Model: Shawna Patruno Photographer: Margaritaua Photography Agency: Orange Models All Rights Reserved
Retinol, also known as Retina A, is such a hot topic for its anti aging properties, keeping pores at bay and helping you keep a clear, blemish free glowing complexion.
Dermatologists talk about it being the gold standard of anti aging ingredients. Retinol helps boost your cell turnover. It helps produce collagen, it’s important as we age to keep our collagen in tact so we can look youthful longer. Collagen depreciates for everybody at about the age of 25. In order to trick the hands of time we can add retinol into our skin care routine and encourage rapid cell turnover so your skin acts younger.
If you are using retinol you’ll need to be using a minimum SPF 30 (the higher the better up to SPF 60) be sure to apply every 3 to 4 hours to protect your new cells and prevent photo-aging (a.k.a dark spots).
Do not apply a retinol in the day time. In all my research and trainings I was told that is a big “no no”. Instead apply at night and allow it work while you sleep. Trust me you will thank me for this tip alone.
Another major tip is to start slow. Start once a week to avoid massive peeling and thinning of the skin. Less is more until you build up.
The seasons and the weather also need to be considered with retinol use. Do not start the use of retinol in the summer months to avoid unneeded sun exposure. Trust me I learned this the hard way. This simple mistake will cost you hundreds of dollars in corrective measures.
Make sure you are using the right moisturizer, you may need to switch for the duration of your retinol routine. Also you’ll need to use a great exfoliator in tandem.
Keep the basics such as a cleanser, toner, moisturizer with SPF 30 to 60 and exfoliator. It’s important to note that retinol is an added tool, not a replacement.
Be careful when applying it and avoid the eye area. The skin around your eye is way too thin and sensitive for this concentration of retinol.
Check with your doctor if you are on any medication that could make your skin thin or sensitive to burning and tell your skin advisor if you have any illness that impacts your skin.
Lastly, create a plan with a professional, don’t go in blind! Most likely you will get pink and when you increase your usage you will peel, this is completely normal.
My most recent beauty find was the OxyGeneo Facial at Allure Medical Spa in Hamilton Ontario. This is a three-in-one facial in which Allure uses medical grade ingredients to ensure you achieve the best results.
Facial Assessment
When I first arrived at Allure I was treated to a skin assessment and cleansing. This process was completed to ensure they found the best beauty treatment for me. They assessed my skin under six different lighting settings allowing them to assess skin damage in all forms including; photoaging, inflammation, texture pigmentation, redness, and fine line wrinkles.
Skin Assessment from Allure Medical Aesthetics
OxyGeneo Facial
An OxyGeneo Facial is a treatment that uses 3 steps to renew and anti age the skin using exfoliation, infusion and adding oxygen into the skin resulting in a beautiful glow.
The ingredients in the facial are said to be vegan, natural and paraben free, which I am a large advocate for. For those who don’t know, parabens can disrupt your hormones and lead to health issues.
The best part about this facial is that it is customizable to suit your individual needs such as balancing, brightening or revitalization (this is the one that I did). It uses red algae to help reduce fine lines, improve texture and give you refreshed hydrated skin. They come in individualized pucks with unique benefits.
Facial Process
The facial is completed in three different steps which are detailed below:
Step 1: Exfoliate
This process removes the topical layer of dead skin. It reminded me of wet microdermabrasion with a bit of a kick. It felt kind of spicy, almost like a chemical peel, which I personally do love. While it was being performed I did however wonder if I would end up looking like a tomato afterwards as I am very prone to redness. Surprisingly I did not!
Step 2: Oxygenate
This uses something called the bohr effect which results in a natural body process that oxygenates blood cells. This process will help your cells to function younger and healthier resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Step 3: Infusion of Serum
During this process things like hyaluronic acid are added for hydration, vitamin C for brightening or anti-aging ingredients like peptides to help increase collagen production.
Facial Results
The Oxygeneo Facial will produce immediate results making your skin baby soft and glowy. As time passes you will begin to see improved texture in your skin and will notice that your products work more effectively. This is the part that I loved the most as normally my skin looks best immediately after a facial, but with the Oxygeneo Facial my skin continued to improve even two weeks after the treatment.
I would recommend booking an appointment with Allure and having them personally assess your skin, and if you choose to do the OxyGeneo Facial ….. Get ready for the ultimate facial experience!
