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skincare for acne

Clear skin? 10 steps to reduce acne

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Whether you are battling occasional breakouts or dealing with persistent acne, we understand how frustrating having problematic skin can be, especially when all you want is a clear glowing complexion, is that really too much to ask? While acne is a common skin concern, it doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to radically reduce it! Keep reading as we reveal our 10 top tips…

 

  1. Cleanse twice daily

Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your skin. Be sure to cleanse both morning and night, but we picky with what products you use. You don’t want to choose a harsh cleaner that’ll strip your skin of its natural oils as this can lead to an increase in oil production and in turn more potential breakouts! Eek. You want to look for gentle formulations rich in ingredients such as salicylic acid or lactic acid as they can help prevent the buildup of sebum (which can contribute to acne.)

Try Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser. With a balanced blend of lactic and salicylic acid the gentle cleanser works quickly and effectively to eliminate toxins, impurities, surface bacteria, and make-up. It’s ideal for inflamed, sensitive, acne prone and oily skin types.

“I have problem skin & after using this product my face is clear & people have commented on the changes.” Laurie

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Clarifying Cleanser

  1. Exfoliate weekly, but be sure to be gentle

Incorporating a mild exfoliant into your skincare routine can do wonders in the fight against acne. Exfoliating will help to remove any dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin which can clog pores and lead to breakouts!

Just remember over exfoliating can have the adverse effect and actually irritate your skin so make sure to exfoliate just once a week to start and use a gentle exfoliator.

Try Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.

“Gentle on the skin and worked well even for my acne prone skin.” Olive

If you do love a granular scrub though opt for a gentle version like Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile,it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, removing dead skin cells, impurities and toxins to reveal instant radiance and softer, smoother skin too! You’ll love the immediate gratification you’ll get from this formidable favourite of ours.

“This is the best exfoliating cleanser I have ever used. I’m so impressed with the results, my skin feels so much smoother and cleaner.” Chloe

Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

 

  1. Never skip your moisturiser

Even though sometimes applying moisturiser to oily, acne prone skin can seem counterintuitive, it is essential as you want to steer clear of a damaged skin barrier! With no moisture at all, your skin would become dehydrated and begin to over-compensate by producing more oil! Something you definitely don’t need when it comes to oily, blemish and acne prone skin!

Instead look for lightweight, oil-free moisturisers that won’t feel heavy on your skin.

Try: Phytomer Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid. This lightweight gel-cream works amazingly on problematic skin reducing overall breakouts

The formula also helps eliminate shine for a clean, matte complexion. With regular use, this acne treatment not only helps diminish the appearance of existing blemishes, but it prevents future breakouts too!

“This fluid is almost like a serum but lighter in texture. I use it after I wash my face morning and night. I have noticed a reduction in breakouts on my skin and also a more mattifying appearance on my skin”. Alyssa

Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid

 

  1. Spot treat with care

For targeted acne treatment, use spot treatments. These can help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. Remember to use them sparingly and only on active breakouts to avoid drying out your skin.

Try: Phytomer’s’ Oligopur Blemish Target Gel, it’s a phenomenal spot treatment which targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimple and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion.

This is the best product to fight pimples! I couldn’t get my chin to clear up and w/in a few days of using phytomer my chin was clear again! Joanne

Beauty Collective - Phytomer Blemish Target Gel

  1.  Never skip on sunscreen

Some acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so protecting your skin is crucial to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The Sun, heat and humidity can also cause oil glands to become overactive, which in turn can lead to acne breakouts! To prevent these breakouts choose and oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen and apply it liberally daily!

 

  1. Be aware of what you are eating

What you eat can have a huge impact your skin’s health so it’s imperative if you are suffering from acne to Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your intake of processed foods and sugary treats. Consuming foods high in antioxidants and vitamins can help promote clear, radiant skin too!

Try;

Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna

Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoes

Spinach, kale and other dark green and leafy vegetables

Tomatoes

Blueberries

Avocados

whole-wheat bread

brown rice

quinoa

Soybeans

 

 

  1. Reduce your stress levels

Sounds easier said than done I know, we all have those days, weeks, months even where we are super stressed but said stress can lead to acne flare ups!

This is because stress-related hormone CRH can bind to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Excess oil production can then cause pimples. So, if you keep breaking out and just can’t understand why, stress might be to blame, so try to relax!

