Feed Your Skin

Eminence Vitamin C Anti-Oxidant Facial with complimentary eye and lip treatment $98 (regular $125)

Monday-Friday 9-5pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – Closed 109-2673 Beverly St., Duncan (Thrifty’s Plaza) 250 748-2056 I www.soulescape.ca

Providing the Cowichan Valley with Raw Cold Press 100% Organic Juices & Nut Mylks NEW Bone Broths with Medicinal Mushrooms!

Available EVERY DAY at The Community Farm Store or WEEKLY online at cow-op.ca. Direct orders can be placed to hello@euphoricjuicery.com

Feed Your Skin

There’s no better gift to your skin to welcome the change of season than a facial. For some facials are a luxurious treats reserved for birthdays and special occasions, for me now that my skin has been around the block a few times seasonal facials have become an essential part of my ‘ageing graceful’ routine. Much like going to the dentist once or twice a year, going for a facial is my preventative action for ageing skin.

Soul Escape organic spa’s newest ultrafacial offering is The Vitamin C. A specialty lymphatic drainage and collagen boosting treatment. After a season of dry, flaky, acne prone skin I was ready for some TLC. I book in with Verity, Soul Escapes newest aesthetician with over eighteen years of full service spa experience in many of Canada’s major capital cities. She warmly welcomes me into the sunlit reception area with a mandatory contactless temperature check to ensure everyone is kept safe and healthy.

Cleanse

The treatment room is dimly lit and ready for my arrival. Verity gives me a few minutes to change and get settled on the cozy blanketed table. The ebb and flow of nature scapes play in the background serenely settling me to another place far from Duncan. She begins with a hot cloth and a gentle lemon milk cleanser that cleans, hydrates and nourish with vitamins. My pores and senses come alive with a burst of fresh lemon. A hot towel is applied before the next step, an international award winning Mangosteen cleanser. This organic Eminence product is a favourite of aestheticians throughout the world due to its natural effectiveness to slough off dead skin cells. The unique tart and sweet scent of tropical mangosteen uplifts my mood and cradles me in memories of tropical beaches from holidays in my past. Another hot cloth is pressed on my face and décolleté before a pH balancing spritz of organic lime toner. This hot cloth lingers with warmth to full open my pores before the upcoming peels.

Facial Peel

Now that Verity has had some time with my skin, she is able to asses why type it is and where my problem areas are. Taking into consideration my personal needs, she mixes together a fresh alpha hydroxy acid fruit pulp peel specific to my skin type. AHA’s are water soluble acids made from sugary fruits that help peel away dead surface on

your skin so new skin cells can thrive. This pro formula contains antioxidant boosters of organic apple, grape, quince and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). These ingredients combined reduce the effects of sun damage and renews the skin by adding moisture and nourishment. While the peel penetrates Verity works on my arms and hands attentive to the full length of each limb. Verity’s expert fingers massages my cheeks, chin, nose and forehead as she applies a stimulating lime, nettle and lemon masque to increase healthy blood circulation. “I like to use a cool towel to bring down the warm tingle feeling on your skin after this part of the treatment.” Verity shares with me in advance of the next cloth “It feels really nice after having so much heat and also helps tighten up your pores.” A gentle camomile toner readies my skin for extractions. Extractions are one of my favourite segments of a professional spa facial. Protection is laid over my closed peepers as Verity scans my face for clogged pores and blackheads to remove. Her expert method unclogs the problem pores gently and efficiently leaving my face so clean and renewed. I lie back and relax into the fruity halo that surrounds me. She tones again and I prep myself for the end, but to my pleasant surprise learn that this is an ultra facial and we are only midway!

Masques, Massage and Moisturize

I stretch like a cat under the blanket as I get ready for the next steps. I am feeling fully cared for and cosy today in Verity’s expert hands. Next comes one of her favourite blends a Citrus and Kale masque. “When you have L-Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid you have a very potent powerhouse. The ferulic Acid helps stabilizes vitamin C to retain its full potency.” Verity shares as she applies this masque with a firmer touch concentrating on facial manipulation to help tighten the skin. Another glorious hot cloth is laid as she blends a formula of Linden and Calendula with a few drops of organic apricot oil for a massage of my décolleté and shoulder areas incorporating digital pressure on the face followed by specialized lymphatic drainage. “The lymphatic system in the body allows us to get rid of excess fluids and built-up toxins through the lymph nodes. It can improve client’s circulation and reduce puffiness.” Verity softly informs me as the pressure, still gently but more directed increases “It helps stimulate sagging facial muscles which can allow features to appear fuller and plumper. “ Another hot towel and then we moisturize with organic potent Citrus and Kale facial serum for my fine lines and wrinkle prevention The leafy greens in this serum helps to improve elasticity and the avocado helps with deep hydration. This serum is nourishing for any skin type. Feeling fully satisfied, the treatments rounds to a close with an application of organic mineral red currant moisturizer

Giving you back the luxury of time and a naturally clean home to enjoy it in!

Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

250 929 8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Licensed - Insured - Bonded

with SPF. After a facial, your skin, now freshly glowing is more sensitive so the sun so protection is applied to the face and Neroli Eye Serum applied to the delicate eye area. I revel in the last steps as she finds pressure points on my scalp after moisturizing my arms, hands, shoulders and neckline with a fresh stone scented cream. She quietly lets me know that my facial is done and leaves me to get ready to float out of the spa. I lie there for a few minutes easing back into reality. Feeling lighter and cleaner, relaxed both physically and mentally. The best spent hour and fifteen minutes I’ve had in a long time. The Vitamin C Ultra Facial which includes eye, lip and neck treatment is on special this month at Soul Escape Spa. Book in for one. You certainly deserve it! www.soulescape.ca

Submitted by Sheila Badman