Dry skin can be a very frustrating skin condition to deal with. Your skin can feel flaky, tight, and sore from the lack of moisture, and can impact your confidence. It also makes it difficult to find suitably hydrating face care and makeup products, since they may not be hydrating enough or even make your skin uncomfortably oily.

Thankfully, there are specialised products, facial treatments and natural remedies to help relieve your discomfort and let you enjoy plump, refreshed skin.

Your diet can have quite an effect on your skin, which means that adding these foods can help hydrate your skin and relieve your discomfort as well as boost your health.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an often recommended remedy for dry skin, especially when eaten with their skin. They’re full of Vitamin A which repairs your skin and beta-carotene which protects your skin and keeps it hydrated.

Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is a great alternative to vegetable oils for cooking since it’s much healthier. In addition, it can improve your skin both by ingesting it or by rubbing it on problematic areas.

Water
Water is the key to great skin and good health. It’s important to stay hydrated, so keep a bottle nearby at all times to get into the habit of drinking more water. Not only is water hydrating, but it can remove toxins from your skin.

Avocadoes
A versatile ingredient that can be eaten in many different recipes, avocados keep skin hydrated and help prevent the signs of aging. They’re incredibly nourishing, so you should definitely include them in your diet.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy food to wake up to. It’s great at tackling flaky dry skin and redness. It’s also a great breakfast food that can be combined with many other ingredients to keep you feeling fuller for longer, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy foods that dry your skin.

​You don’t need to completely change your daily routine to tackle dry skin. A few small changes can have a great effect. Incorporating a moisturiser into your shower routine is always recommended, as well as avoiding washing your body or face with water that is too hot. But did you know that moisturiser can be more effective if you apply it to damp skin? So make sure you use it right after you’ve showered or washed your face so that it locks in the hydration and refreshes you longer.

Setting a humidifier on your desk while you work is also a simple solution that won’t mess up your routine. Desktop humidifiers only need to be filled up with water at the start of the workday and you can let them work their magic. They can also improve your breathing if you have allergies or asthma, and counteract the dehydrating effects of being in a room with an Air Conditioner or heater on all day. Plus, they usually come in attractive shapes and colours!

Nothing beats a facial for a powerful boost to hydration, especially facials designed to combat dry skin. A Hydra Blue facial is great at making dry skin radiant again, while a Douceur Marine facial treats redness and soreness to soothe your face. The movements of a facial treatment also have the benefit of boosting circulation and collagen production, so your skin is not only fresher but looks younger too.

Incorporating a moisturiser into your routine is often the first and best-recommended step to tackling dry skin. However, many products contain ingredients that make other skin problems worse, make your skin too oily, or simply don’t hydrate your skin enough. Picking safe, reliable products is important, which is why Carisma recommends products by Phytomer, since they are effective, natural, and sustainably sourced.

If you have combination skin it has probably been an ongoing struggle to find a product that hydrates your dry areas without making your oily areas worse, so you may wish to try an ultra moisturiser that’s oil-free, or an easy-to-apply gel solution that’s great for any skin type. If you feel regular discomfort from skin tightness, a comforting rescue cream may be the ideal solution. If you prefer a more complex routine, then adding a hydrating night cream along with your normal moisturiser can help you get bright skin before you’ve even woken up for the day.

​Dry skin doesn’t have to mean constant discomfort or insecurity. You can tackle it head-on in a simple, straightforward way with a few small changes to your lifestyle and diet that will have a positive effect on your wellness as well.

In recent years, Korean beauty treatments have gained a great deal of popularity around the world. Commonly referred to as ‘K-Beauty’ there are quite a few skin regimens that have become famous for their effectiveness. The K-Beauty blackhead method is one of these regimens, and might just be the perfect solution for you if you are struggling with skin impurities and blemishes.

Here at Carisma Spa, we want to make sure you know about current beauty trends that are proving successful, so I’ve compiled a short guide that summarises the K-Beauty blackhead routine.

Skin impurities like blackheads form when your pores or hair follicles get blocked by dead skin cells or excess sebum. They can also be caused by a build-up of bacteria, especially if your skin is irritated or damaged by the weather, for example.

