The neem tree is known for its healing and medicinal properties, with its use dating back to Ancient India. It is a fast-growing and long-living tree. Use neem leaf extract to treat breakouts, prevent blackheads and calm irritated skin It can also be used to combat bacterial skin infections and eczema.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

The use of neem for medicinal purposes is traditionally found in one of the world’s oldest medical systems – Ayurveda. Ayurvedic medicine promotes the use of herbs for healing and was established more than 3,000 years ago.

Historically, neem has been used to boost immunity, aid digestion and promote healthy skin hydration. It is also known to help improve respiratory function and hair growth. Neem is most commonly found as an ingredient in natural skin care products to be used externally, but neem leaf extract can also be taken internally – as a supplement, powder or liquid. The leaves can be made into a tea, and the bark is sometimes used as a food additive.

Neem’s powerful healing properties are well-researched and have stood the test of time. With its long list of benefits – it’s no surprise humans have been using it for thousands of years!

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We’ll admit it’s not exactly a “fun” time, but afterwards you’re ready for bikini season for weeks on end. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been waxing for years, knowing how to make the process less painful is always a plus.

Here are 12 tips for making a Brazilian wax much, much more bearable.

Wax Regularly: This is the single most important tip for Brazilian Waxing. Waxing regularly will ensure that the roots of your hair are new and weak. The longer you wait between waxing, the stronger the roots will become. The more you wax, the thinner your hair gets – which means WAY less pain!

Stop Shaving: At least three weeks prior to your first wax, stop shaving. And never shave between waxing – it messes up your hair’s growth cycle and leads to thicker hair with stronger roots. It could also lead to ingrown hairs, hair breakage and painful irritation during your next wax.

Exfoliate Beforehand: Use an exfoliating glove to exfoliate the bikini area about two days beforehand so that there isn’t any extra dry skin in the way. It will also help reduce the chance of ingrown hairs after your wax.

Take Aspirin: 45 minutes prior to your appointment, take two aspirin and drink a glass of water. That way, by the time you’re getting waxed, you’ll be fully prepped.

Skip the Coffee: Sure, there are few things in this world we’d skip caffeine for, but a Brazilian wax is one of them. For some people, the stimulants in coffee can increase your blood pressure and make waxing more painful. Some people don’t notice a difference, but if you have sensitive skin and/or thick hair, you might want to try it.

Skip the Gym: Exercise has a similar effect to caffeine, raising your blood pressure and potentially making your experience more painful. Again, if you are particularly sensitive to pain – we recommend skipping exercise the day of your wax. (and remember to wait a day or two after your wax to exercise as well!)

Avoid your time of the month: For some people, pain tolerance can be lower during your period. Plan your appointment for the week before or after your time of the month if possible.

Make sure the hair is the right length: Too short and the wax won’t be able to pull the hair, but too long can mean more pain. As best you can, make sure the hair is about 1/4 inch long before your wax. You can control this by waxing regularly (every 3-6 weeks) to keep your hair short. But never trim your own hair, there is a chance you could trim too short and have to wait another week or two before waxing.

Invest in numbing cream: Do not — we repeat, do not — use ice to numb the area before waxing, because it will tighten and close up your pores, and make the waxing much more difficult. Instead, use a numbing cream about 30 minutes before your appointment to help dull the pain. We offer a lidocaine-based numbing serum called Numb-it free to new customers, and you can even purchase a bottle to use at home before every appointment.

Breathe: This is quite possibly the hardest thing to do, because your natural reaction will be to hold your breath and tense up when your body knows there’s going to be pain. Instead, make a conscious effort to breathe deeply, exhaling a long breath when the wax strip is being pulled.

Wear loose clothing afterwards: For about a day or two after the wax, wear cotton underwear and loose pants or skirts so that the area can breathe and not be irritated by fabrics.

Now you can arrive to your next appointment with confidence. No need to feel nervous or anxious about the pain, you’ll do great. Enjoy your wax, we hope it’s the most painless one yet!

