Posted on Mon, Jan 30, 2012
Holistic Wellbeing is the condition of being in optimum health - a holistic blend of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is the result of consciously choosing to live a certain quality of life. The path of natural health and wellness is a life-long journey that requires personal responsibility and commitment.
Holistic emphasizes the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. It is the recognition that what affects one part or system affects the whole body. A holistic approach to health is multi-faceted and mindful of the consequences of all our habits and actions.
Our health is related to our lifestyle and the environment we live in. What we eat and drink, 
what we think and feel, how we exercise our body and what toxins we are exposed to. However, the good news is that we have control over most of these factors and we can make the choices that help lead to vibrant health.
We all know that there are vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other nutraceuticals that will control certain symptoms. But if that's all we rely on, then it's not much better than choosing the allopathic route and taking drugs to simply suppress symptoms. We need to eliminate the cause of the imbalance by making healthy lifestyle choices.
Whether you're a long-time advocate of a natural-living consciousness, or have just started the new year with an emphasis on natural health, go at your own pace, but keep moving toward your goal. Baby steps will get you there too.
It may take you a month, a year, or longer to reach your goal, but think about how much better you are going to feel. You will feel more vibrant, more energetic, more alive and an
over-all sense of achievement for having taken that step.
Your body was created with the innate intelligence and ability to serve you well, while maintaining optimum health. However, to maintain a condition of holistic wellbeing, your fabulous body needs to be treated with care and respect.
So whatever skincare brand you use or routine you have, remember to consider the lifestyle choices you make and the effect they can have on your mind, spirit and most of all your body.
Treat it well – it’s the only one you’ve got!
Posted on Tue, Jan 03, 2012
What better time of the year to embark on a total body detox, especially after the Christmas excess. Most of us think of detoxing internally by the usual remedies, but have you ever considered how to incorporate detox with your skincare routine?
Yon-ka is created with plants, fruits, and marine extracts to balance, soothe, revive and rejuvenate. Each ingredient has a specific role to play: fruit acids moisturize and enhance the complexion, vitamins combat free radicals, seaweed re-mineralizes and plant oils nourish and soften. Yon-ka has two products specifically intended for detox - The Crème 155 and Crème 55.
The Crème 55 is a multi-dimensional body care slimming cream. It improves the suppleness 
and elasticity of the contours, especially during pregnancy, after weight fluctuations that may cause stretch marks or to effectively counteract tired heavy legs. It targets fluid retention and the first stages of cellulite. It is best used daily after a shower or bath on slightly wet skin.
The Crème 155 is a highly balsamic phyto-aromatic cream which helps reduce local cellulite and unsightly fatty deposits. It is highly recommended before and after exercise.
Both Crème 55 and Crème 155 are generally sold together. It is recommended that you use one in the morning and the other one in the evening for optimal results. They are recommended in addition to body brushing, which is an effective way of stimulating stimulating your circulation and lymphatic system not only improving the appearance of your skin but also giving general health benefits - such as improved blood circulation and immune system.
Go ahead - treat yourself and your body! Contact your local Yon-ka Salon today.
Posted on Mon, Jan 02, 2012
uPhilosophy
Uspa is the evolution of innovative results driven products utilizing therapeutic quality botanical ingredients combined with modern technology. Uspa incorporates a wholistic philosophy focusing on the physiological as well as psychological benefits of the pure plant extracts incorporated in the products.
The Science of Nature
Our commitment to nature compels us to employ environmentally friendly, recyclable 
packaging. Our product development is free of cruelty and involves no animal testing or animal ingredients. Outsourcing of any globally indigenous ingredients reflects a regard for sustainability and free trade. Our ranges are free of artificial fragrance and colour. Made in the pure Australian environment, we are committed to delivering the bestAustraliahas to offer the world.