Hi, in case you are new to Reawakening Beauty my name is Shawna Patruno. I review the best skin and body treatments so that you don’t end up wasting your money. I provide you with health hacks to look beautiful, have healthy skin, boost your brain health and feel confident from head to toe.
A while back I was very stressed and so I took a vacation to Blue Mountain. While there I had the opportunity to visit the famous Scandinavian Spa where I got a massage and did the circuit of the baths including; hot tub, cold plunge, sitting by the fire and back into the pool. My amazing friend joined me and I am so glad she did because we rocked the cold baths so much that a man asked if we were training to become a Navy Seal. I told him we weren’t, we were just seeing how far we could push our mind and body into submission. The answer for me was five minutes sitting in a tub filled with freezing cold water.
At this moment you’re probably thinking, that sounds completely unenjoyable, but I assure you after five rounds of doing the circuit your body is forced to relax and you’re submerged into the present moment. The only thing I didn’t love was the locker size and the fact that you had to be completely silent.
“Scandinavian Baths and Hydrotherapy circuits have many benefits including cleansing the body, stimulating blood circulation and releasing of endorphins.”
Tip Tuesday for aging around the eyes! Last week we spoke about how aging doesn’t need to be scary and I educated you on collagen loss…
Well this week we are going to talk about your eyes, aka the window to the soul … The skin around your eyes is very thin and it’s the first place you age along with the lips.
However we can prevent this, woo hoo! So listen up …
An eye cream in your 20s, 30s and 40s is essential, but be careful because if you pick the wrong one you can develop Milia, and that is not fun. Milia are small cysts that can develop around the eye area. They are not pimples and attempting to pop them can cause further inflammation, damage and scarring.
How about we let your fresh eyes make everyone wonder how you’re aging so well (or hardly aging at all)! I use a vegan luxury eye cream. This gives all skin types a youthful glow while reducing the appearance of puffiness, fine lines and dark circles thanks to a special combination of caffeine = isn’t for everyone
I use a vegan retinol alternative that has been better tolerated by the skin. This anti-aging eye cream formula also features Plant Stem Cell, vitamin C, Peptides and Vitamin B3 to improve the appearance of skin tone around the eyes for an overall healthier, younger-looking appearance that all skin types (including sensitive) will love. This product is allergy tested, dermatologist-tested.
The goal when doing mesotherapy is to allow your skin to work in tandem with the vitamins to heal any issues, boost collagen and the elastin production.
Mesotherapy uses multiple micro injections of minerals, plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins, and other ingredients like hyaluronic acid that are put in the skin in order to help the skin heal. It helps with pores, scars, hydration , fine lines, lack lustre skin, loss of elasticity and premature aging.
The procedure takes about 30 mins and can hurt a little if your face isn’t frozen completely. Through the treatment you’ll be enduring multiple micro needles injected all over the face. You’ll bleed for sure, as it’s going into the skin and you’ll be left with little dots of solution which will dissolve within a day.
They have different types of mesotherapy, some are just cocktails of vitamins and other have more hyaluronic acid to help with lost hydration or volume.
A mesofacial depending on the concern can very from different vitamins and can range anywhere from $125 to $500 dollars depending on what you choose to heal your skin with.
It will not freeze the skin movement like Botox or fill your face like a filler, it will just make the foundation of the skin to be stronger, allowing your face to look more youthful and hydrated & Over time the issues you were concerned will dissolve.
I do it once a year at most, as my skin is pretty healthy and I maintain my skin at home. However, if you are correcting issues you may need to do it more frequently.
I started doing mesotherapy because I wanted to prevent wrinkles and keep my skin young. Based on my results I do enjoy it and I know it does help to maintain my youthful skin.
If you would like to work with me personally to find unbiased skin care advice please email me and I’ll set up a consultation
What standing in a literal freezing chamber pretty much naked can do for your body, mind and health for only 3 minuets and why it was one of the first things I did when things opened up from covid.
First off the definition of Cryotherapy is a treatment of extreme cold temperatures, using liquid nitrogen on the body to go anywhere from -160c to -196c in an enclosed space for 1 to 3 minutes. You are simply in your undies with knee high socks, gloves and slippers to protect yourself. It’s a great look!
Cryotherapy tricks your body to go into survival mode. These frigid temperatures trick your body into thinking something extreme is going to happen. Making your major organs the prime focus and therefore your mind sends signals to redirect all you blood to protect your organs. Once completed and you leave the chamber, your mind realizes it’s “safe” again and starts pumping new oxygen rich blood throughout the body. It decreases toxins with the extreme blast of cold.