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Did you know…

• for every 1000 foot increase in elevation, UV levels raise between 10-20%
• reflection from the snow increases UV intensity by 85%
• skin begins to lose moisture when humidity drops below 60% (average humidity in Boulder is under 40!)
• the body becomes more dehydrated in colder weather as it tries to keep itself warm

1. HYDRATE

Firstly, make sure you are drinking enough water. I know. It sounds super obvious, but the more internally dehydrated you are, the more it’s going to show externally in your skin. At higher altitudes, air is drier and has lower air pressure. This causes you to dehydrate faster. Water will literally evaporate out of your skin faster than it would in a humid climate. This is step one.

Second, Keep your skin hydrated to counter the effects of moisture loss in high-altitude climates. Cleanse your face with a gentle, soap-free hydrating cleanser – Raw Unfiltered Honey is our favorite! (preferably organic)

Then, hydrate your face with an alcohol-free toner after you cleanse, then apply serum and/or moisturizer to your skin while the toner is still wet. This ensures that the nutrients from the toner will penetrate, and the oils in the serum/moisturizer will lock in moisture – protecting against harsh elements and our dry climate.

2. PROTECT

We are much closer to the sun in Boulder compared to most US cities. At 5,430 feet, sunscreen is a must. And remember, reflection from the snow can be just as damaging! Choose a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every hour when you are outside in the sun.

3. REPLENISH

Antioxidants help boost sunscreen by warding off free-radical damage that sunscreen itself can’t block completely. Use products that contain Vitamins A, C and E. Our Anti-Aging Serum contains all three vitamins from natural sources like Indian Gooseberry and Gotu Kola.

4. EXFOLIATE

Exfoliation effectively removes dry, dead skin cells that would otherwise build up on skin, trapping dirt and oil underneath. Fruit Enzyme products allow for effective yet gentle exfoliation without abrasive granules. The fruit acids work by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Our Enzyme Exfoliant contains papaya and pineapple enzymes, as well as lemon, grapefruit and lime oils.

You might be tempted to reach for that drug store apricot scrub, but hear me out when I say don’t do it! Those over-the-counter $3 scrubs are usually full of alcohol and salicylic acid, which will further dry you out and aggravate the condition of your skin. They also contain harsh exfoliants which can scratch (damage) compromised skin.

You could opt for manual exfoliation in the form of a micordermabrasion or dermaplaning treatment. These are treatments performed by an esthetician to remove dead surface skin and promote new cell turnover. In the summer enzyme treatments can also accomplish this. Whereas in the colder months, a light chemical peel might also be appropriate.

5. NOURISH

In addition to drinking water, a diet rich in Omegas, good fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado) and protein will boost the health of your skin. It is also important to consider the nutrients contained in your skin care products. Fresh, organic ingredients will nourish your skin much more effectively than products containing chemicals, preservatives or parabens.

6. GET A FACIAL!

I’m not just saying that because I give facials for a living. I’m saying that because I give facials for a living, and I get to see firsthand what a huge difference a couple of facials makes for your skin.

There is something about a facial that acts as a brilliant re-set button for the skin. Seeing an esthetician even a couple of times will help whip your skin into shape. Our Customized Facials use steam, extractions, exfoliation techniques and Organic Products handmade in Boulder to cleanse and restore the skin to its healthiest state.

Getting a facial is also a great way to de-stress! Your skin can be prone to extreme reactions when you are emotionally or physically taxed. Taking an hour for yourself to lay down and get pampered is truly good for your mental health, which in turn, is good for your skin health.

Now go out and enjoy Colorful Colorado… and try not to worry too much. With a little time and proper care, you’ll develop a great relationship with your skin before you know it.

The post Colorado Skin Care Tips appeared first on Brazil on the Hill.

Tweezing- This usually takes place for hours in front of the mirror before bed where we painstakingly pluck individual hairs from out of the hair follicle down to the root. The good thing about tweezing is you are in control of each annoying hair you want removed. However, this can be time consuming and often painful. If you tweeze too much, sometimes the hair wont grow back.

