7 Ways To Reboot Your Body

We want to make this the healthiest year yet and last week we covered detoxing tips for the skin and how regular peels are key to having the skin we dream of, so today, I want to talk to you about your body and how to reboot for a smoking hot 2015.

We often read about diets, miracle detox plans and rush weight loss programs but the reality is we need to keep our health as a priority; remember, health is beauty. Honoring this principle I’m sharing with you some of the things I do in order to reboot my body and my system and staying slim, healthy and energized.

1. Make Smoothies: My nutritionist always reminds me about my daily fruit and vegetable intake but I juggle a lot everyday: clients, staff, patients, kids, friends, lovers, training and meetings... I don’t have a lot of time. My best bet is to take part of my fruits and vegetables of the day and turn them into smoothies, sometimes with a shot of protein in them and I’m ready to go.
   
   
2. Take Time to De-Stress: Plan your body care “to the T”. Take time to book your monthly treatments, whether it’s a deep tissue massage, a body scrub, a bikini wax, lipo-melt, etc and keep it. Include every day at home pampering too, don’t skip your daily moisturizing and sunscreen rituals.
   
   
3. Eat at home: Pick a time to cook your weekly meals if you take your lunch to work with you, you can also get a head start on sides and partially cooked foods to keep in the fridge and prepare quick dinners for those late nights and have a few snack bags ready to go for the everyday run out the door.
   
   
4. Eat fresh: Eat whole foods, fresh foods, natural and organic foods. These will always be better for your body.
   
   
5. Exercise: At least 25 min a day. Run, jump, hike or walk around the block. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, carry the grocery bags or your purse and lift them like weights. Walk while you talk on the phone to your loved one, squat while you watch the news at night. There are no excuses.
   
   
6. Stick to the plan: Have a plan and stick to it. If you cheat on your wellness path you are only cheating on yourself. Love and respect yourself enough to keep up the good work.
   
   
7. Be smart: I always have my favorite dietician an wellness coach on call, I follow them on social media, keep up with them on the web, read their blogs. There is so much information out there and you can’t believe everything so I always go to the best source I know, ask questions and really learn what works for me; it’s important to remember everyone is different and has special needs, goals and circumstances. If you are looking for help, I recommend Catherine Kruppa and her team from www.adviceforeating.com. They are absolutely amazing and they are right here in Houston across the street from us. They can help you achieve your goals by yourself or with your family. They can even take you on a Supermarket Tour where you will learn how to make the best choices in the store. You definitely have to check them out, and while you’re there, tell them Escarle from Alira sent you. You won’t regret it.

I hope these tips can help you get on track. This is your year.

Lots of love,

Peel Off the Old You!

Hello everyone,

I hope you are enjoying this first month of the New Year. As we start 2015, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from fans, friends and clients on how to detox, how to clear our skin, anti-aging tips and so on, so I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s post to peels and answer many questions at once.

Peels are a great way to give our skin and our cells a clean slate and a chance to rejuvenate. Lets get rid of some of those wrinkles, stress, marks, sunburns and acne. A peel is one of the least invasive ways to improve the appearance of our skin and applying chemicals to remove the damaged layer of our skin does it.

There are three types of chemical peels: Superficial/Light Peels, medium depth peels, and deep peels. The main differences are how much skin they remove, how deep they penetrate, its strength, and how long it is left on. This also is determined by what kind of chemical or peeling agent is used when doing the peel.

A superficial/light peel is the gentlest type of peel available. Only the top layer of the skin is removed and can give you an instantly brighter look as well as a smoother, more even texture on your skin. It can be used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, mild acne scarring, age spots and dry or flaking skin. A course of between 6 and 10 treatments is usually recommended to achieve the best results. It doe not hurt and there is virtually no recovery time. You can be a little bit pink afterwards but this can be disguised with make-up. With a superficial peel you would be able to return to work or go out straight afterwards and no one would know you had had anything done.

A medium depth peel gives more dramatic results than superficial peels because it penetrates deeper into the skin and can be used to treat sun damage, pigmentation and wrinkles. The downside is that you might have a longer recovery. You may also feel more discomfort during the treatment. Your face can become a little swollen, pink and itchy following treatment and you will get a little ‘peeling’ of the skin than you would with a superficial peel. Generally recovery takes around a week.

