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East Day Spa Managing Director Ina Bajaj is an expert on all things spa. For more than a decade she’s been travelling the world in search of the most exquisite spa treatments. With immense passion for the spa industry, Ina is actively involved in every aspect of East Day Spa’s operations. She personally experiences a treatment from every potential new therapist and works closely with her talented team to devise East Day Spa’s treatments. Ina has a deep understanding of ancient holistic healing and is constantly seeking the latest innovations in modern spa therapies. If you’ve got a question about spa treatments, beauty or wellbeing – ask Ina.

21 Comments »

21 Responses

on 17 May 2011 at 1:11 pm | Reply Dee

Hi,

My skin is going crazy and I’m getting breakouts around my forehead and chin. What can I do to help this?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dee
on 17 May 2011 at 3:36 pm | Reply East Day Spa

Breakouts or pimples on the chin area are usually caused by hormones. This means they appear at certain times of the month and there’s not a lot we can do to prevent them altogether. But not all hope is lost – there are things we can do to reduce their appearance and to speed up the healing process.

If you’re prone to breakouts, you need a good clay or mud mask. It is the essential beauty item for anyone with oily or combination skin. Mud absorbs oil, which leads to clearer skin.

The brand of mask does not really matter, but some are better than others. Personally, I prefer the Elemis Herbal Lavender Mask which is available at East Day Spa. It has added lavender oil to heal pimples faster, so we start looking and feeling better about our skin straight away! One tube usually lasts 2-3 months.

The take-home message is to be diligent with your mud mask. Apply your mask 1-2 times a week to reduce breakouts and heal faster.

Breakouts on the forehead are usually due to hair products or oily hair. Ask yourself, have you changed hair products lately or are you using more or less of certain products?

Unfortunately the oils from products fall onto your forehead and block your pores. My advice is to stop using so much of the product that could be causing the breakouts then use your clay/mud mask to heal the breakout.

Also, you might find you need a better shampoo to cleanse your hair properly – Moroccan Shampoo is ideal. Another tip is to always ensure that you make facial cleansing the last step before you get out of the shower. The cleanser will remove any residue shampoo or conditioner left on your skin, which may be adding to the problem.

Namaste.
on 18 May 2011 at 9:45 am | Reply Dee

Thanks, great advice! I do use a lot of hair product, so will try easing off it. A mud mask also sounds like a good idea. Thanks for your reply.

Cheers,
Dee
on 26 May 2011 at 6:31 pm | Reply Bhavna Thapar

I am constantly getting dark circles under my eyes, even when I am not tired. What is a good home treatment to cure this? Help please!
on 27 May 2011 at 12:12 pm | Reply East Day Spa

Hi Bhavna,

There are many reasons why we get dark circles under our eyes. It’s good to understand a little bit about what’s going on under there. Blood circulation under the eyes becomes sluggish as we age, resulting in blood pooling and getting trapped in this area. The result is dark circles.

For most people, dark circles are usually caused by a combination of these factors:

a) Genetic
b) Lack of sleep/tiredness
c) Diet/lifestyle

I wish there was a one-hit wonder cure for these, as the problem affects many women and can dent our self-esteem.

Fear not, there are things we can do at home, but the key is diligence and keeping at it.

1. Make sure you have a good eye serum or eye cream. Look for one with peptides or ingredients that specifically target circulation. The difference between eye serum and eye creams is the level of oil content. Serums are usually suited for people with oily/combo skins, while creams are suited for dry skin types. Make sure you get the right type for your skin, or you could develop milia (white milk spots) under the eyes. Eye serums and creams are really an essential beauty item for those aged over 20. My favourite at the moment is Snowberry Eye Serum.

2. In the morning and evening, use the serum or cream to massage under your eye area. This will increase the movement of blood and circulation.

Dark circles massage: Use long, light strokes. They need to be light because the eye area is delicate and you don’t want to damage it. Don’t pull too much or tug at skin – this is too hard.

Start at the inner corner of your eye, sweep under the eye, over the dark circles and finish at the outer corner.

Take a few strokes beyond the outer corner of the eye and finish at the front of the ears (this is a lymphatic massage technique).

This is the best at home treatment you can do, but you need to keep it up. Try making it a key ritual in your on-going beauty regime.

You can also try eating less chilli, smoking less (as it starves the skin of oxygen), getting more sleep and, most importantly, try and reduce the amount of stress you experience and increase your happiness in life!

If your eyes are puffy as well, try using cool chamomile tea bags on them.

Namaste.
on 9 June 2011 at 10:33 am | Reply Sarah

There are a few more good reasons for dark circles under your eyes:

1. Gluten intolerance
2. Sinusitis / nose infection
3. Lack of exercise

Gluten intolerance – most gluten intolerant people have dark and puffy circles under their eyes (observational conclusion, not scientific)

Sinusitis / nose infection – if you are having allergy problems, sneezing, having a constantly blocked nose, check with your doctor who may prescribe antibiotics. This would solve that issue. If it’s an allergy thing, get yourself some saline nasal spray (salt water) and spray every morning and mid day, and you’ll be sweet.