Pros: You are more in control. You choose the shape. Excellent precision and hair will begin to grow back in your desired shape.

Cons: Don’t be overzealous as the hair might not grow back.

Waxing- When wax is applied to the area and removed by a strip. The process is typically quick and not too painful. Waxing also last for around 3 weeks which is nicer in terms of the longer period in between regrowth.

Pros: Encourages slightly thinner regrowth as well as longer period between regrowth. Easier for “clean ups” and shaping.

Cons: Temporary redness. Harder to do on your own.

Eyebrows frame the face and are uniquely you. Whether you like the natural thick look or the perfectly shaped arch, we can make it happen. When it comes down to it, waxing tends to be the best option for most people. My word of advice would have to be let a professional do it! It’s inexpensive and easier than doing it yourself. Our Estheticians are excellent at all body waxes and will leave you looking fabulous.

Eyebrow waxes are $20.

The post Waxing vs. Tweezing… Your Guide To Getting The Perfect Brow appeared first on Brazil on the Hill.

Unlike bikini or extended bikini waxes, Brazilian waxing is when all of the pubic hair is removed as well as hair between the cheeks. You can also leave a landing strip if you’d like.

Method

1: Hot wax is applied to the area with a wooden stick. We use a new stick for each new area.

2: When the wax has cooled the esthetician will apply pressure to the strip and pull in the opposite direction of hair growth.

3: The esthetician may tweeze extra hairs that didn’t pull.

4: The esthetician will then put jojoba oil or witch hazel over the area.

Tips:

• Make sure hair is a minimum of 1/4th of an inch. About the size of an eyelash
• Feel free to take an Advil an hour before your appointment. The pain is less the more you do it.
• You can treat ingrown hairs with our awesome PFB Vanish that helps exfoliate and moisturize.
• Book your next appointment within 4-6 weeks.

Feel free to give us a call at 720-495-4729 with any questions you have or to book your appointment. You can also book online here.

We are open 6 days a week!
Monday: 10:00-6:00
Tuesday: 10:00-6:00
Wednesday: 11:00-6:30
Thursday: 10:00-6:00
Friday: 10:00-4:00
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 1:00-5:00

The post Brazilian Waxes… What To Expect appeared first on Brazil on the Hill.

For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, Let a child run his fingers through it once a day.

For poise, Walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anybody.

Remember: if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The post Beauty Tips by Audrey Hepburn appeared first on Brazil on the Hill.

Daily Skin Care Regime

Helena Meyer’s Abadiah Skin Care products are formulated according to ancient principles. Because of this, the understanding of product application will be a bit different from the classical view point of skin care application. Abadiah follows a holistic approach, viewing the entire person and the ensemble of products as a unified wholeness. Each single product contains aspects of all other products, together, making a powerful, unified program for holistic skin care.

This daily regime ensemble will leave you with the function of cleansing from the herbs, milk, honey and therapeutic essential oils and the cleansing effect of nourishing, hydrating, regenerating and soothing.

Three Step Basic Daily Skin Care Routine

1. Cleanser

Organic milk, honey, oat germ, and herbs so pure you could eat them! It cleanses the skin, while also hydrating, regenerating, revitalizing, balancing, healing, soothing, and evening out complexion. This is unlike any other cleanser and we need to have the skin notice that it is a nurturing experience, not just simply a cleansing of the skin.

1. Toner

Prepared with pearl essence and structured vitamin water, this deeply hydrates creating the basis for the absorption of the following products, as well as creating a soothing, balancing effect on the skins metabolism and structure. It is an important step in preventing the aging process of the skin.

1. Moisturizer

Applying moisturizer will be the next level of hydration and nourishment for the skin. It accomplishes a nourishing and lubricating effect on the skin, while providing a gentle shield to keep all the moisture in the skin for the entire day or night.

Additional Steps if Desired

1. Exfoliator

A well nourished skin will not keratinize. Rough skin is due to keratinization from the use of harsh chemical products, harsh weather, illness and stress. After using Abadiah exfoliator products, the need to exfoliate will diminish.

