The Spa Post

The Young (Looking) Girl and the C

2009-11-04T23:02:00.000-05:00

Continuing my candid conversation concerning my compulsion for complete skin care, I confess to crave another antioxidant concurrently with Retinol; the culprit: Vitamin C (that’s correct, the same vitamin we consume to cure the common cold). Creating collagen to counteract crevices, combating cancer-causing free radicals, and strengthening collapsed capillaries are compelling causes to covet this topical vitamin in cream (or serum) form.

Vitamin C is a critical component for the creation of collagen, which is crucial to the constitution of the skin. Without collagen, skin will crumple and come across lackluster. Vitamin C coerces collagen to encourage connectivity between the cells, thus conceivably counteracting the occurrence of creases in the skin.

Counterbalancing the consequences of free radicals is a core function of antioxidants collectively. Vitamin C has the extra advantage of contributing photo protection and can be used as a cover against those cruel UV rays.

Vitamin C cooperates in the reconstruction of collapsed capillaries whose composition has been compromised. Vitamin C causes the fortification of structural components within capillary walls, and creates clear coasting for blood to cure and cleanse the skin. Caved in capillaries create dark under eye circles and red-colored contours: characteristics worth correcting!

Making conscientious skin care choices is comfortingly easy with antioxidants in the composition of many face creams. My chosen C creams are IS Clinical’s C Eye Gel (combats capillaries incredibly!) and Skin Medica’s Vitamin C Complex (feels like cornsilk on your skin!). With recurring use, your skin will convalesce to excellence!

Convinced?

…C ya later!

Organically Yours

2009-11-04T23:01:00.001-05:00

It seems going green has become less of a trend and more of a lifestyle.

Re-usable cloth bags for shopping, alternate fuel sources, organic clothing, and energy efficient appliances have flooded our homes. So it comes as no surprise that skin and hair care would be included as well.

The more we learn about the harmful chemicals found in cosmetics the higher the demand has become for a healthy, safe alternative. After all, our bodies are organic; it only makes sense that hair and skin care products should be as well.

As Winter approaches or traveling looms in your future, remember to combat the pains of dry winter skin by drinking more water. Water is sure to hydrate and brighten dull winter skin away. Also, try to keep your showers warm, not hot; it will help with any dryness and be less of a shock when you walk out of the shower (burrr cold!).

While we are in the shower, lets talk about that hair! Non-organic shampoos claim to leave you with healthier, more luxurious locks. In reality they leave your hair stripped and lifeless. It has been estimated that up to 5,000 fragrance additives have been put in shampoos and conditioners to create "natural, botanical" scents. Why not just use non-toxic organic hair care such as Just Natural TM to liven your hair and leave it looking, feeling, and smelling naturally wonderful?

Want to go green literally? Astara’s Green Papaya Nutrient Mask is organic, paraben-free, and unbelievably effective. With ingredients like grapefruit, ylang ylang, calendula and added vitamins B5, C, and E, this mask nourishes, resurfaces, soothes and polishes the skin while calming the nerves and senses. Naturally synergistic combinations such as these also have the added benefit of aromatherapy; particularly important since stress adds to tired looking skin and accelerates the aging process.

Less is more when it comes to our bodies and choosing organic options is a great step in a greener and healthier direction.

What are your favorite green products?

My Precious

2009-11-04T23:00:00.001-05:00

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

But what if pieces of gold and silver (and pearls and diamonds) actually improved your health? I’d say that’s some solid unification.

The use of precious metals and stones goes back over 5,000 years to the glory days of Cleopatra, who, it is said, slept in a mask of gold to preserve her radiance. For over 6 centuries, Japanese women have sworn by the youth-sustaining kinpaku gold leaf facial (currently a £450 treatment at Harrod’s) and the Chinese Imperial Palace applied crushed pearls to brighten and soften its royal skin.

Present-day scientists have uncovered the secrets of these swanky stones and offer practical advancements for their regular use in skin care.

Gold has long been respected for its skin-firming capabilities, but science also proves gold to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant powers, qualities that lead to increased UV protection, stimulated collagen production, and decreased toxin production.