This is why it’s important to use a skincare routine that also reduces excess sebum production, moisturizes and restores skin, and purifies your pores. This way, the underlying cause of the problem is addressed, to make it less likely that these impurities will form again.

​Various versions of the K-Beauty blackhead method exist, ranging from a 3-step method all the way up to a 10-step method! These routines can be condensed down into the main steps below:

Clean Your Canvas
Make sure you start your skincare routine with a clean face! This makes it easier for products to reach deep into your pores since you’ve helped them out by removing some surface oil and dirt from your skin. Try and match the cleansing product you use to your skin type, whether it’s dry, aging, combination or oily skin. If you prefer (or your skin varies in dryness/oiliness) you can use a product that’s suitable for all skin types.

Open Your Pores
Next up, wipe your face with a gentle cloth soaked in warm water. You can even microwave a wet cloth if you prefer, but be careful not to burn yourself (or the cloth)! The warmth opens up your pores and makes any products you use afterward more effective.


Optional: Use a Face Mask
Face masks are a great tool to correct and reduce skin impurities. If you use this routine often, make sure you only include a face mask once or twice a week though, especially if you prefer peel masks or have sensitive skin.

Masks reduce future sebum production and help clean dirt and oil out of your pores, especially if they are designed to target build-up in your pores.

Look out for masks that contain charcoal or clay since they’re more appropriate for tackling impurities. Avoid peeling masks altogether if you have sensitive, damaged, or irritated skin since they can make these problems worse. Try out a gentle face mask if you have these skin concerns.

Use a Cleansing Oil
Surprisingly, an oil-based cleanser is great at dealing with excess oil and impurities! Oil-based cleansers do a great job when it comes to dissolving blackheads, so rub a little cleansing oil over your face for 2-3 minutes, paying special attention to your nose area, or any area that is prone to blackheads. 

Rinse your face with a little bit of water, and rub your skin again (some cleansing oil should still remain). After a little while, you can fully rinse your face and the clogged pores will be rinsed out as well.

A pleasant advantage to oil cleansers is that they won’t leave your skin feeling over-cleansed or tight after your skincare routine.

Apply a Serum
After this intense cleansing routine, make sure to replenish your skin’s moisture. Serums are especially useful since they tighten your pores, helping to prevent skin cells and oil from building up all over again. You can find serums for dry skin, aging skin or uneven skin that has discoloration.

Heavy moisturizers should be avoided at all costs to prevent blocking your pores all over again, so opt for a gel-based or lightweight moisturizer if serums aren’t your thing.

Remember, moisturizing your face also means your skin won’t enthusiastically produce excess oil to replenish the moisture itself!

This K-Beauty routine is becoming well-loved all over the globe for its effectiveness. It’s definitely worth trying out if you want to tackle impurities, or even simply wish for a routine that provides deeper cleansing than your current skincare regimen.

There's an oft-cited statistic that often gets thrown around. Maybe you have heard of it, maybe you haven't, but there's little truth to the statement that says 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into the bloodstream.

Yet even if this is the case, it doesn't necessarily mean that you can be careless about what you put on your skin. Even if products mostly just reach the surface, they still have a significant effect on your skin health. This is why you should be careful about the ingredients that the beauty products in your skincare regimen contain.

​To help you out, here are some ingredients that you should incorporate into your skincare routine and ones that you should completely avoid:

Ceramides
If you happen to have an issue with your skin's moisture levels, you'll benefit from using products with ceramides.  A Self article notes that ceramides are one type of lipid found in the stratum corneum, and are particularly excellent at sealing in hydration. They help your skin look plumper and they can even manage some signs of aging.

It's also worth noting that there are prescription creams containing ceramides that are specifically formulated to treat eczema, but ceramides are also found in over-the-counter moisturizers and night creams.

