CHEMICAL, ENZYME, PHYSICAL

Understanding Facial Exfoliants

Exfoliation is key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin. It removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and helps your skin care products absorb more effectively. But not all exfoliants are the same—understanding the three main types can help you choose what’s best for your skin.

Chemical exfoliants use ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid are great for dry or aging skin, while BHAs like salicylic acid are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

Enzyme exfoliants are gentler alternatives derived from fruits like papaya (papain) or pineapple (bromelain). They work by breaking down the protein in dead skin cells, making them perfect for sensitive skin types or those looking for a mild exfoliation.

Physical exfoliants contain small granules or tools (like scrubs or brushes) that physically slough off dead skin. These can be effective but should be used carefully to avoid irritation, especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Choosing the right exfoliant depends on your skin type and concerns. Used properly, exfoliation can be a game-changer for smoother, brighter skin.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Why Regular Facials Are More Than Just a Luxury

Facials aren’t just a once-in-a-while treat—they’re an essential part of a long-term skincare routine. Over time, consistent facials can transform your skin’s health and appearance, offering benefits that go far beyond a temporary glow.

At Ritual and Bloom, our expert estheticians tailor each facial to your skin’s changing needs. With regular treatments, you’ll notice fewer breakouts, improved hydration, smoother texture, and a visible reduction in fine lines and dark spots. Deep cleansing and exfoliation help unclog pores and boost cell turnover, while targeted masks and serums deliver results you can see—and feel.

Facials also stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps your skin detox naturally and maintain a youthful radiance. Think of them as personal training sessions for your face: the more consistent you are, the better your results.

Pairing monthly facials with a customized at-home routine can dramatically boost your skin’s resilience and glow over time.

Ready to invest in your skin’s future? Book your next facial today and start your journey to long-term radiance.

Mother’s Day Glow-Up

Top Treatments to Pamper Mom

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible women who do it all. Instead of the usual flowers, treat her to something she truly deserves—a little time to relax and refresh. Here are the top treatments to help her feel her best from head to toe:

Customized Facial. Moms are busy, and it can show on their skin. A facial will hydrate, brighten, and smooth her complexion, giving her that lit-from-within glow. Whether she needs deep hydration, soothing care, or a boost of radiance, our expert estheticians will tailor the treatment to her skin’s needs.

Relaxing Massage. There’s no better way to say "thank you" than helping mom melt away stress and tension. Our Swedish massages are perfect for easing tired muscles, improving circulation, and calming the mind.

Face or Body Waxing. From brows to bikinis, professional waxing leaves skin soft, smooth, and ready for sunny days ahead—without the hassle of daily shaving. It's the gift of low-maintenance beauty, so she can spend more time enjoying herself and less time getting ready.

SEEING RED?

YOU MIGHT HAVE ROSACEA.

April is Rosacea Awareness Month. Rosacea is a common skin condition that primarily affects the center of the face, and many people are unaware that they have it. It manifests as inflammation in the skin, and can range from mild redness and sensitivity to extreme irritation and acne.

Symptoms
• Redness and visible blood vessels.
• Small, red, pus-filled bumps.
• Eye problems such as red, dry, irritated, and swollen eyelids.
• Enlarged nose. This occurs more often in men than in women.

Causes/Triggers
While Rosacea is primarily genetic, there are many triggers that can make it worse:
• Spicy foods.
• Hot drinks, red wine, and alcohol.
• Sun, wind, and temperature extremes.
• Drugs that dilate the blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications.
• Overly harsh skin care products.

Treatments
The good news is that while Rosacea is not curable, it is treatable. A combination of diet, skin care, and medication can help dramatically reduce inflammation, depending on the severity. See your esthetician or dermatologist to help create a program just for you.

UNEVEN SKIN TONE?