1. Serum

This product is highly concentrated with active ingredients that bring the most powerful regenerating, healing, balancing and nourishing effect depending on the need of the skin.

1. Mask

Masks are used for a weekly or bi-weekly treatment for specific needs for skin conditions and problems, or even for a pleasant skin care regime.

The post Daily Skin Care Regime appeared first on Brazil on the Hill.

Using a facial mask can be very beneficial in maintaining healthy, supple skin. A mask should be used to hydrate, sooth and enliven the skin.

It is best to avoid clay masks for they can be dehydrating, causing the skin to age. Clay’s tend to eliminate the skins beneficial natural moisture. They rarely remove black heads or blemishes, which is best done in a facial treatment with good, expertise extractions.

At Brazil on the Hill, our organic, Abadiah, skin care line offers a soothing Echinacea mask. Our mask uses:

– Honey, which is rich with vitamins and enzymes. It is also highly moisturizing.
– Echinacea, which is an anti-bacterial, that is soothing, balancing and healing.
– Comfrey for regeneration. It is a powerful herb that can heal broken bones.
– Gotu Kola, which is rich in vitamin A and renews skin cells.
– Horse Tail, which is rich in silica for skin strengthening.
– Indian Gooseberry, which is a great source of vitamin C that repairs collagen.

We love this nourishing, healing, soothing and anti-aging mask. It is good for all skin types, from normal, to acne, to aging. It tastes good too. Abadiah skin care is so natural, you can eat it!

Call today or stop by for a skin care consultation and/or customized organic facial treatment! 720-495-4729.

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Our business is appointment based. When you book an appointment, Brazil on the Hill makes sure your Esthetician will be here for your appointment. We understand that life gets busy and sometimes things come up. Please be respectful of our other client’s and Esthetician’s time.

Appointments are highly recommended, as well as pre-booking your next appointment upon checkout. We will now require clients to leave a credit card for us to keep on file in our secure computer system. This will allow us to hold your appointment. We will not charge the credit card, unless you do not cancel or reschedule your appointment according to our policy.

Appointment confirmation calls will be made within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment.

We require that you give at least 24 hours notice for cancelling an appointment. This allows time for another client to be offered your appointment time. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged 50% of the appointment and no-shows will be charged 100%.

Appointments booked for the same day are considered confirmed and cannot be cancelled.

Services booked with a Groupon, other promotional offers and gift certificates require at least a 24 hour notice to reschedule or cancel. In the event of a no-show, they will be forfeited.

Thank you for your understanding.

The post Cancellation Policy appeared first on Brazil on the Hill.

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead, drying skin that feels rough and causes an aged look to the skin. Illness, fatigue, general toxicity and harsh environments will cause dead skin to build up. When our skin becomes dry or keratinized it is difficult for nourishment to penetrate and for our body to detoxify itself by pushing bad oils out. When this happens, we tend to get very dry, undernourished skin and experience a buildup of blackheads and acne blemishes.

When we exfoliate, the dry keratinized layer opens a gateway for our skin to detox itself and receive nourishment. While using an exfoliant, it is important to avoid any products that use a scrub as a way to eliminate dead skin. This can be harsh on the underlying tissue and will sometimes cause small splinters in the skin from shells and other ingredients used in many exfoliants.

At Brazil on the Hill, our Organic Abadiah exfoliants use enzymes that digest the dry and keratinized build up and dissolve the dead skin. While clearing up the dead skin, the exfoliant also nourishes, detoxifies and delivers Vitamin C and antioxidants to the underlying skin.

Abadiah Organic Skin Care offers four skin care lines, Spearmint for normal/sensitive skin, Anti-Aging, Roseca and Neem for blemished skin.

Call today for a skin care consultation and/or a custom organic facial treatment. We can naturally bring your skin to health.

720-495-4729

The post Monday Newsletter: Safely Exfoliating Your Skin appeared first on Brazil on the Hill.