Page 98 • LNEONLINE.com Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa • May 2015Page 98 • LNEONLINE.com Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa • May 2015

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LNEONLINE.com • Page 99

Cha-Cha-Chia!

Unlock the treasures of these tiny seeds

by Elina Fedotova

The word “chia” comes from the Mayan word for “strength.” The scientific name for the chia plant is Salvia hispanica L. It belongs to the mint family and is native to southern Mexico and northern Guatemala. Chia seeds were historically used as food by the Aztecs and Mayans, and were revered by native Indians for providing long lasting energy to warriors and runners. The chia seed has recently been lauded with “superfood” status in the Western world for its impressive abundance of nutritional properties (See page 100). This super reputation has now started to spread beyond its use as an ed-ible supplement to the beauty and skin care industry, as chia seed oil is becoming famous for its many beauty benefits.

Page 100 • LNEONLINE.com Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa • May 2015

Skin Care PropertiesDue to the undeniable topical benefits of these tiny

nutritional powerhouses, the skin care industry is starting to incorporate chia seeds into products and treatments, and for good reason! They contain an unrivaled amount of beneficial properties.

Though very small, chia seeds have very high oil con-tent—up to 39 percent, according to the International Journal of Food Science, and are one of the leading sources of omega-3s. Along with these essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients contained in the chia seed help to nourish and calm the skin.

With a higher antioxidant count than blueberries, they also have outstanding anti-inflammatory and skin rejuvenating properties. Chia seed oil can either be applied directly on the face and body to help restore dry patches, or on top of a moisturizer to seal it in. In addition to the oil pressed from the seeds, chia seeds also produce a gelatinous substance that can be used as skin treatments. This is formed when the chia seeds are placed in water, and a mucilaginous gel appears around each seed. This substance helps to hydrate the skin, and provides calming and rejuvenating properties that can diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

As you incorporate the exciting pow-er of chia seeds into your skin care servic-es, don’t neglect to share the outstand-ing benefits/nutritional background of this ingredient as a dietary dynamo with your clients. Their gentle, nearly taste-less flavor makes them easy to blend into other foods for a major nutritional boost. If you have a juice bar at your spa, add these miniscule gems into your lat-est smoothie recipe!

nutritionalpowerhouses

High in omega-3 fatty acids

High soluble fiber content

Rich in antioxidants

High in phosphorous

Good source of calcium

Rich in iron and manganese

May improve energy levels

Gluten free

organic & wellness | cha-cha-chia!

May 2015 • Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa LNEONLINE.com • Page 101

Refreshing Body Scrub This can be a treat for your clients during any foot or body service to exfoliate and nourish the skin.

2 tablespoons slightly ground chia seeds

1 tablespoon each coconut oil and honey

1 tablespoon baking soda, which helps to detoxify and smooth the epidermis.

3 drops ginger (for a warming effect) or pep-permint essential oil (for a cooling effect)

5 drops tea tree oil for healing and antiseptic effects

Mix ingredients together and gently massage this scrub into your client’s feet, hands, or entire body. Wipe or rinse off. Alternatively, you can leave it on for five to 10 minutes and cover your client’s hands and feet with plastic warming mittens and booties.

organic & wellness | cha-cha-chia!

Deep Moisturizing Masque Replenish your client’s skin.

Finely grind 1 tablespoon chia seeds in a small grinder.

Soak the ground chia seeds in coconut or filtered water until they swell.

Add 1 teaspoon chia seed oil.

After mixing the ingredients together, apply to the skin and let sit for five to 10 minutes.

*Enhance this mask by adding one or two drops organic essential oil (for oily complexions, try juniper berry oil; for dry complexions, try rose or chamomile essential oils).

Gentle Exfoliator For dry and aged complexions.

Grind 2 teaspoons chia seeds in a small grinder until fine.

Mix with 1 teaspoon coconut oil (To avoid a coconut scent, use organic deodorized coconut oil).

Add 1/2 teaspoon organic raw honey for additional de-toxifying and hydrating effects.

Add 1 or 2 drops essential oil that suits your client’s complexion.

Massage this nourishing scrub gently over your client’s face, neck and décolleté for three to five min-utes. Remove with warm compresses.

Rejuvenating AROMATIC OILTreat your clients to this delicately sensual aromatherapy experience.

1 ounce chia seed oil

5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil

3 drops sandalwood essential oil

2 drops jasmine essential oil

Chia Seed SKIN RECIPES

Mix ingredients together and massage over the face or body.

Elina Fedotova is an award winning

esthetician, cosmetic chemist and the

CEO of Elina Organics. She uses the

intelligence of nature to heal and beau-

tify the skin. Her edible products and

skin care expertise have been featured

on GMA Live! and other television

shows. For more information visit elinaorganics.com or call

877.384.8300.