by Ana Mepham

​Here in Solace we offer a holistic facial. Quite different from a beauty facial. Reasons being we use facial massaging techniques along with Blumain products. I will touch on the products we use later on in the blog. For now lets get into the difference of a holistic facial and its benefits. Grab a cuppa, pop your feet up and enjoy the read.
 
A holistic facial is the ultimate pampering for your skin, to be in relaxing, caring hands is deeply comforting in a world full of stress and anxiety. To be able to come away from it all and find yourself totally relaxed in mind, body and soul. The treatment we offer can be combined with a back massage, some Indian head massage or Gua Sha stone tools. All depending on what you are feeling on the day.
 
A holistic facial has the same principles as a regular facial in that a routine of cleansing, toning, exfoliating and moisturizing. However we take a holistic approach concerning on the client as a whole and not just the skin type that the client has. A Facial massage can benefit in many ways. It can boost circulation, maintain moisture balance and remove toxins that may present in muscles and tissues. It can also help with relieving headaches or migraines. It can help release stress and get rid of sinus congestion. We use pressure points on the face to stimulate facial muscles, relieve tension, boost collagen production and enhance the skins elasticity  and appearance. We also use lymphatic drainage techniques that reduce puffiness. Your skin will be left feeling soft, soothed, hydrated and radiant. Regular treatments can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin look firmer, smother and younger.
 
      Blumain Organic skincare
 
Now to touch on the products and ingredients we use in our holistic facials. Blumain is a certified organic skincare range made here in Cork. As you know here in Solace we pride ourselves in using local products.  The Blumain skincare range has won awards from “natural beauty awards” and “Free from skincare awards”. In the holistic facials we use the Geranium and Orange cleansing oil. Which aromas are slight but soothing, the cleansing oil is used on all skin types, it gives the skin a deep cleansed feeling and  the orange essential oils balance and brighten the skin.
 Then we use the Geranium and Bamboo Facial Polish. I have quite sensitive skin myself so a Facial Polish or scrub I get slightly nervous about. Reasons being I find they can irritate my skin or I even feel a burning sensation. This Facial Polish is fantastic, I sometimes leave it on for a couple minutes to really work its magic! No irritation, no burning sensation, for me its a win win. I use it once sometimes twice a week religiously. This exfoliates with the bamboo powerd and cupacca, removing all dead skin and also refining with Alpha-Hydroxy acids. This also moisturizes the skin with honey and shea butter leaving it perfectly smooth and glowing.
 
 After we will use the soothing Rose Toner, Rosewater soothes whilst Geranium oil balances the skin. This toner is suitable for dry sensitive and mature skin. We then apply Hyaluronic acid and multivitamin serum, the ultimate anti aging serum. This is everything you need and want for a healthier looking skin. You may be asking what is Hyaluronic Acid. This is a humectant which draws water to the skin, helping to plump out fine lines and wrinkles. It has;
Vitamin A which helps the skin to produce new skin cells.
Vitamin C which is needed for collagen production.
Vitamin E which helps to nourish and protect your skin.
Eco Marine Algae extract which strongly stimulates collagen production.
Eyebright extract for its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits
Lingonberry extract for its rich anti-oxidant properties which protect the skin from free radical damage.
Evening Primrose Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids that are needed to maintain the skin structure.
This is suitable for all skin types, except those that are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the Vitamin A content.
 
Then last but not least we use the soothing Lavender and Camomile moisturizer. This luxurious and gentle Apricot and Rosehip oil combine to improve skin elasticity and help cell and tissue regeneration. Sweet almond oil nourishes and Shea Butter protects while Calendula and Chamomile extracts work together to calm and heal the skin. Lavender water and essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make this the perfect moisturiser to calm and soothe even the driest and irritated skins.
Suitable for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin types.

​So there you have it, I hope this entices you to come into Solace and give yourself a hour of pampering and care. As you deserve it!

by Sarah Forristal

Today marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, which has been celebrated for over 5000 years in Ireland. On this day the sun is described as standing still before the days start lengthening again. It is a celebration of the returning light at the darkest time of year. 

It is difficult to imagine how dark it would have been in the days without electric light. How when the sun went down work would stop for the day, and candlelight would be the only source of light. People would have rested more during the winter months as they were forced to slow down. For us these days, we are not forced to stop or slow down. We have to decide to switch off and to escape the busyness. Sometimes we can put pressure on ourselves to keep going even though our bodies need rest. 

There is a natural movement inwards at this time of year, a period of hibernation, when nature is dormant. It is important to listen to our bodies and give ourselves the time to rest and rejuvenate, building our reserves for the year to come.

To embrace this time of year and to honour ourselves it is important to prioritise rest. Light candles in the evening and allow the body and mind to unwind after the day. Invite stillness in by switching off distractions and taking a few slow, deep breaths in and out. Tune in to your body's signals and rest when you need to.  You may find you feel like sleeping more, and that's okay. It is a way  for the body to preserve energy for the longer days ahead.

​Happy Solstice!