Nano Gold Energizing Cream by Chantecaille ($420) sets the bar (ha) at the highest level, utilizing a nanotechnology delivery system to deposit pure gold at the deepest cellular level. Synergistically combined with other skin-savers like lactic acid and hydrolyzed wheat protein, this emulsion sounds like it should win the gold.

Silver, with a solid reputation for killing bacteria (over 650 known microorganisms) and purifying and detoxifying the skin and scalp, is the most incorporated metal in skin care products today – from hair irons to face creams.

According to Jennifer McKinley, president of Cor, “When bacteria is exposed to silver, it can’t survive for more than six minutes. Those with acne, psoriasis, and eczema can benefit from using skin care products that contain silver.” Like gold, silver also stimulates cellular turnover and repair, leading to an increase in collagen production. As a first line of defense, Cor has developed Silver Soap ($125), a cleansing bar that purifies, tones, and deep cleanses below the surface.

Pearl powder contains conchiolin, an amino acid-rich compound that mimics collagen to increase cellular turnover and heal the skin. Minimizing pore size, brightening the skin’s appearance, and healing from within, are all attributes of pearl powder.

“Pearl powder helps to revitalize and brighten even the most delicate complexions, promoting luminous, healthy looking skin,” says Paul Tchinnis of La Mer, longtime respected skin care brand. Carita’s Pearl of Youth for Eyes ($103) serum boasts relief from under-eye circles, signs of fatigue, and pesky wrinkles.

For the most glam of all…the Diamond – think of it as your best friend.

From whitening your teeth to tightening your, um, assets, diamonds are “powerful cleansers renowned for their ability to transform energy and draw hidden imbalances to the surface,” says Natura Bisse’s Begonia Sanjuan.

Natural exfoliators, diamonds were first introduced into the mainstream beauty community through microdermabrasion, and have continued on their diamond-in-the-rough way to be incorporated in polishes and scrubs of the highest caliber.

Natura Bisse’s Diamond Magnetic ($270) uses pure diamond dust combined with iron that is then magnetically lifted from the skin with a special tool, leaving behind a diamond-esque glow that “nearly mimics the effect of light bouncing off a diamond.”

Glamorous gems, medicinal metals – I’d say the beauty industry has tapped into some pretty posh resources to upkeep the upmarket salves, and I’m a fan of the good life!

Plane Jane

2009-11-04T22:59:00.000-05:00

See Jane. See Jane board a plane. See Jane’s skin turn flaky and watch her lips shrivel. Jane is sad. Poor Jane.

Have you been Jane? Ever wondered why planes wreak such havoc on our skin?

Recycled air and 1% humidity have much to do with your dehydration, and the effect accumulates hour by hour. In as little as 3 hours, almost all of the moisture can be sucked right out of your skin. Dehydrated skin accentuates wrinkles, fine lines, dark under eye circles, and contributes to a lackluster appearance. The best way to avoid beauty jet lag is to make a preemptive strike against it and pack your arsenal for in-flight battle!

Before you board, make sure you’re plane-ready. To clean skin, apply a moisturizer and to your lips, apply a hydrating lip balm (remember, licking your lips does more harm than good). This will be your first line of defense so that your skin starts as hydrated as possible and your pores shrink, keeping your precious moisture locked inside. Wearing makeup is a no-no; if you have a welcoming committee awaiting your arrival, you can apply your makeup 30 minutes before landing.

Using the same logic, spray a leave-in conditioner in your hair to lock in moisture and also prevent grime from attaching to your hair follicles. Apply antibacterial hand lotion, too, just to ensure your hands are clean and moisturized!

While on board, the maintenance must continue!

What to pack in your on-board Jet Set:

Mandatory:

- Moisturizer (I love Actifirm’s Actimoist Booster) for hands and nails
- Toner or water spray to refresh your moisturizer (I love Evian Spray)
- Lip Balm (I love Fresh’s Sugar Lip Balm)
- Antibacterial Hand Lotion (Bath and Body Works has the market cornered on this one)
- Drink water. The average recommendation is 8oz for every hour in the air.

Optional:

- Eye mask (I love the Skyn’s Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels)
- Aromatherapy balm for your temples, chest, wherever! (I love Buddha Nose’s Immune Booster Salve- just for an added kick of health)

It is imperative that you also stay hydrated from the inside out, and that includes abstaining from caffeine and alcohol, as these will just dehydrate you and undo all that great hydration you’ve achieved.