Try; listening to relaxation music or meditate. Also, something as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath every evening can really help. Exercise is also imperative! While exercising will increase blood flow, helping nourish skin cells and keeping them vital, it has also been accountable for reducing stress-related acne.

 

  1. Keep your phone clean! And your pillowcase too!

Yup, a sudden breakout can be from something as simple as your phone or pillowcase (well anything that touches your face really that could be hosts for harmful bacteria!) And anytime you hold your phone to your face or lie on your pillowcase you are spreading the bacteria to your skin. So, if you haven’t done so for a while, try sanitizing your phone screen and wash that pillowcase of yours more often, it could make a big difference to your skin.

skincare for acne

  1. Hydrate inside and out

We all need to stay hydrated every single day, after all our bodies can’t operate effectively without water, but when I say stay hydrated, I mean drive plenty of water and drink it throughout the day, 8 glasses minimum!

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin as it helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking plump and radiant.

 

  1. When it comes to makeup, go mineral

Makeup can be a real trigger for pesky pimples. Especially if it’s full of pore clogging ingredients and oils. If you have acne, you are likely going to want to try and conceal but you don’t want to exacerbate it! This is where mineral makeup will become your best friend! Each product in the ELES Mineral Makeup range is free of skin irritants and pore clogging nasties and instead are rich in skin nourishing and nurturing ingredients that will not only allow the skin to breathe freely but will help to improve its condition too!

To learn more about the best makeup and tips for acne click here.

 

By following these ten essential steps and maintaining a consistent skincare routine specifically designed to help acne prone skin, you can take proactive steps toward n reducing acne and achieving the clean, radiant skin you’ve always wanted!

Lactic Acid

Say goodbye to dull skin: How Lactic Acid revives your glow

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If you’ve been on a quest to transform your dull skin into a gorgeously glowing complexion but have yet to see results, it could be due to the skincare products you are using.

When it comes to reviving your skin’s radiance you need to make sure you are using products rich in certain essential ingredients. We all know that vitamin C has the ability to dramatically brighten your complexion, but if you really want to achieve that much coveted healthy skin glow, the secret weapon so many of us aren’t familiar with is Lactic Acid.

 

What is Lactic Acid?

Don’t let the word acid scare you! Yes, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), but this potent ingredient is derived from milk and is one of the gentlest AHAs there is. In fact, lactic acid is suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

A natural exfoliant, lactic acid can breathe life into your lacklustre complexion. It works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, revealing the fresh, radiant skin underneath, the reason why it’s a favourite among those looking for a gentle yet effective exfoliation solution.

 

Why your skin will love lactic acid

Lactic acid is a multitasker, here’s how it works it magic!

Exfoliation without irritation

Lactic acid gently exfoliates the top layer of your skin, unclogging pores and sloughing away dead skin cells sitting on your skins surface. The result? Smoother, brighter skin without the redness and irritation that some other exfoliants can cause.

Boosts hydration

Unlike some exfoliants that can leave your skin feeling stripped and dry, lactic acid actually has a moisturizing effect. It helps your skin retain moisture, which is key for maintaining a healthy glow.

Fades dark spots

Whether you’re dealing with sun spots, age spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Lactic Acid is a hero at fading these pesky dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone.

Softens fine lines

Ready for a little wrinkle-smoothing action? Another impressive feat of lactic acid is its ability to stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a plumper, more youthful look.

How to incorporate lactic acid into your skincare routine

Ready to add this skin-loving ingredient to your skincare routine? Here’s how:

Choose wisely

Look for lactic acid in the form of serums, toners, or moisturisers. Pick products that suit your skin type and concerns.

Patch test

As with any new skincare product, especially one with active ingredients, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before slathering it all over your face. Apply a small amount to a small area of your skin to make sure your skin agrees with it.

Start slowly

If you’re new to lactic acid, start with a lower concentration and gradually work your way up. This gives your skin time to adjust and reduces the risk of irritation.

Use at night

Since lactic acid can make your skin a bit more sensitive to the sun, it’s best to use it at night. Make sure to follow up with a good sunscreen during the day to protect your newly revitalized skin.

Follow up with hydration

After using lactic acid, be sure to hydrate your skin with a nourishing moisturiser to keep it plump and supple.

 

Our favourite products rich in lactic acid

Phytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum

Infused with both lactic acid and glycolic acid, this lightweight serum is a must for reducing the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots.