Uspa utilizes the highest quality natural, botanical based ingredients. George Jilly, co-founder of Uspa says, “Botanical is often confused with simplistic. However, botanicals are so complex it is impossible to replicate their complexity. Botanical products are proactive and performance based when used in its correct manner. We use modern technology to access
this complexity and utilize it for the benefit of the hair and skin.
“As our lifestyles become more and more fast paced, you are left without the ability to give yourself a mental, as well as physical being any time out. The need for this nurturing is not a luxury, it is a necessity to keep us healthy and ensure we are able to cope with these new pressures in our lives.”
Give yourself the opportunity this new year, to treat yourself to this mental and physical time out. Experience the environmentally friendly world of Uspa Skincare botanical products. See the full Uspa product range and check out your local Salon or Spa today.
Renaissance Products are the exclusive distributors of Uspa products in Ireland which are also available to purchase online.
Posted on Fri, Dec 30, 2011
We all know about keeping our skin hydrated and the benefits of doing so – at least we should by now!! But aside from our skin, it is even more important to keep our body hydrated too. No point looking after the outside and forgetting to limit the damage from the inside.
Most people are at least mildly dehydrated much of the time – whether they realise it or not. Older people are more at risk because the thirst sensation diminishes as we age. But by the time you actually feel thirsty, you're already becoming dehydrated.
Some symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration:
- thirst or dry mouth
- concentrated urine – darker colour, smaller amounts
- dry skin or reduced skin elasticity
- headache
- fatigue or low energy
- constipation
Chronic dehydration can cause other health issues:
- asthma / allergies
- depression / insomnia
- arthritis / chronic pain
- hypertension / elevated cholesterol
Prevention is better than Cure
Preventing or reversing mild to moderate dehydration is simple! Drink a minimum of 8 to 12 eight-ounce glasses of water every day. You may need to increase your total fluid intake depending on your activity level, the temperature of your surroundings, or your health status – such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Pregnant or breast-feeding women also require additional fluids.
Drinking Tips
- Drink 2 full glasses of water within the first half hour after waking. This will prime your body for the day and help in maintaining bowel regularity.
- Fill 2 or 3 water bottles with water. Each should hold at least 3 or 4 cups and be made from tempered glass, stainless steel, or non-BPA plastic.
- Drink half of that water by early afternoon - drink the rest by 2 hours before bedtime.
- Keep a bottle with you to make it easy to drink, and take one or two bottles when you leave the house. This takes the guesswork out of keeping track. When the bottles are empty, you know you've fulfilled your basic water requirement.
- Spread out your drinking during the day and don't drink more than two cups at a time.
Alcohol also dehydrates us, so if you are having a few extra drinks over the new year, remember to drink water too - especially before you go to bed. The less dehydrated you are, the better the chance of feeling 'human' the next morning!!
It’s up to you, but either way, have a safe and happy new year and here’s to a great 2012. Cheers!
Posted on Thu, Dec 29, 2011
Plant Extracts work mainly on the epidermis or top layer of the skin and can have incredible anti-inflammatory effects. They can also be used for hydration and have a great soothing effect on the skin.
Essential oils will work deep into the skin - generally to the dermal layer so they can be used to treat the root cause of many skin problems.
By having essential oils and plant extracts together it means we can treat both layers of the skin. Plant extracts can calm and soothe issues which you can see superficially like flaking from dehydration or a breakout. Essential oils are going deeper to the root of that problem to actually fix it.
The top five essential oils are the Signature Yon-Ka Quintessence:
Lavender: Is a very strong healer - can be applied directly to burns or scalds and heals skin without scarring. Great for acne skin but will have benefits on all skin types. Also known to be extremely calming.
Geranium: Skin Regenerating - strong anti-age ingredient. Can also be used in the treatment of scarring as it too has healing properties. Lavender and geranium work very well in blends together.
Thyme: The main effect is anti-bacterial. Thyme is very effective for acne or problem skins.
Cypress: Has a decongestant effect on the skin. It helps to drain redness by increasing circulation and draining toxins from the skin.