Deep peels are the strongest type available and can achieve wonderful results for sun damage, scarring and deep lines and wrinkles. This type of peel is a little more painful and can take more time to fully recover from. Your skin will be very red and feel almost like it’s sun burnt after the procedure. Although you will heal in one to three weeks the results of the peel are long lasting. You will peel and your skin will be itchy. But it’ll be worth it. This type of peel is for more serious skin conditions looking for stronger or radical results.

At Alira, we have a wide selection of peels for you to choose from, but of course, we have a few favorites for you to choose from:

Glysalac Sothys Peel: Choose this peel for an effective skin exfoliation; it brings instant radiance to the skin. This is a soft peel, works great as an introduction to a deeper peel.

Lactic peel: This type of peel has a skin moisturizing effect; it’s special for sensitive & fine skin types.

Glycolic Peel: Improves pigmented lesions, acne scars and minimizes fine lines. This type of peel works great on all skin types.

Jessner: This peel is special for dark spots & irregular skin tones, it also works wonders for all skin types.

Salicylic Peel: This type of peel is powerful with a regulating effect for greasy, acne-prone and/or seborrheic skin.

Green Peel: Involves 3 treatment methods where each individual skin need can be met. Freshen up, Energy & Classic.

Remember our safe and effective medical treatments are the perfect complement to our other beauty-enhancing services. Feel free to ask any questions when you book your next appointment. Our team is here to help you accomplish your beauty goals.

And this month, if you are a VIP MEMBER at our Spa you have a Complimentary Glysalac Sothys Peel!

Hope to see you soon for your next treatment!

Lots of love,

New Year Skin Recovery!

The holidays can wreak havoc on your skin, we know. T'was the season for overindulging and sacrificing sleep for a few more hours of sipping cocktails and dancing up a storm. But don't worry, we're here to help you get your skin care back on track!

Step 1: Catch up on your z’s

After nights upon nights of being awake way past your bedtime, one of the best ways to get your complexion back on track is to ensure you get your beauty sleep. When you’re done with the holidays, get back onto a solid sleep schedule: Make an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

Step 2: Water, oh water!

The more dehydrated you are, the worse your skin and hair will look, so if you've been living on cocktails and caffeine, it's time to turn your attention back to good old fashioned water. My favorite way to stay hydrated is to fill a glass pitcher with water, sliced cucumbers and lemon wedges to entice you to drink water throughout the day.

Step 3: All over masks

A mask is such a useful tool on your quest to get your complexion back to its pre-party state. Winter in general can also take its toll on your skin, so nurture your face back to health with a hydrating mask to replenish and rejuvenate your skin.

Step 4:  Five letters, one word

Right. The holidays are done, so what’s the next step? DETOX!

Start every morning for the next week with warm water and lemon. This will help flush toxins from your body. Load up your daily meals with lots of fresh vegetables and leafy greens, opt for lean proteins, good fats (olive oil, avocados) and steer clear of anything sugary or laden with fat and calories. If you can stand it, trade your daily mug of coffee for herbal tea or better yet, another cup of warm lemon water. Snack on fruit and raw nuts (rather than cookies or chips), and after a week, you should feel much better overall and notice your skin is brighter and back to normal.

I really hope this few tips are as helpful to you as they have always been to me.

Happy new year!

Want immediately rejuvenated skin?

Meet Sothys Cosmeceutique Rx, the all new clinical treatment for cell rejuvenation and energetic capacity to revitalise, smooth and regenerate your skin. 

Sothys reveals a new clinical skincare line based on potent anti-oxidants and active hydroxy acid complexes for intensive and immediate results. The Sothys Cosmeceutique Rx Dermoboosters have been expertly formulated to effectively target specific skin concerns. 

Depending on your skin's needs, after your profesional facial, we can prepare the perfect at-home treatment to keep you on your way to the skin you want. 

This new line includes:

The Glysalac Skin Preparer: A deep acting treatment cleanser with glycolic and salicylic acid to gently remove dead surface skin cells while thoroughly cleansing the skin.

The Glysalac Dermobooster: A resurfacing skin booster with glycolic and salicylic acid to increase micro-exfoliation thereby encouraging cell renewal for smooth radiant skin.

The Retinol Dermobooster: An intensive skin regenerating serum to improve the appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin and reveal a more youthful complexion.

The Ultra-C Dermobooster: This high potency Vitamin C serum targets hyper-pigmentation and signs of aging. Ideal for skins exposed to environmental pollution and stress, helping to neutralize free radical formation.