Beauty Collective - Phytomer - Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum 30ml

Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser

With a balanced blend of lactic and salicylic acid the gentle cleanser works quickly and effectively to eliminate toxins, impurities, surface bacteria, and make-up. It’s ideal for inflamed, sensitive, acne prone and oily skin types.

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Clarifying Cleanser

Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream

The ultimate anti-ageing night cream, Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must have for photodamaged skin. Formulated with micro-retinol®, glycolic, and lactic acid, it effectively lightens, brightens and smooths skin.

Beauty Collective - Medicalia L retinol smoothing cream

 

Lacid acid is indeed a game-changer when it comes to your skin. Its ability to gently exfoliate, brighten and hydrate the skin makes it a must have for anyone looking to revive their natural glow. By incorporating lactic acid into your routine a few times a week, you’ll be amazed at the transformation, trust me!

under eye crepiness

Top tips to improve under eye crepiness

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If like me, you’re in your 40’s (or older), you may have fallen victim to under eye crepiness – that undesirable loose, wrinkled skin that can make you look tired, but also older than you actually are!

This is because as we age the collagen and elastin levels in our skin starts to decline, as it does the delicate skin around our eyes (one of the first and most prevalent areas to show premature ageing) becomes dryer and thinner, and well crepey! Luckily all is not lost though! There are a number of steps you can take to improve its appearance, and we aren’t talking chemical peels, dermal fillers, laser and Botox, no siree, we are all about natural, non-intrusive alternatives. Keep reading as we reveal them all!

Firstly though, why might you be more susceptible to under eye crepiness?

The most common cause of fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin under your eyes is unfortunately ageing, which can of course be influenced by genetics (thank you Mum and Dad!) But other common contributing factors which may be possible to avoid include;

UV radiation – exposure to UV rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen leading to premature ageing, this is why it’s essential to protect our peepers! If you don’t wear sunnies every single day like you do your sunscreen, you should now!

Smoking – smoking exposures your skin to extra oxidative stress, in turn damaging its collagen and elastin. Smoking also constricts the blood vessels under your eyes by blocking circulation to your blood vessels and depriving your skin of necessary vitamin A.

Environmental factors – environmental factors, such as dry weather, wind, and pollution can all contribute to undereye ageing.

Pulling repetitive expressions – well I’m definitely guilty of this! Facial expressions, like smiling, frowning, and furrowing your brow, can cause fine lines to develop prematurely around your delicate eye area. Eek!

Even the way we sleep can have a negative impact on our eyes! What you might say? Yup, if you sleep with your face buried in your pillow (guilty as charged) you are likely to be more prone to premature fine lines, wrinkles and eye crepiness, than those that don’t! Aghhh.

How can you improve undereye crepiness?

Although crepey skin will not disappear overnight, it can be drastically improved with time, the right anti-aging products, as well as lifestyle changes. It can take weeks or even months to see results, but by following these top 10 tips you can bid adieu to that saggy, sullen, crepey skin under your eyes.

 

  1. Stay hydrated. All. The. Time.

Yes, you’ve heard it a million times before, drink all the water. Hydration is key my friends. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day (we’re talking 8 glasses minimum). When you drink water, it’s like giving your skin a drink from the inside out too (and that water has to nourish all your other vital organise too!

  1. Treat sunscreen like is your BFF

Never underestimate the power of sunscreen. Those harmful UV rays are a major contributor to premature aging. So, slather on that sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days. Your future self will thank you!

Not a huge fan of sunscreen? We get it. Soo many sunscreens feel greasy, don’t smell great or simply don’t sit well on our skin, and then there are those thick white sunscreens that look like a paste when applied too! That’s why we love the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. It’s not greasy but instead silky soft, the scent isn’t unpleasant, and it applies beautifully to my skin. And thanks to its formulation its helps nourish and restore skins luminosity too, not to mention it’s high SPF of 50!

ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50

 

  1. Invest in an eye cream rich in hyaluronic acid and use it day and night

Investing in a good quality eye cream that’s packed with hydrating and skin-loving ingredients including hyaluronic acid and peptides will do wonders for ageing eyes. Gently pat the product around your eyes morning and night for that extra boost of moisture and optimal results.

For more on the benefits of using hyaluronic acid under your eyes and our 3 favourite eye treatments click here.

 

  1. Add a gemstone facial roller to your daily beauty routine

The roller will, not only help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, when used correctly, it can dramatically reduce puffiness by moving excess fluid around your eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out the toxins too. Cool right? To find out more about the facial rollers and how to use them click here.

