We’ve got great news: Firecracker Beauty Spa has a brand new Sunlighten Infrared Sauna Room ready for you! Not only is this treatment opportunity a burst of warmth, it delivers wholistic benefits for mind and body. With Firecracker’s new Basswood mPulse Sauna Room, you don’t have to travel to Santa Fe or pay a premium for a sauna experience.
Winter may still have a death grip on us, but Firecracker is debuting a window into summer with warm temperatures and green surroundings. If the warmth wasn’t enough, read on to learn about the incredible benefits of infrared sauna or watch the video!
Add a sauna session to your next treatment or book an appointment to relax, detox, and boost your wellbeing.
As winter rolls in, the cold air can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and lacking that healthy glow. To combat these effects, a solid winter skincare routine is essential, with a particular focus on exfoliation and moisturizing. Leticia can help you out with microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and micro needling, as well as hydrating facials, and top-of-the-line products for at-home.
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, which can accumulate and block moisture from penetrating the skin. During winter, it’s crucial to choose a gentle exfoliant that won’t strip away natural oils. Aim to exfoliate once a week to keep your skin smooth and allow for better absorption of moisturizers.
Following exfoliation, moisturizing is key. Winter air is often dry, and indoor heating can exacerbate skin dehydration. Look for rich creams or balms that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or natural oils (such as jojoba or almond oil) to provide deep hydration. It’s also beneficial to apply moisturizer right after bathing, as this helps lock in moisture. Don’t forget to pay attention to your lips and hands, as they are often the first to show signs of dryness.
For an extra boost of nourishment, try this DIY cocoa face mask. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for winter skincare.
**Ingredients:** – 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder – 1 tablespoon of honey – 1 tablespoon of yogurt (or milk) – 1 teaspoon of olive oil (optional for extra moisture)
**Instructions:** 1. In a bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and honey until combined. 2. Add the yogurt (or milk) and mix until you have a smooth paste. 3. If desired, incorporate olive oil for added hydration. 4. Apply the mask to your clean face, avoiding the eye area. 5. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Hello, Beautiful! New Mexico and much of the Rocky Mountain West has just had our first snow storm of the season and we want to take a moment for this snow-packed list of PSAs–drive slowly on icy roads; always keep a big coat, boots, and gloves in the car in case you have to get out and hike; kitty litter is easy to keep in your trunk for extra traction if you’re getting stuck; hydrate even if you don’t feel hot; and SPF is critical in the snow!
Because of our high altitude and sunshine, which reflects off the snow for double-exposure, New Mexicans must be particularly vigilant about sun protection year-round!
What is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much solar energy is necessary to damage protected skin. The higher the SPF, the better protected your skin will be. SPF can be applied through products or by donning the right kind of clothes. For example, merino wool clothing has a UPF of 50. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is similar to SPF, but is the rating system used for fabrics instead of products applied to the skin. Great for protecting your body, wearing clothes with UPF allows you to be exposed to the sun without worrying about reapplication. However, it’s not practical to keep your entire face concealed every time you go out, and summer weather brings summer styles, which often feature bared shoulders, backs, arms, and legs. Having a skin-applied product with SPF means you can safely enjoy the sun in a fashionable outfit!
Why is it important?
UV damage, like the damage you get every time you have even a mild sunburn, is a leading cause of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce your chance of getting skin cancer. With a little thought and the right products, keeping your skin protected doesn’t have to take a lot of time or interrupt your normal beauty and style routine.
In addition to causing skin cancer, the sun’s harsh UV rays cause premature aging to the skin–reducing elastin, increasing wrinkles, dark patches (sometimes called sunspots), and freckles.
Protect your skin. Preserve your youth.
The easiest way to protect the largest amount of skin at once is to wear protective clothing, especially when you’re planning to be outside during the most intense exposure times (typically 11 am to 2 pm) when the sun is highest and its rays are most intense. Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes that cover the tops of your feet, and a wide brimmed hat. There are lots of companies making UPF clothing in a wide range of styles specifically designed to be comfortable and lightweight.
If covering up is impractical or impossible, rely on high quality, broad spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30, but ideally 50+. Finding sunscreen for the body can be relatively easy with tons of products to choose from at your favorite retailer. Various application methods make hard to reach places (like the center of your back), easy to reach!
But the face is different–more sensitive to products and requiring a higher degree of protection both for aesthetic (wrinkles!!!) and practical reasons (the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive). It’s important to invest in quality products that will provide maximum protection without making you look shiny and ruining your make up application.
Dermalogica has a full line of SPF products for all skin types and concerns. From super sensitive to matte application, Leticia can help you find the best SPF for your face (and neck, chest, and shoulders)–saving you money in the long run by preserving your natural elastin, and making your treatments go farther by preventing unnecessary damage.