We are thrilled to have these new amazing products at the spa, so book a consult with our experts today to set up your special Sothys treatment plan. 

You all look younger already! 
See you soon,  

Ask Escarle

Through the past days we’ve collected a few beauty questions from our fans in our Facebook fan page, that’s why we’ve decided to answer them right here in our blog. Are you ready?

Q:  How often should I get a facial to maintain my skin in perfect shape?

A: You should book a professional facial about every three to four weeks, that’s how long it takes your skin to move through the full life cycle of skin cell growth and exfoliation. A facial helps that process along. The treatment will keep your skin clean, clear and toned, plus having one every three to four weeks helps you maintain that beautiful glow all month long.

Q: How can I keep my feet baby smooth if I wear flip flops or primarily open shoes daily?

A: The best way to keep your feet smooth is with the help of a great exfoliator. Have you heard of our Jentry Kelly exfoliating cream? We’re sure you’ll love the way it smells and gently softens your skin. After you’ve exfoliated your feet, apply a nourishing moisturizer and put on a pair of socks, so your skin can absorb the moisture much better.

Q: How can I get rid of black spots on my face?

A: Black spots can be tricky, the first thing you want to do is have them checked by a dermatologist.  You could also come to the spa and get  a customized treatment plan from our esthetician in a personal consulting session, there are many facial treatments at our spa that can help you achieve your skin goals.

However, if you’re looking for a home remedy for your condition, give buttermilk a try! Buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps exfoliate the skin to remove blemishes and brown spots without drying out your skin. Apply buttermilk on your brown spots using a cotton ball. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing the area with water. If you have oily skin or acne, you can also add some lemon juice to the buttermilk.

Q: Can you give me any tips to help me reduce the dark circles under my eyes?

A: There are many reasons behind the appearance of dark circles. The main reasons behind dark circles under the eyes are genetics, age, or seasonal allergies.

If your circles are the result of vascular issues, you should double up on pillows at night to stop blood from building up under your eyes. For allergy-induced circles, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine before allergies begin to abate shadows. And finally , if thin skin is the issue, use a collagen-building cream. Sothys’s eye contour line is amazing at protecting your eye contour area. You’ll see that its wonderful formula will diminish the look of dark circles, reduce any puffiness and bags while revitalizing and destressing the skin as soon as it’s applied

It was lovely to receive so many questions. Hopefully we'll get to do this again very soon!

See you around!

Be VIP!

Have you ever dreamed of being an A-list celebrity? Having a team of experts to help you get ready for any occasion that may appear? Your wish is our command!

In Alira Boutique Spa and Salon we’ve devised a plan to cover all your beauty needs and release your beauty to the world: The Alira VIP Memberships!

Being a VIP not only gives you access to special discounts and treatment packages, but will also grant you early access to our seasonal sales, giveaways and much more!

Are you ready to be treated like a VIP? Ask us how to become one next time you visit our spa!

Hope to see you soon!

A flash and a bang.

It seems like it was yesterday when we first opened our doors, welcoming all of you into our spa and our lives, and my, how fast has time gone by!

Just thinking about how our Alira Family has evolved through the years is quite similar to watching a toddler grow up! Alira Boutique Spa & Salon went from a dream to a reality and we want to thank you for being a key part of it.  Your kind words, constant visits and support, inspire us to keep working every day to offer the best experience possible.

We’re incredibly thankful that you’re part of this journey with us.  Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your everyday life!

As a part of our anniversary month, we're taking a walk down memory lane. Let’s relive the inauguration together!

Cheers to many more years of pampering!

Lots of love

It's a celebration!

October marks our second anniversary and to celebrate it, we’ve prepared a lot of great activities for our lovely Alira Community. That’s why we’ve decided to start the party early and start unveiling our surprises right away!

To start things with a bang, get ready to restock on all your favorites because we’re chopping off 20% on all of our retail products! This first treat is only valid from October 1^st to October 2^nd, so hurry up and get them while it lasts.

Our second surprise of the month is the fabulous one hour makeup classes that the lovely folks from Jentry Kelley are giving at our spa on October 8th. Normally, this classes have a price of $100, but for our Anniversary we’re giving them to our customers free of charge! Just remember to ask our staff to sign you up for any of them.

Last, but not least, don’t forget we’re contributing to breast cancer awareness month with our pampering sessions for all patients and survivors.

Are you ready for our anniversary month?

Lots of love