​Antioxidants
Just like you look for antioxidants in the food you eat, you should also look for antioxidants to put on your skin. Allure notes that they are basically ingredients that protect the skin against environmental stressors like free radicals. It makes sense, then, to make it a point to use products that are rich in antioxidant ingredients to improve your complexion. Case in point, Pretty Me's review of the Asian-favorite Kojic Acid Soap enumerates four powerhouse antioxidant ingredients: Vitamin E, virgin coconut oil, pure coconut oil, and kojic acid. Together, these can give you a brighter, more natural skin tone, deep cleanse and exfoliate your skin, and fade your scars. With continued use of antioxidant-rich products, you can also expect to treat skin ailments like blemishes, freckles, hyperpigmentation, and melasma.

Vitamin C
It's not surprising why Vitamin C is all the rage right now. It has the power to counteract and protect against free
radical damage and can brighten dark spots over time. Plus, as noted in our 'Oranges, our best allies' ; post, vitamin C
can also make you look extra radiant and healthy.

Just be sure that the vitamin C product you're going to use come in airless, opaque packaging, as the ingredient is
sensitive to light and can easily succumb to degradation when exposed to sunlight.

Parabens
You may have noticed that many skincare products have a paraben-free label. This is because it's a well-known ingredient to avoid due to a research paper that claimed parabens can be found in breast cancer tissue samples.

And while the cosmetic products only use a small concentration, coupled with the fact that EU and FDA regulations mark them as safe to use if they're in the current form, it's still better to be safe than sorry.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has long been classified as a carcinogen, but it's still being used in many beauty products.

​The good news is many retailers are beginning to ban products that contain this ingredient. But Byrdie points out that while it's a well-known toxic ingredient , many aren't privy to the fact that there are also other ingredients that release formaldehyde. You should exercise caution when shopping, as it might just be hiding behind another name.

Mineral oil
Mineral oil may be an effective moisturizing agent, but when used on the skin, it can effectively clog your pores. This
is because it's a petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic.

It messes with the skin's ability to fight against toxins, which means that it can also increase the likelihood of acne and other conditions. This ingredient is typically found in creams, lotions, and ointments, so be sure to watch out for it when shopping for products.

Getting into the routine of maintaining good skin is important, but it’s even more important to book regular sessions at your local spa. Not only will this provide your skin with a plump look and feel, but it will also ensure you protect your body’s largest organ: the skin. One of those treatments is a facial.
​
The term facial was previously considered just a treatment for skin conditions, such as acne. However, it is now more broadly used. Today the term includes steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage - all of which are usually performed in a spa for both men and women.

Until we experience a facial treatment, we don’t realize how much of a positive impact it’s going to have on our faces. With thorough cleansing, deep down into your pores, get ready for glowing, shining skin after your next facial.

It’s Relaxing 
First and foremost a facial is by far one of the most relaxing treatments. Whilst you’re here, sit back and enjoy the pampering session. Especially in the days after leaving the spa, when your skin feels its softest.
 
Reduces Stress
By taking an hour out of your busy life to relax for a facial, you will experience its amazing capability to reduce stress levels within the body. The facial will help to not only increase blood circulation but also allow the blood to transport more nutrients to the skin, creating that glowing look and feel.
 
Anti-Aging 
Through regular facials, your skin muscles will become tighter which ultimately slows down the aging process. By experiencing regular facials, the muscles will be exercised, creating a perception of more lifted, toned, and firm skin.
 
Protects against Environmental Factors 
Your pores fill with dirt and dust while you simply live your everyday life. Within a facial, the therapist can exfoliate deep into the skin removing dead cells, improving skin tone appearance, and reducing pore size.
 
Treats Acne (and other skin issues)
If you’re suffering from acne, and/or other skin conditions, then facials help to reduce redness and inflammation, therefore minimizing the chances of future outbreaks. Extraction, if needed, is also great for removing blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and preventing breakouts. Anyone struggling with acne can benefit from a facial, alongside a facial scrub, as it clears out the skin and has a purifying effect.
 
Improves Circulation 
As the technician provides a facial massage, the increased blood flow will carry more antioxidants, oxygen, and nutrients into your face. This subsequently creates a healthy glow and radiant look.
 
Eliminates Dark Circles and Bags Under Your Eyes 
Dark circles around the eyes are caused by weakening muscles. The breakdown in collagen causes the fat to shift to the lower eyelids causing dark shadows and puffiness. By experiencing regular facial massages, you can ensure that this skin becomes tighter, therefore preventing any under-eye bags.
 
