DAYSPA Magazine Product Spotlight

Planting the Seeds

As part of their greening efforts, some spa owners are growing organic ingredients in their business's own backyard. Grown in a small veggie garden or tiny pots of herbs, these ingredients ensure freshness and add home-grown flavor to a spa's treatments, skin care and cuisine. If you're thinking of growing your own spa ingredients, you don't have to go it alone. Whether you're known for your green thumb or struggle to keep cacti alive, these resources can help your garden grow:

Composting101.com
By creating your own compost, you can give your garden the nutrition it needs without spending a penny on expensive fertilizers.
Gardeners.com
Here you'll find a variety of how-to articles on gardening and the supplies you'll need, including prefab raised garden beds and insect colonies to control pests.
Greenspanetwork.org
Visit this site's 'professionals' page to read Lisa Roger Sykes' overview on how to build a raised garden bed.
Organicgardeningguru.net
This resource offers gardening advice and articles on everything from planning and design to pest control and planting techniques.

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Spotlight: Mining Minerals

Antioxidants and advanced delivery systems bring new synergy to mineral skin care.

Some minerals are capable of stimulating collagen, combating fine lines and wrinkles, and repairing skin, providing healing and protective benefits, says Sam Dhatt, chemist and founder of DermaQuest (www.dermaquestinc.com). Others, such as titanium and zinc, offer comprehensive UV protection. Add to the mix today's enhanced liposomes and other super-charged delivery systems, and the impact minerals have on common skin concerns can be quite profound.

Here's a rundown of some frequently infused into skin care:

Calcium—Not only good for bones, calcium also feeds skin, ensuring cell differentiation takes place on the epidermis.

Copper—It stimulates collagen used in the formation and tightening of skin. The salt form (copper PCA) fights bacteria, heals wounds and boosts collagen.

Magnesium—Applied topically, magnesium assists exfoliation, says Jean Shea, CEO and founder of Biotone (www.biotone.com). As magnesium sulfate (epsom salts), it soothes aching feet and muscles.

Potassium—Its applications range from emulsifying compounds to playing a potential role in preventing hyperpigmentation. Osmosis (www.osmosisskincare.com) uses potassium as a natural stabilizer to improve shelf life and inhibit mold in lipid-rich ingredients.

Sodium—As sodium sulfate or sodium meta bisulfite, it can help stabilize a hydroquinone cream. As sodium ascorbic phosphate, it's a highly stable antioxidant.

Titanium—It offers physical protection from UVB rays. Titanium also increases the viscosity of pigment and offers an even finish in mineral makeup.

Zinc—Aside from reflecting UVA rays, zinc oxide protects cell DNA, is involved in 200 enzyme reactions in the body, contains anti-inflammatory properties, aids collagen and elastin synthesis, and is an antibacterial agent for acne and potentially rosacea.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant exfoliates and enhances penetration of age-fighting vitamins and minerals, including sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide. 310.900.4000, www.dermalogica.com

Spotlight: Mining Minerals

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