Radiant skin starts with the right routine

Pigmentation like dark spots, melasma, and acne scars can be frustrating, but the right skin care and facial treatments can help fade discoloration and reveal a more radiant complexion. Here’s how to tackle pigmentation effectively:

TARGETED SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
-Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces dark spots over time.
-Niacinamide: Helps fade discoloration, calm inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
-Alpha Arbutin: A gentle, yet effective skin-brightening agent that works well for stubborn pigmentation.
-Exfoliating Acids: Glycolic, mandelic, and lactic acids help remove dead skin cells and trigger new cell production.
-Sunscreen: Sun exposure worsens pigmentation, so daily SPF 30 is essential to prevent further darkening.

PROFESSIONAL SKIN CARE TREATMENTS
-Chemical Peels: AHA and BHA peels exfoliate the skin deeply, helping to fade pigmentation and improve overall texture.
-Microdermabrasion: Physically removes dead skin cells while triggering collagen production and enhancing product absorption.
-Brightening Facials: Facials with Vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract help to gradually fade dark spots and brighten the skin.

Consistency is key when treating pigmentation. Combining the right at-home products with professional treatments can help you achieve a more even, radiant complexion and keep it that way.

LOVE YOUR SKIN THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

4 tips for a radiant glow.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show affection to the people you love, including yourself. And it's also a great opportunity to show some love to your skin. After all, healthy, glowing skin makes you feel confident and beautiful. So, whether you're going on a romantic date, hanging with friends, or spending the day pampering yourself, here are some tips to help you get ready:

Exfoliate. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, revealing smoother, brighter complexion. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating enzyme to slough off dead skin cells, but be careful not to overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can damage your skin.

Mask. A face mask is a great way to give your skin an extra boost. Choose a mask that's suitable for your skin type, whether it's a hydrating mask for dry skin or a detoxifying mask for oily skin.

Moisturize. Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. And don't forget to apply it to your neck and décolleté as well.

Protect. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of aging and skin damage, so it's important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30, and reapply as needed throughout the day.

Taking care of your skin should be a daily habit, not just for special occasions like Valentine's Day. Try these tips and you'll be on your way to achieving healthy, glowing skin that you'll truly love.

New You X2

THESE POPULAR RESOLUTIONS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN, TOO.

Efficient? Productive? Multitasker? If these adjectives describe you, then you need a New Year’s Resolution that pulls double-duty. Check out these suggestions below. At face value, they’re clearly good for you. But the kicker is that they’re good for your skin, too.

Stop Smoking. Next to sun exposure, smoking is the biggest provocateur of premature aging. It asphyxiates the skin, which causes clogged pores, collagen breakdown, wrinkles, and a dull, lackluster appearance. Also, the constant puckering creates vertical lip lines that are impossible to erase.

Eat Better. Carbs and sugar kick-start a process called glycation, whereby sugar molecules bind to protein structures in your skin. This makes them weak and dysfunctional, which surfaces as wrinkles, sagginess, and a loss of radiance. They also cause a spike in blood sugar, which triggers the hormones that stimulate oil production and breakouts.

Quit Drinking. Excess imbibing has been linked to Rosacea, dehydration, and not washing your face before bed--all of which lead to inflammation that can break down collagen, create wrinkles, and provoke acne.

Get More Sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body increases its production of a hormone called cortisol. And when your cortisol levels get too high, inflammation ensues. This can trigger acne and eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Additionally, the resulting dehydration from too few ZZZZs causes puffy eyes and dark circles.

Take More Time Off. Countless studies have been done on the effect of stress on the skin. And they all say the same thing: stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. So book that extra vacation. Spend a “sick day” at the spa. Your face will thank you!

Seeing Red?

5 TIPS FOR TREATING SENSITIVE SKIN

Everyone loves a sensitive soul. But sensitive skin? That’s a different story. Understanding what causes inflammation is the first step to stop seeing red.

1. Determine If You Are Sensitive or Sensitized. The root of your redness will determine how to treat it. “Sensitive” skin is red due to internal factors like hormones, diet, and DNA. It can manifest in a general ruddy complexion, reactivity to certain products and foods, or varying degrees of Rosacea. And chances are, other family members have it, too.