Lack of exercise – try exercising every day (say, go for a run). This may also help you with this problem.
on 9 June 2011 at 11:15 am | Reply Anushka Bajaj

Hi,

As I am getting ‘older’, I have noticed pigmentation appearing on my face. Would you be able to give me advice on how to reduce these? I would also like to know what products/treatments I can try to help lighten these.

Thanks
Anushka
- on 10 June 2011 at 12:11 pm | Reply East Day Spa
  
  Hi Anushka,
  Pigmentation on the skin can occur for many reasons. It’s a tough one because the reason we get them can be varied. They can occur due to hormones or pregnancy and certain medications like the pill. It can occur from being exposed to the sun too much and genetic reasons.
  
  Solutions can be varied depending on the reason causing the pigmentation. Usually, something will trigger cells in the skin to produce darker coloured cells, which seem to like to ‘join hands’ to form bigger areas of pigmentation. These areas of skin move through the skin layers very slowly, which is why it seems like we can never get rid of them. But we can! You can speed up the process through certain intense pulsed light treatments, specially formulated skincare or treatments. The alternative I prefer, is prevention and through natural products – an everyday easy option. I still recommend preventative measures this if you have pigmentation and if you are over 20years old.
  
  Using a facial sunscreen after the moisturising step in the morning is a good idea. Use a natural one that doesn’t clog the pores and passes NZ regulations is broad spectrum (UVA and UVB coverage) and SPF 15 minimum. Bare Mineral make up is a good solution as it has SPF 15, so does Snowberry Everyday Sunscreen which costs around $39.00. These are both 100% natural and ideal for everyday wear. This is an on-going thing, so be diligent with your skincare.
  
  If it is a major concern for you, I would also recommend having facials or using products that speed up the skin’s removal of pigmentation like Elemis Tri-Enzyme Facial or the Snowberry Bright Defense range (I’m using this at the moment, its great). Winter is the perfect time to do any enzyme based treatments as the sun is not so strong. Try avoid intense pigmentation treatments in summer or the sun may make it worse!
  The solution for you will be different for the next person, but these options are easily achievable for everyone.
  
  Good luck.
  
  Namaste.
on 9 June 2011 at 2:14 pm | Reply Ash

Hi,

I’ve been seeing a lot about dry brushing your skin recently. Whats the best way to go about it? Is it better to do in the morning or night?

Thanks
Ash
- on 10 June 2011 at 12:15 pm | Reply East Day Spa
  
  Hi Ash
  I love body brushing! It feels really good, you get the best exfoliation and the effect of daily brushing is amazing with helping appearance of cellulite and fluid retention. I would recommend brushing daily, in the morning is good because it can really help you detox and you might increase the need to go to the loo.
  
  Best to brush from knee to hip, ankle to knee. Elbow to shoulder, wrist to elbow. Coming in towards the body is the key to improve the fluid movement in the body. Use firm, long strokes, it might be tender at the start but it will improve the more you do it. Brush one stroke with the brush and then follow it up with your bare hand – nicer this way. 3 times over each part of the limb is fine. Concentrate on areas of cellulite, but don’t overdo it, we don’t want raw skin.
  Make sure your brush is made from natural fibres and is firm to touch, these are the best, and it’ll last longer. Wash it at least once a month, dry it with bristles face down. If you leave it to dry face up, water will fall back into the base and can rot. Let it dry completely, perhaps in the hot water cupboard before using again.
  
  Team body brushing up with detoxifying oils or anti-cellulite cream after to increase circulation. Try the Kinetic crackle lotion which costs around $59.00, there are other options, speak to us at the spa for a run down on products to complement your brushing.
  
  Have fun!
on 9 June 2011 at 3:16 pm | Reply Ally Macindoe

Hi,

I need some skincare advice. My biggest problem is breakouts on my cheeks. What do I do about this?
I have combination skin. What should my general skin regime entail? At the moment I use a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser.

Any advice would be great!

Thanks,

Ally.
- on 10 June 2011 at 12:16 pm | Reply East Day Spa
  
  Hi Ally
  I’ve got combination skin too. A basic skincare regime performed daily will help reduce and even get rid of your breakouts and certainly help give you healthier skin.
  
  First, use a good gel cleanser for your skin. I like the Elemis Sensitive Daily Face wash, it takes make-up off really well so I do it all in one hit, morning and night. Removing make-up thoroughly helps prevent pores clogging (which could be leading to these breakouts). Use a balancing toner to balance the pH of your skin before moisturising. Find a moisturiser that doesn’t irritate your break outs, the Elemis Maximum moisture day cream is the best; I find this one doesn’t affect them. If it’s really severe breakouts, Elemis Daily shine control is a treatment moisturiser for very oily skins – it’ll fix the problem. There are samples in the spa, pick one up if you have time.
  