Rosemary: Very multifunctional ingredient used commonly by Yon-Ka. It is a great firmer for
the skin and also has a dissolvant action. Rosemary can treat infection from under the skin.
We use this in the treatment of ingrown hairs (Phyto 152), cysts, infection or milia (Phyto 52). It is a powerfully active ingredient.
The Top Plant Extracts Yon-Ka Use are:
Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory with soothing effects. Chamomile is sometimes known as "the plant doctor", because it is thought to help the growth and health of many other plants, especially those that produce essential oils.
Calendula: Calendula has a long history of use as a wound-healing and skin-soothing botanical. This marigoldlike flower is considered a substance that promotes healing. Calendula is also anti-inflammatory and a great antioxidant for the skin
Burdock: Burdock consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and
fatty oils. Researchers aren't sure which active ingredients in burdock root are responsible for its healing properties, but the herb may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. In fact, recent studies show that burdock contains phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin -- all powerful antioxidants.
Carob: Hydrates by humectant action. It can also be used as an exfoliator to lift dead cells from the skin.
Click to view the full Yon-ka range of products or find a Yon-ka Salon or Spa near you today.
Renaissance Skincare Products are the exclusive distributors of Yon-ka Products in Ireland. Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any questions in relation to the range, either directly on 01 - 8321412, by email - reception@renaissanceproducts.com or on our facebook page.
Posted on Mon, Dec 19, 2011
We are very excited to let you know the big news from Image Skincare...... On February 20, 2012 IMAGE Skincare will unveil its new products at cocktail-style events all over the world. This event will give licensed Image Skincare professionals the opportunity to see, test and purchase IMAGE Skincare’s new products. Although we are keeping the details about the new products under wraps until that date, there are a few things we can tell you now.
Attendees will have the opportunity to watch a 20-minute presentation on the new products and also receive 15% off all orders placed at the event. This will be the only opportunity to get any of the new products ahead of the official industry launch two weeks later. So, be sure to Save the Date and mark your calendars now.
“We are really excited about uniting the IMAGE family around the world and bringing fantastic, cutting-edge products to the skincare market,” said Janna Ronert, Image Skincare CEO.
There are several ways that you can keep up to date with the inside scoop. Follow IMAGE Skincare Ireland on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to our blog. Connect with us and we will make sure you are in the know.
Renaissance Skincare Products are delighted to announce that we will be participating in this worldwide launch party in 3 different venues on the day - One in Dublin, one in the South of the country and another in the north of the country. Full details of venues will be announced in early January. Other participating cities will include New York, Dubai, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Berlin, London, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Miami, Milan, Sydney and many others yet to be confirmed.
Posted on Mon, Dec 19, 2011
A fermentation process leads to the formation of the various acids from the collected fruits, including lactic acid. Lactic is favoured alpha hydroxy as it is a component of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) which consists of amino acids, a component of the important peptide chains. This natural humectant quality leads to increased hydration as it binds water to the surface and assists the skin proteins in absorbing moisture. Long term benefits include increases in firmness, hydration, smoothness and collagen. Lactic is also a pH modifier, making it effective for acne.
Promoting exfoliation of the outer layers of the skin is especially relevant since most pigmentation alterations associated with photo damage can be attributed to the thickening of the stratum corneum. When use of AHA’s are combined with agents such as Pure C Complex Serum, clients will see more dramatic results for evening of skin tone and lessening of pigmentation. As the alpha hydroxy encourages the pigmented cells to shed, the vitamin C will brighten and lessen the formation of new pigmentation - as long as the client is diligent about sun care. AHA’s are one part of an overall improvement regimen, which should include a variety of anti-oxidants, vitamins, bioflavonoids, and sun protection.
Soft, flexible and more youthful skin
While the body produces AHA’s on its own, it also produces alpha acetoxy acids -AAA- which do the opposite of AHA’s - they thicken the horny layer, which can lead to congestion and less flexible skin. Citric acid, another by-product of our berry fermentation process, has been shown to have remarkable effects on sun damaged skin. Studies on citric acid have shown an increase in viable epidermal thickness, or the thickness of the basal cell layer of living cells, as well as in the levels of two specific types of GAG: hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.