Don’t be an average Plane Jane, protect your hair, skin, and nails the right way, and have a safer flight!

SOD Off, Wrinkles!

2009-11-04T22:58:00.001-05:00

They say beauty comes from within…looks like someone took that literally. The newest skin savers are also my new favorite products du jour (well, du mois if we’re being literal): GliSODin® Nutricosmetics.

Nutricosmetics are a recent trend in the beauty industry, and can be broadly defined as any orally ingested supplement intended to promote overall health and cosmetic beauty.

They synergistically combine key ingredients like isoflavones for protein synthesis, vitamins A, E, and a few representatives from the B family for, well, obvious reasons, omega-3 fatty acids for elasticity, coenzyme Q10 for firmness, and hyaluronic acid for serious cellular hydration. So in effect, nutricosmetics, in addition to fueling your skin from within, also use antioxidant power to put up a blockade against free radicals, which are the number one cause of wrinkles, premature aging, and sagging.

Using FDA maximum therapeutic doses of these, other powerful ingredients and a patented superantioxidant, GliSODin®, is the key to Paris-based Isocell Laboratories’ success with their nutricosmetics line.

GliSODin® is a unique non-genetically modified melon extract naturally rich in the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) that is combined with wheat protein to protect for maximum absorption into the body. In other words: WOW.

I’m on day 14 of their Advanced Daily Formula, and, again, all I have to say is: WOW. My skin tone is smooth, even and glowing! I must warn you, there are some side effects, however: your hair will become shiny, your nails will become stronger, and both will grow faster than ever.

Move over One-A-Day…there’s a new pill in town!

Paying OMage to the East

2009-11-04T22:57:00.000-05:00

Eastern culture has been silently and gently infiltrating Western Spas for the last decade in the form of healing modalities such as cupping and acupuncture, Shiatsu and Reiki, and, more obviously, in the practice of yoga, whose popularity has reached a monumental scale. These studies are often referred to as alternative medicine and work in conjunction with, or independently from, Western medicine.

You’ve read all about your favorite celebs taking advantage of its benefits -- who could forget Gwyneth’s Paltrow’s fabulously bruised back on the red carpet? This was completely intentional and believe it or not beneficial to her circulation, digestive system and lungs. But this was not some new fad, the use of cupping has been recorded all the way back to the famous Taoist alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281–341 A.D.) In his book Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies the “cups” were animal horns, but the intention was the same. Today, spas have fully embraced holistic healing.

Yoga, as a spiritual path as well as a form of exercise, has been ushered into many people's busy lifestyles - and is around every corner - including many spas. Due to its physical and mental connection, mind/body spas are embracing it with open arms with as a solid foundation in Eastern discipline.

So next time you step into your favorite spa remember to pay “Om”mage to eastern culture and holistic healing!

Contributors: Hollie Klem, Amy Dannenmueller

Beam Me Up, Esthi!

2009-11-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

In the plastic surgery world, they say beauty is measured in millimeters. In my world, beauty is measured in nanometers. Lasers have become a mainstay in facial rooms at spas – both the medi and the pampering kind!

What makes the cool laser especially so, well, cool, is that by varying the light color and therefore the wavelength frequency, the esthetician can actually target different layers of your skin, address specific skin concerns, and achieve different results.

When Albert Einstein theorized about the stimulated emission of radiation as part of his quantum theory, I’m pretty sure he couldn’t have imagined that he was paving the way for a glorious way to take care of skin. The laser is a man-made beam that is concentrated in conjunction with radiation to form a steady beam of light. Depending on the wavelength (or nanometer), the color changes and the effect on the skin is affected.

Blue light (450nm) penetrates 4-6 mm and addresses acne, sun damage, skin plumping, and killing bacteria.

Green light (530nm) penetrates 6-8 mm and reduces broken capillaries, age, spots, and heals scars.

Red light (660nm) penetrates 8-10 mm and addresses rosacea, eczema, dark circles, and wrinkles.

All three of these settings are also cool, which means that it is a relaxing experience for the light to pass over the skin. Usually all three of these options are found on a single cool laser machine, so you will have a full range of healing availability.