Its said to decrease inflammation, help produce collagen, detox the blood, boost metabolism, heal injuries faster, improve sleep, hair and elevate your mood and it did all these things for me.
After 5 treatments I noticed a significant decrease in the swelling in my knee, a decrease in pain for up to 4 to 6 hours afterwards, I slept like a peaceful baby that night, my skin looked more toned on my face and body. My water retention also decreased. I noticed an elevation in my mood and my hair is shiny and more manageable, which is rare for me. The results are temporary at this point.
I have done over 50 treatments ish in total to see if the results are long term and honestly this treatment rocks and I’m addicted to my skin looking firmer, and my eyes looking brighter and pain management. You do have to keep up with it so I go at least twice a month now ✨
I would invest in cryotherapy if you are in pain or your an athletic person with aches and pains. It would be highly beneficial if you are jet legged from travelling, as it instantly gives you a jolt of energy. There are skin benefits, but I can’t say if they are long lasting at this point. I’ve been doing it for two years and it has been such a help. However be careful where you go as you need someone experienced.
I would say it’s worth a shot at least once and decide for yourself, however, i f you have heart problems or health issues check with your doctor before proceeding.
Now go freeze your ass of literally 😉 Seriously it burns extra calories too 🌿
Everything happens for a reason: the good, the bad, & the ugly…
I know this is a cliche you have heard many times. How bad do you want to punch me in the face this second? Here’s the thing no one likes struggle, but what if I can switch up your mind set and shake up your world. Give me until the end of this blog post to do so.
This statement was born because every time I forced something to be different was when I suffered. It was always chaos, heartbreak, illness and I am not saying give up, but I am saying accept it. Two very different things.
When I accepted what my reality was and moved in fluidity to this I was gifted something better out of chaos and rebel. It was like a dance where you let life lead and you are gifted a new blessing from your demise.
My life was not a cookie cutter life, we moved around a lot, I was poor, bullied and constantly felt alone. My mom was ill and was in and out of hospitals. She did her best, but People judged us and I learned fast to act happy and to be whatever I needed to be to survive.
I would often wish for friends, a mom who wasn’t sick, a stable home, to travel and was constantly trying to change everything. Force, force, force which resulted in pain, pain, pain! However, I surrendered and accepted some huge pain points, such as, I can’t learn the same way as before because of brain aneurysm and accepting that I had a severe ED and moved through it. I was gifted with a real best friend and some amazing blessings. I grew stronger from the ashes and that paved the way for friendships, love, a purpose and authentic relationships.
When I pushed for what I thought was right, I was often scorned. When I fought for friends they often betrayed me. When I fought for my moms approval my eating disorder got worse & when I fought for anything it often blew up in my face. Trust the process, let it go it’s not for you… Surrender!
1 scoop Vanilla Vegan Protein (no filler ingredients)
2 drops Vanilla Stevia
Toppings
PB2 Almond Butter or Cashew Butter
1 tbs Unsweetened Coconut (optional)
Blackberries (optional)
Instructions
Bring water to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Add in the gluten free quick oats and stir vigorously. Add in the unsweetened almond milk, matcha, stevia drops and optional vegan protein powder (preferably vanilla and keto). Cook for 2-3 minutes or until desired consistency.
Benefits:
Matcha (aka green tea) is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. Several studies have been completed whereby the effects of matcha appear to correlate with various skin conditions being improved with regular consumption (but not overconsumption as it does have caffeine).
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Add in a shaker cup the following ingredients; unsweetened vanilla almond milk, ice cubes, matcha, protein powder, stevia drops and the cinnamon. Shake well and voila, healthy glow matcha on the go. Top with optional vegan coconut whipped cream for a special treat.
Benefits:
Matcha is rich in natural antioxidants which help to stabilize harmful free radicals which can break down our skin’s collagen . Some research shows that several of the components in matcha could also help to enhance brain function.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Add the matcha, almond milk, ice, protein, half banana and drop of stevia into the blender. Blend on medium/high setting until desired consistency. Remove from blender and pour into a cup or mug. Stir in the other half of the frozen chopped banana and top with coconut granola or other optional toppings.
