Episode 14: Tips and Tricks for Preparing your Skin, Mind and Body for the Winter

Reawakening Beauty Podcast by Shawna Patruno

Air Date: November 21 2021

In this episode Host Shawna Patruno and Guest Angie Vlahovich talk about all the hot tools, vitamins, and rituals that will help you transition into wintertime. Angie is an environmentally conscious entrepreneur who has created a natural retinol alternative oil and brand called Imaya Beauty.

SHOW NOTES:

  • Tools: 
    • If you live in a place with four seasons, in the winter months, you’ll notice your skin becomes drier. It might flake and moisturizer might not sit as well. Some of these products can help: 
      • A body brush exfoliates, detoxifies, and allows other products to sink into your skin. Look for one with natural fiber bristles. This product is best used on dry skin before showering. 
      • A facial cleansing brush gives you a deep clean, helps you wash your face, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and exfoliates revealing softer skin. 
      • Facial steaming uses a hot towel; a steamer; and hot, clean water. You can place your face about 20 centimeters from the steamer. Play around with the length of time and how far you sit from the steamer. Find out what works best for you! This treatment detoxifies, preps your face for penetration of any products that you use, and hydrates the skin.  
      • Shawna uses a cool jade roller that helps with circulation and reduces puffiness on her face. She refrigerates her roller and uses it around her eyes. 
      • The Sad Lamp is a type of light therapy that emits a spectrum of light that simulates sunlight. It helps release serotonin in your brain which can reduce depression. Using this light therapy can adjust your circadian rhythm which is your body’s way of regulating the sleep and wake cycle. This cycle can affect your appetite, emotional wellbeing, stress levels and so much more. 
  • Rituals: 
    • Shawna showers for thirty seconds in hot water and switches to freezing, cold water. It helps her skin, mood, alertness, and circulation. 
    • Hot and cold showers have a dual effect. The heat can soothe stiff joints and sore muscles. Cold showers reduce inflammation after activity. Angie thinks the chill is invigorating. It makes her feel more alive and triumphant. Winter months can make you feel down, but cold showers can boost your mood. 
  • Vitamins and Supplements: 
    • Vitamin B complex: Shawna recommended a food grade, vegan, and sustainably sourced product.  This supplement is great for those who are vegan, stressed, or anxious. 
    • Vitamin D: Shawna uses a food grade, vegan, liquid spray form of this supplement. Vitamin D is an essential regulating calcium and phosphorus in the body giving you strong bones. It also may play a role in boosting your mood. The most efficient form for your body to use and absorb Vitamin D3. 
    • Curcumin: This is a plant chemical found in turmeric used for joint pain, but Angie noticed that it also reduced inflammation in her face. She has a condition called rosacea which causes blushing because of visible blood vessels. Often it’s a genetic condition passed along by family members. Using curcumin has reduced redness in her cheeks.  
    • Astragalus: This is a bean or legume that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It’s often dried and placed in dietary supplements which affect the immune system, liver, and heart. Though more research needs to be done, people might choose to use it to treat heart conditions, slow the process of aging, and extend their lifespan through its antioxidant properties.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:

Shawna’s Vitamin Recommendations

Angie’s Recommendations

Feel free to reach out to either Angie or myself if you want any more resources that were discussed or recommended.

SHAWNA PATRUNO (HOST OF REAWAKENING BEAUTY)

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:

FREE RESOURCES AND MORE INTERVIEWS (YOUTUBE)

PUBLISHED WORK ON CONFIDENCE AND SKIN CARE TIPS

ANGIE VLAHOVICH (GUEST ON REAWAKENING BEAUTY)

BIO:

In 2020, after turning 30 years old and having more time during the COVID-19 pandemic, Angie decided to marry her passion for skincare with sustainability and formed Imaya Beauty. Angie runs the business on her own out of the Junction Triangle neighbourhood of Toronto.  

Angie studied at the University of Ottawa, City University of Hong Kong, and Queens’ University. She worked in labour relations and as a sourcing consultant for an organic food startup. Her work with Amazonian agro-ecology organizations led to her discovery of the locally known Aguaje fruit, which has beneficial properties for the skin and is critical to the ecological health of the Amazon Rainforest. 

Sustainability, transparency and authenticity are her core values and these values are reflected in her brand.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: 

SPEAKER WEBSITE: https://www.imayabeauty.com/pages/our-story