Hyaluronic occurs naturally in the skin and has the remarkable property of being able to bind up to 1000 times its own weight in water. A small change in the amount of GAGs in the dermis can result in a large increase in its hydration. As we age, the natural levels of HA drop off, but they are easily replaced with topical applications. Other studies have shown increases in factors that contribute to collagen through continued use of AHA. The epidermis becomes thicker and papillary dermal changes included increased thickness, increased acid mucopolysaccharides, improved quality of elastic fibers, and increased density of collagen.
Green Tea Synergy
Uspa’s Botanical Alpha Hydroxy Cell Renewal formula includes an infusion of green tea to buffer any propensity towards sensitivity. Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin while providing important antioxidant benefits. Many UProfessionals also recommend the Aloe Hydrant Gel with Green Tea to complement the AHA use. The aloe further binds moisture to the skin, soothes and firms. This combination suits oily or acne skin as well with its oil free formula.
Does it all sound like hard work and heavy going? Well not if you know the USPA product range. USPA do all the research and hard work of knowing what works best for the optimum result for your skin. For further information, check out the USPA product range. If you have any questions we can help you with, please feel free to post a comment below, or on our facebook page.
Posted on Tue, Dec 13, 2011
It's been a long and tough year for many people this year, so let's have a bit of fun and get into the Christmas spirit, with our Christmas Competition.
To be in with a chance to win a fabulous Image Hamper, just:
Write a brief note to Santa to make sure he knows all about Image Skincare and why you deserve to get some this Christmas
You can use any of the information from our website to get help or information on the products.
Entries should be added as comments to the blog on our website (as per this link). Competition is open to all Image Skincare Ireland facebook likers, from Ireland and the UK. The closing date is the close of business (5pm) on Tuesday 20th December. The result will be announced on Friday 23rd December and the prize will be delivered when we re-open in the first week of January 2012. To enter the competition, you should be a fan of Image Skincare Ireland on Facebook. All entries must be original and the winning note will be published on our site.
Posted on Tue, Dec 13, 2011
It's been a long and tough year for many people this year, so let's have a bit of fun and get into the Christmas spirit, with our Christmas Competition.
To be in with a chance to win a fabulous Yon-Ka Hamper, just write us a short description on the following:
"Write your own Signature Treatment that would help Santa to recouperate from travelling round the world this Christmas"
Your entry should be Yon-Ka or skincare related and you can use any of the information from our website to get help or information.
Entries should be added as comments to the blog on our website (as per this link). Competition is open to all facebook likers, from Ireland and the UK. The closing date is the close of business (5pm) on Tuesday 20th December. The result will be announced on Friday 23rd December and the prize will be delivered when we re-open in the first week of January 2012. To enter the competition, you should be a fan of ours on Facebook. All entries must be original - and clean! (We are a family business!). The winning story will be published on our site.
Posted on Tue, Dec 13, 2011
USPA is all about pure elements and natural extracts, so it is only natural to have a bit of fun and get into the Christmas spirit, with our USPA Christmas Competition.
All you have to do to be in with a chance to win a fabulous USPA Hamper is just write a paragraph on the following:
"I'm on Santa's Naughtly or Nice list this year because..............."
Your reason should be skincare related as far as possible. You can use any of the information from our website to get help or information on the products and treatments from USPA.
Entries should be added as comments to the blog on our website (as per this link). Competition is open to all facebook likers, from Ireland and the UK. The closing date is the close of business (5pm) on Tuesday 20th December. The result will be announced on Friday 23rd December and the prize will be delivered when we re-open in the first week of January 2012. To enter the competition, you should be a fan of USPA Skincare Ireland on Facebook. All entries must be original and the winning note will be published on our site.
