focus all one’s mental energy in one place. Perhaps the most daunting part of undertaking meditation is sticking to it. Living in this web2.0 society renders most of us expecting instant results. To feel the benefits of meditation, regularity in practice is key. The human mind is attuned to repetition as being the primary way it seeks comfort – with that which it is familiar.

Brain scientist Richard Davidson has found compelling evidence (as shown with MRI scans of Afghanistan war veterans) that regular breathing and meditation can effectively reduce sleeplessness, general anxiety, create a more optimistic mindset, ameliorate a previously dreary disposition and even alleviate the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr.Davidson and his contemporaries have deduced that it is possible to “rewire the brain through meditation”

Calm on down, sit yourself comfortably, focus the mind and breath yourself into your optimum.

Tea has been classified as a superfood for thousands of years. The high level of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in tea have anti-inflammatory properties and fight off disease and cellular damage to the body. Different types of teas have different health benefits.

Black tea is said to reduce cholesterol, while green tea has been shown to be the best tea to aid in weight loss, and white tea has been shown to have strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Depending on the type, herbal teas can assist in detoxing the body, promoting sleep, calming the stomach, and helping reduce cravings. Tea is also known to reduce the risk of heart disease, have anti-cancer properties, and boost immune system and brain function.
If you choose to go with a caffeinated variety of tea, a cup of tea still has less than half the caffeine as a cup of coffee and is gentler on the body. Black tea has the highest concentration of caffeine, while white tea has the lowest. There are also many varieties of caffeine-free herbal teas. While tea may not give you the immediate burst of energy that coffee does, the detoxing and immune system boosting properties of tea can contribute to a long term boost in overall energy.

There is most certainly a reason why tea is the world’s most popular drink next to water. Just be sure when choosing your tea to avoid sweetened or watered-down varieties in bottles, and look for fairly traded teas wherever possible. Happy tea drinking!

One of our favourite recipes as the weather starts to cool down is Oh She Glows’ Black Bean, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa soup. The sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene and other antioxidants great for the skin. They are also considered an anti-inflammatory food. The quinoa and black beans are both excellent plant-based sources of protein. This recipe is great on its own, or can be garnished with avocado, cilantro, and salsa to give it a Mexican inspired flaire! Best enjoyed wrapped in a blanket on those brisk fall days!

Black Bean, Sweet Potato, and Red Quinoa Soup
Inspired by: Sprouted Kitchen & Coconut & Quinoa
Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked red quinoa, rinsed and drained
1/2 tbsp coconut oil (or other oil)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cup diced sweet onion (about 1/2 large)
1 jalapeno, seeded if preferred and diced
1 large sweet potato (350 g), peeled and chopped to 1/2-1 inch dice (2.5-3 cups)*
1.5 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground coriander
6 cups vegetable broth
1.5 cups cooked black beans (one (15-oz) can rinsed and drained)
fine grain sea salt and black pepper, to taste (I used 1/2 tsp salt or a bit more)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes)2 handfuls Spinach or kale leaves
Optional toppings: avocado, corn chips, cilantro, cashew cream, lime juice, tomatoes or salsa, green onion

1. In a medium-sized pot, add quinoa along with 1.5 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cover with tight fitting lid. Simmer covered for about 17 minutes or until the water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat, fluff with fork, and keep it covered until ready to use.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large wok or pot. Add garlic and onion and sauté for a few minutes over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Now add in the jalapeno and sweet potato and sauté for 5-7 minutes more.

3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, coriander, and broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 18-20 minutes uncovered, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Just before serving, stir in the cooked quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans, cayenne, and optional spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding more spice if desired.

5. Garnish soup with cherry tomatoes, cilantro, green onion, corn chips, avocado, and/or cashew cream.

Read more: http://ohsheglows.com/2012/11/30/black-bean-sweet-potato-and-red-quinoa-soup/#ixzz3ok9ay4WA

While monthly facials may seem ambitious due to time and expense to the majority of us, we strongly believe in the importance of facials with the change of seasons. Many of us do a “refresh” and prepare ourselves for the next few months at the beginning of a new season by reorganizing, cleaning, and resetting our goals. In the same way we need to refresh in other aspects of life, our skin needs the same attention. After the Winter, skin is dry, flaky and wrinkles have wreaked havoc on our skin over the winter. Dead skin needs to be sloughed away, pores need a deep cleaning, dry skin needs to be hydrated, and skin needs a chance to breathe and get its glow back.

Facials are an excellent way to give your skin the TLC it deserves. Whether your main concern is clearing clogged pores, anti-aging, detoxification, calming irritation, or deep moisturization, a facial can help solve the problem. Treating your skin to a facial even a few times a year gives the skin on your face a chance to start with a “clean slate” for the next few months.
Before the fall and winter months when the cold weather often leaves skin dry, flaky, and irritated, a facial allows for freshly cleaned pores to absorb moisturizers and calming facial products more efficiently, and better combat the environmental stress of the winter months. On top of that, at this time of year, it’s an hour to relax and recoup after the stress of September has finished. Really, we believe it is a win-win situation all around!

We invite you to come on in and enjoy one of our Moisture & Massage Treatments. Our treatments start with a Dead Sea salt foot soak, followed by a Dead Sea salt exfoliating scrub, a relaxing 10 minute massage and natural wax intense moisture treatment. Finish with optional application of grounding aromatherapy oils.

In the winter we noticed skin gets so dry and dull so take advantage of our special pricing! You have your choice of Hands OR Feet for $35 or for both Hands and Feet $60.
​ Plus, take home with you Alma Naturals Body Butter and Body Scrub and save 15%! Call to book your appointment or book online!