Don’t forget!
Reapply every 2 hours while out. More often if it’s particularly hot (11 am to 2 pm), sunny, or you’re sweating. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to make your life easier all around.
Protect your skin from the sun and cold with merino wool, which is naturally wicking and has a protective factor of 35 to 50–blocking the rays better than cotton or synthetics.
Scars are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. If you want to minimize healing time and get the smoothest, most discreet healing possible, you should liberally and vigilantly apply sunscreen or keep it covered for the first year.
Mineral suncreens are great for sensitive skin, but are often chalky or difficult to apply.
Chemical sunscreens come in a variety of formulas but wear off more quickly than their mineral counterparts.
Vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, and hyaluronic acid serums offer incredible benefits for skin. The key to unlocking their potential and giving your skin a beauty boost, is choosing the right one and incorporating them into your skincare routine in the right way.
Here’s a breakdown of their benefits and how they work:
Vitamin C Serum:
Benefits: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and even skin tone. It also boosts collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles beyond application.
Suitable for: Vitamin C serums can benefit all skin types, but they are especially great for those with dull, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, or signs of aging.
How it works: Vitamin C serums work by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules damaging the skin. They also inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots, resulting in brighter and more even-toned skin.
Niacinamide Serum:
Benefits: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, helps regulate oil production, reducing oiliness and pore size. It improves skin texture, minimizes the appearance of pores, and helps fade hyperpigmentation.
Suitable for: Niacinamide serums are suitable for all skin types, particularly those with oily or acne-prone skin.
How it works: Niacinamide helps balance oil production, reducing excess oiliness. It also enhances the skin’s barrier function, improving hydration and preventing moisture loss. Additionally, it inhibits the transfer of pigment within the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots.
Retinol Serum:
Benefits: Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture, and promotes collagen production. It also helps unclog pores and regulate oil production.
Suitable for: Retinol serums are beneficial for most skin types, particularly those with signs of aging, sun damage, or acne-prone skin.
How it works: Retinol stimulates cell turnover, promoting the growth of new skin cells and shedding of dead skin cells. This process improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also stimulates collagen production, making the skin firmer and smoother.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum:
Benefits: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. It replenishes moisture, plumps the skin, and improves skin elasticity.
Suitable for: Hyaluronic acid serums are suitable for all skin types, including dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.
How it works: Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing intense hydration. It forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and improving skin elasticity. This results in a plumper, smoother, and more hydrated complexion.
In addition to targeted inclusion in your facial, you can also incorporate the ingredients into your daily regimen through serums, toners, and moisturizers. Schedule a facial or consult with Leticia to determine the best serums for your specific skin concerns and needs and get on the path to revealing your skin’s potential.
Face massage offers several benefits for the skin and overall wellbeing. All Firecracker Beauty Spa custom facials include massage to enhance the glow.
Whether your massage is a the hands of a professional or you’re adding a little at-home luxe to your nighttime skincare routine, here are some of the key beauty and bliss benefits:
Improves Blood Circulation: Face massage helps stimulate blood circulation in the skin, which can result in a brighter complexion and a healthy glow. Increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, promoting cell renewal and overall skin health.
Relaxation and Stress Relief: Face massage can help relax facial muscles and relieve tension, promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing stress. This can have a positive impact on wellbeing and may even help alleviate headaches and migraines.
Lymphatic Drainage: Gentle face massage techniques can aid in lymphatic drainage, which helps eliminate toxins and reduce facial puffiness. By stimulating lymphatic flow, face massage can help reduce under-eye bags, fluid retention, and promote a more sculpted appearance.
Improved Skin Tone and Texture: Regular face massage can help improve skin tone and texture by promoting collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness, resulting in a smoother and more youthful complexion.
Increased Product Absorption: Massaging your face before applying skincare products can enhance their absorption and effectiveness. The massage helps to warm up the skin and improve blood circulation, allowing the products to penetrate deeper into the skin layers–critical for making the most of your products.
Facial Muscle Tone: Face massage can help tone and tighten facial muscles, reducing the appearance of sagging skin and promoting a more lifted, sculpted look. It can also help alleviate tension in the jaw and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Relaxation of Facial Expressions: Regular face massage can help relax facial expressions, reducing the repetitive movements that may lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines over time.
Leticia includes massage in all facials, adding to the relaxation and benefit of your spa time. When performing a face massage on yourself, it’s essential to use gentle and upward strokes to avoid tugging or pulling on the delicate skin. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or esthetician for guidance on the best techniques and products to use for your specific skin concerns.
