Category: Elmwood Spa Blog

Regular nail care is important for a number of reasons. To help us understand why manicures and pedicures are more than just pampering, our Senior Spa Services Manager, Heather MacKay answers some key questions! Q: Why is regular nail care important? A: Fingernails and toenails act as little shields protecting your fingers and toes!  Healthy nails protect the vulnerable tissue underneath them and prevent infection via the things you touch everyday. Germs trapped underneath the nail can cause an infection called bacterial paronychia known as nail fungus. Hangnails should never be ripped, but should be clipped with standard nail clippers.  Ripping your hangnails can cause a condition called paronychia, where you can experience redness, swelling and pain.  Regular maintenance, along with keeping your fingers and nails moisturized can prevent this. Q: How frequently should one have a manicure/pedicure? A: Those who like to keep their fingers and toes primped and […]

Set your reminders! Our Terrace Restaurant Head Chef, Erica Karbelnik, will be competing on the latest season of Top Chef Canada. Premiering on Food Network Canada on April 19 at 10 PM EST, she will be going head-to-head with chefs from across the country –including her husband. We are thrilled to watch her compete, and see what incredible dishes she will create. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for some exciting content throughout! Plus, check out some recipes below that Chef Erica has shared with us during lockdown, so you can try at home. Banana Bread > | Peanut Butter Cookies > | Carrot Cake > | Shakshuka > For more details on Season 9 of Top Chef Canada, click here. For more information on Chef Erica, click here.   Image courtesy of: Food Network Canada

  Let’s face it–there are only so many hours in a day, and the majority are spent sleeping, working, or whipping up meals (ok, and watching hours of Netflix). Sometimes, washing our hair is the last thing on an always lengthy to-do list, and can feel like a bit of a chore. Here are a few tips to make your locks last in between washes and prevent oil build-up! Say “No Thank You” to Towels We all do it –get our hair twisted in a towel as soon as  we step out of the shower. But it may not be the best trick for your tresses. Keeping it all under wraps will make your roots oily and ends dry, which is not ideal. This also creates frizz, so it’s especially bad for those with curly locks. Instead, quickly pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water, and let […]

Every wondered what your skin type is? We’ve got it covered. Take our 6-question quiz to find out and shop our personally-curated products that are just your type — a match made in heaven! TAKE THE QUIZ> If you answered… Oily Oily skin shines all over! Pores tend to be enlarged, and breakouts are frequent (both blackheads and whiteheads). Though you may have just washed your face, you’ll see the slickness return soon after. SHOP “OILY” SKIN TYPE PRODUCTS HERE> Dry Dry skin can become itchy and scaly, often in patches. Pores are so small they are often invisible, and there is less elasticity. Fine lines are also more visible than in other skin types and the complexion can be dull. Hot water, UV rays, and hot indoor temperatures can make it worse. SHOP “DRY” SKIN TYPE PRODUCTS HERE> Combination Combination skin tends to be dry in some areas, while […]

Father’s Day is fast approaching. This year, we’re having to celebrate a little differently than in times past, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it memorable. We’re rounding up 3 ways you can make his day, #theElmwoodWay!   GIVE DAD A GIFT CARD Let dad choose his own experience with a dollar-value gift card or treat him to a specific service and give him something to look forward to. Choose your treat, and send it instantly to his inbox. BUY HERE> SURPRISE HIM WITH PAMPERING Our online shop is stocked with goodies, and tons of new ones just in time for Father’s Day! Surprise him with skincare from our selection of brands including /skin regimen/, stock up on razors and beard essentials from Rockwell, and more! BUY NOW > A VIRTUAL FACIAL Treat dad to a spa day, at home! Our online Virtual Urban Detox Facial is the perfect […]

Our Instagram Live sessions are the perfect way to learn something new. If you couldn’t tune in or just want to revisit your favourites, here’s a recap of what you missed. Check our upcoming schedule here, and don’t forget to join us on Instagram for the latest. Monday, May 25: PM Skincare with Susan Dawson Your skincare routine should look a little different in the PM than it does in the AM, as our skin enters the repairing stage while we rest. Join us as we take you through the steps, and some products you should use. For the session, catch the video on IGTV. Wednesday, May 27:  We’re all jumping on a million Zoom call these days, we might as well get jazzed up for them. Join Moroccanoil Educator Nikki-Lynn Moore and she shows us some easy styles to create at home. For the session, catch the video on IGTV.

