SPRING RENEWAL AT BELLA MINA

In spite of, or perhaps because of, the recent snow that has fallen in New Hampshire, it was especially fun for me to research and choose new products and services for Bella Mina’s Spring Specials.

Skin health wise, most of us are probably thinking about moving away from the dry, dead skin cell accumulation of the winter so we can have glowing complexions for springtime, when our faces aren’t so obscured by thick scarves and winter hats. I imagine many of us are suffering still from the effects of winter on our skin, hair and body.

FOR THE SKIN & HAIR

The first solution is to exfoliate the skin two to three times a week to get rid of all that winter dead skin. For the face, Earth Harbor Naturals Radiance Balm with Sea Fruit and Super Berries contains Vitamins A, C, K, amino acids and omega fatty acids for a dewy spring glow and youthful buoyancy. The scent of the Radiance Balm is described as “a walk through a tropical garden,” though I’ve also had a client describe the scent as “like candy!”. For the rest of the body, Mellow Melanin’s Oat and Manuka Honey Sugar Scrub balances oil production and leaves skin naturally soft.

After you’ve exfoliated, keep moisture locked in with Clean Mundi’s Vanilla Coconut Whipped Hair and Body Butter. It has a thick, rich texture and contains shea and cupuaca butter to attract water to the skin and prevent hydration loss.

I have naturally dry hair, so I take a small amount, massage it into my hands and then run it through my hair for healthier, shinier locks. I can even use this product on my face, because I have very dry skin, but if you have normal, combination or oily skin, I recommend Earth Harbor Naturals’ Cloudburst Gel Hydrator with marine probiotics that quench the skin’s thirst while balancing the skin barrier.

Because it’s springtime, I had to include some floral scents in the Spring Specials, so I chose rose, lily, and lilac. I chose Lily for its conditioning properties, and Ecuadorian and Bulgarian Rose to refine texture, smooth and soften skin, and reduce inflammation. These ingredients are incorporated in the Lily Rose Hydrating Facial, and you can take Rodias Floral Hydrating Facial Oil home with you if you’re in need of a hydration boost with a lovely floral scent this spring. If you want to have a spring spa day, book a Lilac Rose Massage and Facial and enjoy the aromatic scents of Rose and Geranium Oil and the moisturizing effects of Plymouth Soap Works’ Lovely Lovely Lilac Face Creme.

Since it’s already nearly mango harvesting season down south, I couldn’t resist incorporating them in the massage and facial specials this season. Bella Mina’s Forever Young Mango Butter Facial utilizes Plymouth Soap Works’ Mango Face Creme with hyaluronic acid and elderberry jojoba oil extract for an antioxidant boost that hydrates and regulates oil production. (In case you hadn’t noticed, I love love love Plymouth Soap Works’ products — go check them out on Main Street in Plymouth!) If you’re looking for full-body hydration, book a Mango Butter Body Scrub and reap the benefits of the dry brush combined with Mango Butter and uplifting, aromatic Mango Body Oil.

FOR THE BODY

Another barrier to wellness that winter leaves remnants of is the tension caused by hunching and contracting our muscles to ward off the cold, so don’t forget the importance of regular stretching and massages post-winter. For massage specials, I chose aromatherapy oils that help us deeply unwind and relax so we can all let go of that winter tension. Bella Mina’s Vanilla Mango Butter Hot Oil Massage combines the warm, grounding scent of vanilla with the uplifting effects of mango oil. Cleo Nala’s Mango Body Oil also contains Irish moss extract for a healthy, radiant glow. If you, like so many, enjoy the scent of lavender, book a Lavender Lemon Hot Oil Massage for the deeply calming and soothing effects of Lavendar combined with the mood-boosting effects of Lemon oil. Lavender oil is also lightly moisturizing, while Lemon oil is a rich source of Vitamin C.

I hope all of this has inspired you to take good care of yourself this spring, and to come to Bella Mina for a service and to check out the products. Spring is a perfect season to renew our dedication to self care, so that we can be our best, healthiest, brightest selves. I’m very passionate about what I do to help people be healthy and all the lovely products I have to help people do that, so please do come in with all your questions! I am honored to serve this community.

Joanna Stamatakos

Licensed Spa Therapist & Owner, BELLA MINA STUDIO