Photo courtesy of Sunja Link.

The Curve is dedicated to exploring and feeling out the corners of complex, multi-dimensional, often hierarchical and always completely random subjects. The aim is to inform readers – in progressive, graduating fashion – on everything from gin and poems to cheeseburgers and trees.

In preparation for the winter season ahead we recently turned to local designer Sunja Link for some skincare advice. As the owner of Main Street’s retail store and spa, Sunja Link’s Body Shoppe, she immediately popped into our mind as the person to ask about how best to treat our skin with local goodies while literally facing less than favourable conditions…

Beginner: Polish

“For a person who spends very little time thinking about or caring for their skin, I’d recommend incorporating this one simple step that you only have to do a couple times a week. It’s the Penny Frances Apothecary Rose Otto Sugar Facial Polish. We’ve never met a person who didn’t fall in love with the smell of this product, and it’s so easy to use, that it’s really for everyone. Use it in the shower or the bath or wherever you like. Just put a teaspoon in your hands rub it together, then rub it on your face gently. If you like, you can leave it on for five minutes but it’s not necessary. Wash it off with warm water, finish with some sort of hydration product and you’re good to go. This delicate polish softens and hydrates the skin and you only need to use it maximum three times a week. We love it and we think you’ll love it to.”

Intermediate: Oil Up

“For someone who knows how to take care of their skin and wants to incorporate something simple, we’d recommend the facial oil by Reassembly. The Elixir Lux Botanical Facial Oil is a one step finishing treatment. It is a facial oil that you can use after cleansing. It works as a serum and as a moisturizer, so all you need with this special oil is a cleanser and toner that you like. We do you recommend that between cleansing and using any sort of oil that you add some extra hydration first into your routine. Whether it be a toner and water based serum, something that penetrates deeper than an oil. Think of the oil as your finishing coat. It smells great and it absorbs nicely, leaving your skin silky soft.”

Advanced: Super Cleanse

“For someone who knows about skin care and likes to spend money on their skin, I can’t recommend enough the F.Miller Cleansing Oil. People often freak out and are afraid of oils to cleanse with because they feel like they won’t get that really clean feeling with an oil. But I can honestly say after cleansing with this oil my skin feels so soft and very clean. Rub the oil all over your dry face, then massage your face for a little while. Take a warm cloth and wipe it off, following with some cold water and your skin feels great. Follow with your toner or serum or facial oil or moisturizer – whatever you like to use. Your skin won’t feel tight or overworked by this oil cleanser. It does not clog pores.”

Extra Credit: Get Rolling

“Jade or Rose Quartz facial rollers and Facial Gua Sha tools have been around for hundreds of years but have made a big comeback in the last few years. The massaging technique is based on an ancient healing technique called Gua Sha, which was first referred to in a classical Chinese medicine text called the Shan Han Lun dated 220 CE. They are used to de-puff, tighten and calm skin. Originally it was used to encourage the skin to heal itself. There is some science to it: a recent study found evidence for benefits of facial massage rollers. New research has found that facial massage rollers can increase skin blood flow during, and for more than ten minutes after, their use. They can also improve vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) in the long-term.

When used during our facials, along with facial lymph-nodes massage, there is a really noticeable difference in puffiness under eyes and cheeks, plus it brings blood flow to the face. The face and neck get flushed from the massage so you leave looking rosy and dewy. It’s extremely easy to incorporate into your own home regime. There are tutorials all over the internet. It does feel nice and kind of meditative.”

Sunja Link Body Shoppe & Spa

Neighbourhood: Main Street

3638 Main St.

604-336-9913

WEBSITE