Treat Yourself
There’s nothing more satisfying than sitting back and letting the professionals get to work on deep cleaning your skin. Not only will it feel fantastic but it will provide lasting softness for the days that follow.

​If you can, having a regular spa facial near you, at least every six weeks, will do wonders for your face; brightening the skin, creating a fresh, glowing look.
 
Here at Carisma Spa, depending on your requirements, we have the desired facial treatments for the need. From face firming to city life shielding - regain brightness, and bring back your natural glow with a Carisma Facial Experience.
 
Our ultimate treatment, however, is the Carisma Signature Facial. Providing instantly visible results, this facial combines biotechnical efficacy with an outstanding anti-aging massage. The outcome is instantly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. 
 
To make your experience even more relaxing, some of our treatments include a complimentary relax back, hand, and eye perfection treatments. So you can leave feeling fully refreshed and restored.

​A good time to book yourself in for a facial is as the seasons change. The elements in the air also start to change and this can have effects on your skin. So if you’re not up for a regular 6-week appointment, then quarterly facials each year might be your best option.

In the meantime, if you want to look your best and maintain the youthful appearance of your skin,  regular washing, moisturizing and applying sun protection is what matters most.

Next time you are heading to our spa in Malta, our spa technicians will be more than happy to offer consultations on the products that might work best, for ensuring your skin retains its glow all year round.

It’s never too early to start nourishing your skin to slow down the aging process. But no matter at what stage of your life you begin seeking anti aging remedies, there are various approaches to take. Whether you prefer more natural lifestyle and diet changes, facial treatments and anti aging products, or a combination of everything available to you, you are sure to find useful information in this article.

There are a few lifestyle choices that can actually slow down skin ageing. Avoiding hot sunny days is key, as hot weather increases the production of sebum which clogs your skin. Wearing protective clothing and sunscreen is also essential. 

Meanwhile being out in cooler weather promotes better circulation. Winter weather even helps you sleep better, reducing the appearance of dark circles, since it simulates the natural drop in temperature that happens when we fall into a deep sleep.

​In a similar vein, washing your face with cold water has many benefits. It reduces stress, inflammation and tiredness, leaving you with tightened skin and pores, without stripping away too many of your skin’s natural oils like hot water does.

In fact, tiredness in general is something to avoid. Staying up late and having an inconsistent sleep cycle means less time for your body to recover and repair. Good rest will improve your circulation, rescue puffiness around your eyes and face, and decrease dryness.

​Quitting smoking is also an often-recommended tip to keep your skin youthful. The smoke and nicotine deprive your skin cells of oxygen and nutrition which prematurely ages your appearance.

Exercise and taking time out of the day to de-stress is also incredibly important. Remember to shower right after to help your body recover its energy and wash away skin cells and bacteria.

There are some foods that are particularly useful at slowing skin ageing and improving its appearance. Vitamin C is a great place to start. Vitamin C from oranges and lemons will help your skin’s elasticity and collagen production.

Eating foods rich in antioxidants is also helpful to protect your skin from damage. Bell peppers are a good start, as they also help reduce eye wrinkles, but many fresh fruits and vegetables will do. 

Omega 3 from fatty fish and fish oil helps your cells renew themselves, avoiding inflamed flaky skin. Surprisingly, avoiding fats isn’t a necessary part of improving your diet to appear younger. On the contrary, fats can help your skin look radiant and bright. 

You may also want to consume more foods that contain soy, like tofu or edamame beans, as they help preserve collagen.

Finally, a very popular recommendation is always drinking more water. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated both from the inside (by drinking water) and from the outside by preserving or replenishing your skin’s hydration.

Another way to help your skin stay youthful is having youth boosting facials or treatments that address your skin concerns. For example, a Freshup facial helps firms skin and freshens up skin that appears dull. A Hydra Blue facial rejuvenates dry skin and restores hydration that may be lacking in aging skin. 