On the contrary, “sensitized” skin is red due to external factors that compromise the skin’s natural barrier. Daily habits and environmental factors like the overuse of harsh ingredients, product allergies, changing weather conditions, and sun damage can all cause unnecessary redness.

2. Don’t Use “Natural” or “Organic” Products. People with sensitive skin often turn to “natural” products because they mistakenly believe that what's safe to eat is safe for the skin. But these products have an inappropriate pH for skin that can trigger allergies, creating even more redness and inflammation.

3. Don’t Overuse Harsh Ingredients. Having sensitive skin can make you more prone to other conditions like excessive dryness, wrinkles, and acne. And the typical treatments for these facial flaws can break down the skin’s barrier function. Heavy oils, glycolic acids, and retinols are all off limits.

4. See an Esthetician. Sensitive skin not only looks and feels bad, it can cause all kinds of problems if left unchecked. Effective treatment requires finding the right balance of active and soothing ingredients, and a professional esthetician can help. Book an appointment today.

THANKSGIVING PREP

PAMPER YOURSELF BEFORE THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE.

As Thanksgiving approaches, so does the stress of family gatherings, Whether you're hosting, travelling, or simply enjoying the festivities, a little pre-holiday pampering can help you look and feel your best. 

Prep Your Skin with a Facial. Fall weather can leave your skin feeling dry and dull, especially with the drop in temperature and indoor heating. Consider booking a facial a week before Thanksgiving. It will help restore moisture, brighten, and refresh, leaving you with a beautiful glow on the big day.

Unwind with a Stress-Relieving Massage. From cleaning and decorating to cooking up a feast, Thanksgiving prep can be intense. Taking time for a massage can help ease any pre-holiday tension and get you feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy the festivities. Choose a massage that suits your needs—a deep tissue for tight muscles, a hot stone to ease the chill, or a seasonal massage to lift your spirits.

Keep Up with Skin Care at Home. To maintain the spa glow through Thanksgiving, revamp your routine at home. Incorporate a brightening Vitamin C Serum and a richer moisturizer to lock in hydration during the cooler months—your skin will thank you!

Treat Yourself to a Post-Thanksgiving Spa Day. After Thanksgiving is over, treat yourself to another round of relaxation to recover from the hustle and bustle, and reset as you gear up for the rest of the holiday season.

It's Peel Season!

Time to Get Tough on Facial Flaws.

Everybody knows how much I love peels. This versatile form of chemical exfoliation sloughs off dead skin while triggering new cell production. Why is this important? Because almost every facial flaw--from acne to congestion to wrinkles to pigmentation--is rooted in exfoliation. And now that summer is over, it's the perfect time to start sloughing!

I understand that the concept of a "peel" is a little foreboding. But there are so many wonderful options today that allow you to choose a pace that suits your lifestyle. You don't have to peel to get results. In most cases, you won't peel at all. And you definitely won't look like Samantha from Sex & the City.

Light Peels. These can be added on to a facial or received a la carte. We offer AHA (lactic/glycolic), BHA (salicylic), and pumpkin peel formulations to ensure the perfect fit for your skin type.

Medium-Depth Chemical Peels. These stronger lactic peels from industry-expert PCA Skin are a great choice when you want to get a little more aggressive. We offer both TCA and Jessner formulations that are completely customizable. They take a little at-home prep work, and work best when done in succession, but can dramatically improve your skin with little to no downtime.As an interesting side note: we get a lot of calls from people asking percentages on our peels. The strength of a peel has more to do with its ph level than the actual percentage. A 10% glycolic, for example, can be a lot stronger than a 30% glycolic if it is formulated with a lower ph. So if you are one of those people shopping for peels on Amazon, be very careful. These ph levels are rarely divulged so you don't know what you are really getting.