BC Amethyst Facial Roller

 

  1. Introduce tea time for your eyes

Tea isn’t just for drinking you know, it’s also good for soothing your eyes too! Try placing cold tea bags (caffeine free, herbal tea is best!) on your closed eyes for a few minutes. The tannins in tea can help tighten the skin and reduce puffiness too!

 

  1. Consider practicing eye massage

Light massage with your ring finger can improve bloody circulation and actually help your skin appear smoother. Remember gentle, gentle though as applying too much pressure to already thin, delicate skin can have the adverse effect!

  1. Give your eyes a rest from screen time

Increased time in front of your laptop and on your phone can reap havoc with your precious peepers. In fact, spending just two consecutive hours on a digital device can cause eyestrain or fatigue while overexposure to blue light also suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, therefore disrupting our normal sleep pattern. And we all know poor sleep can lead to premature ageing, especially around the delicate eye area!

 

  1. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Your overall health reflects on your skin, including the delicate eye area. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. And if you’re a smoker, consider kicking the habit – smoking accelerates skin aging like nobody’s business.

 

  1. Using gentle cleansing is a must

Be kind to your skin when you cleanse but also never skip on cleansing, it’s a must, just be sure to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. Harsh cleansers can contribute to dryness and crepiness. Try Medicalia’s Gentle Cleanser.

 

  1. Introduce cold compress magic

Incorporate cold compresses into your routine. Applying a cold, damp cloth or chilled spoons over your eyes for a few minutes can help reduce puffiness and refresh your skin.

 

  1. Keep skin hydrated

Invest in a good hydrating mist. A quick spritz throughout the day can give your skin the moisture it craves, helping to minimize crepiness. We love Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist. It’s one of my all time favourites.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™

  1. Make sure you get enough Zzzz’s

Beauty sleep is real people! After all it’s not dubbed beauty sleep for nothing! Make sure you’re getting enough restful sleep each night. Elevate your head slightly with an extra pillow to prevent fluid from pooling around your eyes, which can lead to puffiness and crepiness.

 

  1. Upgrade your pillow case

If you are one for sleeping with your face in the pillow, you might want to consider switching up your cotton pillowcase to a silk or satin alternative instead.

Silk has natural moisturising properties to retain moisture around the eyes. The dense weave of the silky-smooth fibres also keep moisture close to your skin, this extra moisture can help to reduce dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.

Just remember, Rome wasn’t built in day, and your under-eye skin won’t transform overnight either sadly (if only!) Be patient and be religious with these steps and you’ll be waking up to smoother, brighter and younger looking eyes soon!

beauty products we love

9 beauty products we are loving this month

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Even though I’m blessed to be able to try many skincare and makeup products working at BC, I do have my favourite beauty buys, the ones I literally can’t live without now, but for this blog I decided to turn to my colleagues to see what their latest skincare and makeup obsessions are too. Here you’ll find our reviews on the best beauty products that launched this year, as well as the products we’ve rediscovered and fallen back in love with.

 

Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energising Cream

“There are a few moisturisers that I simply love and have been in my beauty bag for a long while now, but this cream is the one I can’t get enough of at the moment. It’s a very light moisturiser but seems to offer my dull, thirsty skin just the right amount of moisture it needs. I also love how it not only nourishes my skin but makes it feel calm and soothed too. What’s more, after every use, my skin not only looks and feels beautifully dewy and rejuvenated but it looks visibly radiant too! And bonus – it’s packed to the brim with vitamins and marine ingredients. Outstanding stuff!” Jo Boyden, Marketing, PR & Content Manager

ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50+ 

“If you are concerned about ageing, there are two essentials you need in your skincare routine – SPF and retinol. In fact if you don’t use SPF, using anti-ageing skincare is a waste of time! This is because UV radiation causes skin damage, premature ageing and of course as we all know, increases the risk of skin cancer. But finding a sunscreen with a high SPF that we love and are happy to use every day can be tricky, because sunscreens can be greasy, the smell can be overbearing, or sometimes the last thing you want is to lather a thick paste on your face! But when we launched ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection I knew I’d found my go-to. I apply it every morning without fail, all year round. It’s super light-weight and full of great ingredients that not only protect my skin but prevent hyper-pigmentation and dehydration too. It also gives me a bit of glow which is a bonus.” Liane Scior, Director of Education & Marketing

Medicalia Retinol Concentrate

“This is my other go to at the moment. I wear it under my moisturiser and apply before bed. It’s packed with a clinically proven blend of peptides, antioxidants and retinol that actively work while you sleep so you wake up to your glowiest skin yet. The more I use it, the more supple and smooth and youthful my skin feels. I have also noticed a dramatic reduction in my pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. This is actually one of those products that even skin professionals, and skin sceptics will tell you is worth the investment.