  Lastly you need a good clay or mud mask to use weekly, just on oily areas. Do this continually, perhaps twice a week until you see results – around 2 weeks. This is a staple for your skincare regime.
  
  Try to clean your make-up brushes regularly too, sometimes they harbour bacteria that can spread the breakouts. Wash them one morning after using them. Wash in warm water and shampoo, flick the water out of them then dry them in the hotwater cupboard, ready for use the next day.
  
  I always recommend a regular facial, once a month or four times a year with the change of seasons. Your therapist can suggest skincare and solutions to your problems once they see your skin. Elemis Herbal Lavender facial or the Snowberry bright defence with deep cleansing mask – they’re both one hour facials that will really do the trick.
  
  All the best.
on 16 June 2011 at 9:06 pm | Reply Anushka

Thanks for your advice! I will make an effort to use a moisturizer with an SPF & try the recommended products and treatments. It’s really a matter of breaking out of old habits for me.

Anushka
on 24 July 2011 at 9:25 pm | Reply Melissa

Hi,
Can you shed any light please on how best to deal with large pores? I seem to have quite big open pores around the creases and on top of my nose…not nice!
Thanks,
Melissa
on 25 July 2011 at 9:19 am | Reply East Day Spa

Hi Melissa,

The way to combat pores is to balance the skin by reducing oil levels in those areas.

Pores have little oil glands that produce oil to keep the skin lubricated and protected. In some skin types, like combination skin, you’ll find more oil is produced around the nose, chin and forehead. These are the areas most susceptible to enlarged pores.

Oil keeps being produced, but if it isn’t removed or balanced properly, it fills the pore up, over time this stretches the pore. If left too long, stretched pores may stay stretched forever!

The solution is to invest in a good mud or clay mask. Mud absorbs oil, reduces oil levels on the skin and deep cleanses the skin. Elemis Herbal Lavender Mask is my choice, one tube lasts about 2-3 months, about $88 (that’s $8 bucks a week for healthier looking pores!). It’s the essential skincare item for oily or oily combination skins.

Used 1-2 times a week in your oily zones, you’ll notice results in a couple of weeks! It combats congestion, pimples and deep cleanses blackheads on the nose too.

You can come into the spa and discuss other options too, with staff. We have other deep cleansing washes that help balance skin regularly, like Elemis Sensitive Daily Wash, a gel cleanser that removes make up, dirt and any other nasties that get trapped in pores. It also balances skin so you don’t feel stripped of oils either.

Best advice I can give: start now and be diligent. One use is like going to the gym once, you’ll see better results with ongoing use.

Namaste.
on 29 July 2011 at 2:39 pm | Reply Shona

Hi
What is the best way to avoid/treat ingrown hairs?
I have my underarms & bikini line waxed and especially at this time of the year suffer from ingrown hairs. Not so much a problem in the summer.
Any ideas?
- on 1 August 2011 at 3:58 pm | Reply East Day Spa
  
  Hi Shona,
  
  The fact you are experiencing increasing numbers of ingrown hairs in winter is most likely due to the fact you’re wearing more bulky clothing and clothing which is tight against the skin. The bulk and tightness increase friction against the skin. This causes dead skin to build up, which may block pores and increase those annoying in grown hairs.
  
  I advise you to get a Riffi Mitt, a natural exfoliating mitt made from cotton and flax. After using one of these, you’ll never bother with a supermarket-bought exfoliating gloves again!
  
  Also easy roll on PFB Vanish anti-ingrown hair serum is worth it’s weight in gold. $29.00 for several months supply.
  
  From my experience, these two products are the only effective means of treating ingrown hairs.
  
  Good luck.
  
  Namaste.
on 29 July 2011 at 6:01 pm | Reply Olivia

I am running a half marathon next weekend and was wanting to book in for a massage. What would the best massage for this be?
on 1 August 2011 at 4:01 pm | Reply East Day Spa

Hi Olivia,

Pre-event, and particularly this close to the event, you should definitely only have light Shanti massage. Let us know during your consultation and we can focus even more on your legs to get them ready and help prevent against inury during the marathon.

Post-event, I highly recommend another Shanti or 30min flushing massage on the legs to help encourage circulation and flush out the lactic acid build up. Your muscles produce such a big amount of waste product after prolonged exercise that they’ll be stiff and sore for a few days after. A Shanti or long flowing strokes, flush massage the next day will help you recover faster. Try a 15min Epsom salts bath on the night after your event to help recovery too. Only 15 mins, no longer.

Good luck, let us know your time when you’re done!

Namaste.
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