Benefits:
Matcha is rich in natural antioxidants which help to stabilize harmful free radicals. Some research shows that several of the components in matcha could also help to enhance brain function. Bananas are rich in potassium which have the ability to help you maintain healthy nerve function
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Vegan Berry Bowl for a Healthy Glow & Boosting Collagen
Ingredients
1 cup Black berries
1 cup Blueberries
1 cup Raspberry
Instructions
First remove all the berries from the package and wash them. Put them in a bowl and submerge them in water for 10 mins with 1 tbs of baking soda . Then strain them and re rinse. I like to eat this as an evening snack paired with a tea for a ton of vitamin C and fiber along with a few pieces of vegan dark chocolate.
Benefits:
Blackberries are loaded with with fiber, vitamin C like strawberries which has been said to regenerate the skin. See health studies Blueberries are loaded with anti oxidants and are high in anthocyanin which may build natural collagen. They have been said to have the ability to improve circulation. Feel free to research further.
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This quick and easy tip is great for the wintertime and also helpful if you want to learn how to help your dry skin and save some money! I’m going to teach you how to make a mask at home using your moisturizer which may be coming up to its due date! So I have a ton of moisturizers at home, actually I kind of feel funny about how many moisturizers I have, it’s a lot, like I have an abundance of stuff and sometimes you find certain moisturizers are not your favourite. I would recommend that these moisturizers would be a perfect candidate to use in the creation of your at home mask.
I would also recommend not using any moisturizer that has like a glycolic, lactic acid or anything with vitamin C, this is because it would be too potent on the skin. You will want to make your mask using strictly a hydrating moisturizer which is filled with either ceramides, hyaluronic acid or anything else like that aloe.
So what you’re going to do to make the mask is:
Add about 2 tbs of moisturizer onto your hand
Apply to your face leaving a thicker layer (be sure not to rub it in)
Leave it on for 20 minutes
Rinse off with warm water and pat your face with a towel to dry
This simple mask will help to boost your hydration as well as use up your excess products before they expire. This is perfect to use in the winter as our skin can become very dehydrated and dry (which means lack of oil) during the colder months.
1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (Lily’s) or Dried Cranberries (unsweetened)
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together until malleable. To form the cookie, use a measuring spoon (tablespoon) and pack in the mixture to make a half ball. Remove carefully using a spoon and store in a cool dry place
If you feel it is not binding add another tablespoon or two of Almond milk to the mixture and remix.
Benefits:
Protein is said to be a building block for your muscles. It also has been said to protect your bones and keeps you feeling full longer. Protein also helps your skin remain youthful! I personally use all plant based protein sources. In addition this recipe contains gluten free oats which have tons of fibre and are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants keeping you feeling good.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Hi! My name is Shawna Patruno and I am the founder of Reawakening Beauty. I have been a vegan for the past 3 years and love making healthy, simple vegan recipes. This blog contains a collection of my favourite 5 Valentine’s Day recipes. All my recipes are Vegan, Gluten Free and are low in Sugar. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Reawakening Beauty: Valentine’s Days Recipe #1
Reawakening Beauty: Rose Hot Chocolate for a Healthy Glow
Rose Hot Chocolate for a Healthy Glow
Ingredients:
2 tbs Cacao Powder
1/2 tbs Beet Root Powder
1 /2 tsp Rose Powder
2 drops Stevia
1 cup Water
1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond or Cashew Milk
Toppings
Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream
Editable Rose Pedals (optional)
Instructions
Add 1 cup of water into a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature to low heat and add all ingredients. Whisk occasionally. Remove from stove and pour into a mug. Top with vegan coconut whipped cream and editable rose petals or additional cacao powder and cinnamon.
Benefits:
Cacao powder has been said to aid in healthy skin. Studies have shown that longer term use of cacao powder can contribute to sun protection and improve the surface and texture of your skin. Rose has also been said to have a calming effect.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Reawakening Beauty: Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipe #2
Reawakening Beauty: Vegan Rose Glow Elixir Latte for Gorgeous Skin
Vegan Rose Glow Elixir Latte
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
1/4 cup Filtered Water
1 tsp Organic Rose Powder
3 tsp Organic Red Beet Crystals
1 tsp Cinnamon
2 drops Stevia
Garnish with Edible Rose Petals for Presentation
Instructions
Add 3/4 cup of Almond Milk to a pot and simmer to just before boiling then reduce heat to lowest temperature. Add into the pot the room temperature filtered water and remaining ingredients. Whisk until blended and remove from the stove. Add to a cup. Optional for presentation lightly sprinkle a pinch of Rose Powder and Red Beet Crystals on top and enjoy!