I highly recommend using it in combination with Medicalia Retinol and ‘C’ Care Cream.” Liane Scior, Director of Education & Marketing

ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30

“I love the convenience of this product and wear it whether working in the office, hanging out at home or heading out. Its my primer, sunscreen and foundation in one and because it’s so lightweight and silky soft on application you really don’t feel like you are wearing makeup! I also love how it’s packed with anti-ageing and skin nurturing ingredients so it’s doing good for my skin as opposed to just concealing it! If you are looking for multi-tasking makeup that’ll leave your skin looking flawless and glowy (with a subtle matte finish) this could be your new go-to.” May Scior, Operations Assistant

Phytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil

“This oil is amazing and the perfect luxurious treat for your skin at the end of a long day. It is an extremely hydrating yet dry oil that absorbs into my skin quickly creating a beautifully velvety finish but without the greasy residue that so many night oils can leave. And thanks to it’s divine, soothing rose scent every night I use it, it transports me into a totally relaxed state and the next morning I wake to brighter, smoother and revitalised skin, no word of a lie.

Honestly if you dealing with dehydrated, dull or sensitive skin even, I couldn’t recommend this product more highly!” Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator

Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti Stress

“This is my winter go-to and has been for many years. So now the temperature is dropping, it’s out of the cupboard and back in my daily routine once again. I use it as a nourishing body cream/oil especially if I take hot showers as this rehydrates and softens my skin, and when I find the time, I pour it into the bath as a nourishing milk bath, to relinquish pent up tension and fatigue. It was also the perfect product to use during pregnancy as it helped prevent any stretchmarks from forming! Even though it’s an oil, it’s doesn’t remain greasy and the scent is like you have just walked into a day spa. Bliss.” Kellie Deveney, International Educator and Business Development Manager

CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser

“We all know it’s important to cleanse our skin every day, so I’ve tried rather a few cleansers in my time, but this one is THE best cleanser I have ever used.

It has a gel-like texture but as soon as you add water it foams up beautifully on my face, which I love as it feels like it’s really purifying my skin and removing the day’s grime and makeup. Plus it leaves my skin feeling really clean, super smooth and not dry at all (which many foaming cleansers can do). What’s more, since I’ve been using it my skin has been smoother and blemish free.”  Elaine Palapag, Social Media Co-ordinator

 

Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist

“I love, love, LOVE this mist! I was lucky enough to trial it before we launched it on BC and it’s quickly become a must-have in my everyday skincare routine. I’ve never been one for face mists, but this is next level. I use it first thing in the morning to revitalise my skin and replenish it with any moisture that’s been lost overnight, then again after I’ve applied my makeup as it’s an awesome setting spray, I then spritz it on my face throughout the day when my skin needs a pick-me-up, which I find is essential when I’m in the office with the heating pumping, and then again at night after I’ve applied my serum and moisturiser to finish off the perfect night routine. Not only does it make my skin feel super moist and dewy but it really does awaken my senses too.

N.B Since it’s formulated with not only Hyaluronic Acid, but a blend of ultra-calming Chamomile, Aloe, Green Tea and aromatic essential oils too, it makes this powerhouse product ideal for all skin types, especially dehydrated, irritated, and ageing skin!”  Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator

Phytomer Night Recharge Youth-Enhancing Cream

“I LOVE night creams, the silkier and richer the better I say and having tried many night creams in my time working in the industry, this is definitely one of the best night creams in for any skin care routine, hands down (big call I know!) Its texture is like silk, and it literally melts into skin as soon as you apply, cocooning it in nourishing hydration (so my skin gets all the benefits of this cream’s marine botanicals while I sleep!) The next morning my skin is literally glowing and smooth as a baby’s bottom! OBSESSED.” Jo Boyden, Marketing, PR & Content Manager

 

And there you have it! Our top 8 beauty products that have captured our hearts and skin! and made it into our daily beauty routines this month. Whether you are looking to fight signs of ageing, achieve a radiant complexion, or simply pamper your skin, BC has something for everyone. Trust us, once you try these products, you’ll understand why we are so obsessed! Happy pampering.