White lumination facials brighten skin and reduce the appearance of age spots and pigmentation, while Extended youth facials fill in wrinkles and boost collagen production. Even facials that do not necessarily target aging skin stimulate circulation and collagen production through the movements of the therapist’s hands, so a facial treatment may be a great way to treat yourself.

Products can be an important part of your skincare routine. It’s usually recommended to use products like moisturisers both in the morning and before bed, and it’s best to use them right after you’ve washed your skin so that they lock in moisture and are more effective.

Anti Aging moisturisers are specifically formulated to fill in wrinkles, firm and lift the skin, protect you from sun damage, or reduce skin texture problems.

Exfoliation is also very important. As you age your skin replenishes itself more slowly, leading to a build up of dead skin cells which makes skin look dull and dry. An exfoliator helps clear all the skin cells away, revealing the more youthful skin beneath. Make sure to only use gentle exfoliators though, as more intense or harsh exfoliators can make your skin sag. 

Gentle, natural exfoliators can have immediate results, improving the appearance and texture of your skin.

It’s never too early or too late to give your skin some love and attention. Whether you decide to simply change up your skincare routine, try a new moisturiser or completely change up your diet, I hope this blog gave you some useful tips that change your life for the better.

Are you too scared to visit the spa because of your nails? Spent the summer biting, chipping, and ultimately ignoring those nails of yours? 

Well, you’re in luck - as many nail conditions can be avoided through proper fingernail care. We are here to offer some guidance on how to ensure stronger nails that will stay healthier in the long run.

There is something refreshing about having strong, pretty nails - it’s like it unveils a new level of confidence inside of us. So check out our steps to regain that nail confidence, so you can stroll into the spa for your next manicure in a tip, top shape.

Use Cuticle Oil
As part of your regular routine to maintain healthy nails, it has been suggested that moisturizing cuticles will help to retain strong and beautiful nails. If your nails are prone to breakage then using cuticle oil to add some moisture could help prevent damage.

Moisturise Often
If your hands are prone to damage as well, it could be that they just need some extra moisture too. Try to ensure you have both cuticle oil and hand moisturizer at your desk to use daily. When you are also applying hand lotion, make sure to rub just a little bit extra into your nails so they are fully moisturized.

Cut Nails Appropriately 
When trimming your nails, ensure to use sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve. Similarly, don’t try and bite your nails when you don’t have time to cut or file them. Always cut them carefully and this will help them retain their strength.

Try Biotin
Medical experts have suggested that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails; Including Dr. Kleinsmith, who commented that people with especially weak nails may benefit from the B vitamin.

Wear Gloves
Avoid washing clothes or dishes without wearing gloves, as you will be exposing your skin to hot water and harsh chemicals that can irritate or dry out your hands. Most detergents contain chemicals that help to remove grease from your dishes or stains from your clothes. If you use these liquids without gloves, the chemicals will remove the natural oils from your skin, subsequently making your skin dry out. 

Outside of the kitchen - and come winter - our hands are prone to being cracked and battered by the changes in elements and winds. The best solution here is to wear leather gloves that act as an additional layer in terms of protection.

An additional way of getting your nails done is by leaving it to the professionals. The primary goal of having a manicure or pedicure is to ensure you are maintaining healthy hands and feet. If they are lacking in moisture and your nails are starting to go brittle, then book yourself a spa visit and let the professionals get to work!

By visiting your nail spa often, you will help to enhance your nail health and keep your hands looking young. As the skin on our hands is quite thin, it doesn’t age as well as other areas of our body.

Finally, as well as just keeping your nails strong and healthy, a manicure or pedicure is also good for your own personal well-being. After having a manicure, your feet and hands will both look and feel amazing. These treatments will also help to reduce stress, as your body will calm down, relax and blood circulation will increase whilst you undergo the treatment session.

Are your nails in need of a little tender loving care? If so, leave it to us and we’ll let you relax and unwind whilst we tidy up those nails.

With numerous nail treatments here at Carisma Spa - from manicures to pedicures to gel nails or french manicures - we’ll let you choose your preferred style and we’ll get to work on treating those nails of yours. 

Once your nails are in tip-top shape, why not extend your spa day to a day by the pool, or relax and unwind with one of our massage treatments?