Benefits: Rose powder is said to be anti aging and calming for the nervous system and is loaded with polyphenols & antioxidants, which is great for good health and gorgeous skin.
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Reawakening Beauty: Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipe #3
Preheat oven to 320°F. Wash strawberries thoroughly. Mix chocolate ingredients together in an oven safe dish and place in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes stirring at the halfway point. Line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper. Dip each strawberry or raspberry in the chocolate mix to lightly coat and place on the parchment paper. Put in the fridge to chill for about 60-90 minutes before consuming. Store in fridge for only 3 days.
Benefits: Cacao is known as a “superfood” because of its antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. It also has been said to bring down inflammation and boost collagen formation.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Reawakening Beauty: Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipe #4
Reawakening Beauty: Healthy Glow Vegan Chocolate Fondue for Valentine’s Day
Healthy Glow Vegan Chocolate Fondue for Valentine’s Day
Chocolate Fondue Ingredients
3-4 tbs Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
1 1/2 tbs Cacao Powder
1/4 cup Keto Vegan Chocolate Chips
Optional Dipping Ingredients
Blackberries
Blueberries
Strawberries
Pineapple
Vegan Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
Instructions
Preheat oven to 320°F. Mix chocolate fondue ingredients together in an oven safe dish and place in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes stirring at the halfway point.
Remove from the oven and dip your favourite fruit into the chocolate fondue and enjoy!
Cacao is known as a “superfood” because of its antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. It also has been said to bring down inflammation and boost collagen formation.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Reawakening Beauty: Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipe #5
1/4 cup Organic Fatso Almond Butter (or Fatso Peanut Butter but only if you aren’t actively breaking out)
1/8 cup Keto Vegan Chocolate Chips (*sweetened with Stevia)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 320°F. Mix ingredients together in an oven safe bowl. Place the bowl in the oven for 10 to 15 mins stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and pour into desired BPA-free food grade chocolate mold, I used hearts for Valentine’s Day! Place in the fridge for 2 hours. Remove from fridge and carefully pop each one out of the holder. Store in the freezer to avoid melting.
Benefits: Cacao powder has been said to aid in healthy skin. Studies have shown that longer term use of cacao powder can contribute to sun protection and improve the surface and texture of your skin & coconut oil is antibacterial and anti microbial.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Healthy Glow Vegan Chocolate Fondue for Valentine’s Day
Chocolate Fondue Ingredients
3-4 tbs Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
1 1/2 tbs Cacao Powder
1/4 cup Keto Vegan Chocolate Chips
Optional Dipping Ingredients
Blackberries
Blueberries
Strawberries
Pineapple
Vegan Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
Instructions
Preheat oven to 320°F. Mix chocolate fondue ingredients together in an oven safe dish and place in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes stirring at the halfway point.
Remove from the oven and dip your favourite fruit into the chocolate fondue and enjoy!
Cacao is known as a “superfood” because of its antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. It also has been said to bring down inflammation and boost collagen formation.
Follow Reawakening Beauty and Reawakening Beauty Podcast for more skin tips, self care tips and recipes.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Add 1 cup of water into a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature to low heat and add all ingredients. Whisk occasionally. Remove from stove and pour into a mug. Top with vegan coconut whipped cream and editable rose petals or additional cacao powder and cinnamon.
Benefits:
Cacao powder has been said to aid in healthy skin. Studies have shown that longer term use of cacao powder can contribute to sun protection and improve the surface and texture of your skin. Rose has also been said to have a calming effect.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Handful of Berries or 1 ounce Cacao Nibs or Unsweetened Coconut Flakes – I added all of the toppings
Instructions
Serving Size: 2-3
Add all the ingredients into a blender (preferably glass). Blend for approximately one-two minutes to pulse the chia seeds. Put in the fridge for one hour and top with desired toppings. Store in a glass mason jar or container, consume within 4 days.
Benefits:
Chia seeds are a great source of antioxidants and omega 3 which is a huge culprit in healthy skin.
Cacao is full of antioxidants which fight free radicals which causes aging. It’s also loaded with minerals and has been shown in some studies to reduce inflammation.
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**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
The goal when doing mesotherapy is to allow your skin to work in tandem with the vitamins to heal any issues, boost collagen and the elastin production.