As the night falls, it’s not only our chance to rest and restore, but it’s also time for our skin to do the same. Our PM skincare routine needs to differ slight from our daytime one for two main reasons: a. the skin restorers itself as we sleep, going through a regenerating process. At this time, we can use products that complement this stage and help slough off layers; and b. it’s an opportunity to use products that may make is sensitive to the sun in daytime. Here are some favourites to incorporate into your routine: GUINOT: NIGHT LOGIC CREAM Refreshing radiance night cream. Relaxes the skin and releases energy so that the skin appears refreshed and rested. BUY HERE> SKIN REGIMEN: NIGHT DETOX Leave-on regenerating overnight mask with a cooling, massageable texture. Gluconolactone, Alpha-Glucan yeast and Longevity Complex™ work together to boost the skin’s natural autophagy, favoring the elimination […]

Our Instagram Live sessions are the perfect way to learn something new. If you couldn’t tune in or just want to revisit your favourites, here’s a recap of what you missed. Check our upcoming schedule here, and don’t forget to join us on Instagram for the latest. Monday, May 18: Tofu & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry with Louisa Clements #MeatlessMondays made colourful and flavourful! This tofu & bell-pepper stir fry is delicious and quick to make, with flavours that combine to create your new favourite dish. For the full recipe, catch the video on IGTV or head over to Louisa’s website > Wednesday, May 20: Meditation with Elle Reg Taking a moment to pause and meditate is important –now and always. Tune in for a session with Elle Reg, that focuses on taking us from fear to freedom. For the session, catch the video on IGTV. Friday, May 22: Power Yoga […]

Our Instagram Live sessions are the perfect way to learn something new. If you couldn’t tune in or just want to revisit your favourites, here’s a recap of what you missed. Check our upcoming schedule here, and don’t forget to join us on Instagram for the latest. Monday, May 11: Greek Chicken and Greek Salad with Louisa Clements Escape to Greece in just 30 minutes. Join Louisa Clements as she cooks up a flavourful Greek chicken and Greek salad that will tantalize the taste buds and transport you to another world. For the full recipe, catch the video on IGTV or head over to Louisa’s website > Wednesday, May 13: The Science of Anxiety with Kristina Virro We all experience anxiety to a certain degree. Join our chat with licenced psychotherapist and holistic nutritionist Kristina Virro as we discuss the science behind it, our reactions, and ways we can cope. […]

We’re all sitting a bit more than we usually do, whether it’s crouched at a desk working from home, or bingeing on Netflix. Our very own RMT, Katrina, has put together stretches for us to help release muscles. Remember to work within your own comfort level and be able to breathe comfortably while holding stretches Warm up : Do each one for a minute, move slowly and gently.  Head turns, shoulder shrugs, shoulder rolls (forward and back) arm circles (forward and backwards), side twists, finish with knee-ups. Stretches Ear to shoulder: Stabilize your shoulder by putting you arm behind your back or holding unto your pant. Bring the opposite ear to shoulder (right ear to right shoulder) for 30 seconds. Then slowly turn head so nose is towards armpit. Hold 30 seconds.  Repeat on other side. This stretch targets the neck muscles upper trapezius and levator scapula) Side Bends: Stand […]

As spring starts to show its true colours (and warmer temperatures) we’ll be out for longer walks. It’s important to look after out skin, as increased sun exposure can lead to skin damage. Discontinue the use of glycolic acids and retinols as they can make your skin photosensitive, causing you to burn more easily. You should also avoid exfoliating, as it can scrub away layers of your skin, making it more sensitive to the sun. Last but certainly not least, hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE! The sun can dry our skin. Make sure you put some moisture back in it to keep it plump –and get the best of both worlds with these SPF creams and moisturizers.   GUINOT: HYDRA FINISH CREAM SPF 15 A hydrating tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 evens out the complexion and adapts to any skin tone. It also provides long-lasting hydration, enhances the complexion, and protects the […]