Let’s say you have acne on your forehead but rosacea on your chin, in a single session, both skin concerns could be addressed. The laser sessions also work cumulatively, and are safe to be used frequently.

After receiving a cool laser therapy in which I had the blue laser on the majority of my skin and the red laser around my eyes, I must report that it gave me a definite glow; a certain radiance about me. I looked as if I had had a great night’s sleep, appeared awake and renewed, and, of course, my skin looked and felt smooth and plumped. A definite homerun for facials…Beam me up, esthi!

Jet Set Spa

2009-11-04T22:54:00.000-05:00

Flying can be stressful for some and downright annoying for others – between the ticket kiosk and the security line, not to mention the wait at the gate.

I’ve always thought there should be something fabulous to do, something to look forward to while you hurry up and wait, something proactively good for you – the spa!

Who doesn’t want to arrive at his or her destination looking and feeling refreshed, and what better way to start your journey than relaxed? It’s a great concept and certainly beats browsing through Duty Free.

The niche company on the forefront of this newest trend is XpresSpa. Operating as a full-service spa, Xpres Spas are currently pampering travelers at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Cancun Int’l, Dallas / Ft. Worth International, JFK Int’l, Las Vegas McCarran Int'l, New York LaGuardia Int’l, Philadelphia Int’l, Pittsburgh Int’l, Raleigh-Durham Int’l, and San Francisco Int’l Airports. In addition Boston Logan Int’l, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l, Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Indianapolis Int’l, Lambert - St. Louis Int’l, Minneapolis - St. Paul Int’l, and Orlando Int’l Airports are on the way. And they’re off to a skyrocketing start, relaxing over 20,000 people per month.

Local, well known city spas have also hopped on this trend: Oasis Day Spa, a favorite in Manhattan, has a full-service outpost at JFK International Airport. They’ve even condensed their full length spa treatments to accommodate the hurried traveler. At the Detroit International Airport OraOxygen Spa boasts traditional full-service spa therapies and signature oxygen treatments to purify your lungs before facing that recycled airplane air!

While the option of a full-service spa is ideal, many airports have started slowly introducing spa therapies that are easier to accommodate such as chair massage and nail therapies. I think it’s safe to say that the in-airport spa concept is catching on, as travelers find a healthier alternative to deal with pre-flight stress.

* just a friendly reminder to drink 8oz of water for every hour that you are in the air, to prevent your skin becoming dehydrated and developing dark areas under your eyes.

Hello. My Name is Susan, and I'm a Retinolic.

2009-11-04T22:52:00.000-05:00

I’ve been using for almost 4 years. It started with a few dabs around my smile lines and quickly progressed to my forehead. Before I knew it, I was using every day, all over my face, and sometimes even on my neck. I saw results,what can I say? So I kept at it. I watched my fine lines disappear and my skin began to look younger. I wondered if it was an illusion. It wasn’t. I blame my esthetician really; she was such a pusher, I admit it, I caved…and it was all uphill from there…

Retinol in its basic form is Vitamin A, one of the most powerful antioxidants (free-radical scavengers), and the most beneficial vitamin for the preservation, rejuvenation, and reparation of the skin. When it is broken down into its smallest and most active form, Retinoic Acid's molecules are tiny enough to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin, making it able to support and nudge the skin’s elastin and collagen to step into high gear. The result: smooth lines, diminished wrinkles, plump, firm skin, and a glowing complexion.

With more active skin cells, more can be accomplished (go inertia!). Increased cellular turnover leads to a stronger cell network (line prevention), deeper exfoliation and clearing out of the pores (diminished breakouts), and regeneration of collagen (that’s right, plumping up of wrinkles), and the effect is cumulative and visible. Of course Vitamin A is naturally occurring and can be found in many foods like greens, dairy, and fruit, and is beneficial to your whole body, but I’d prefer to ensure full facial coverage rather than rely on my body to dole it out especially to my smile lines.

So, that brings me back to my addiction: Retinol. My favorite one is Skin Medica’s Retinol Complex, and for sensitive skin, 302 Skincare’s Vitamin A Drops is my recommendation.

You don’t necessarily need a fancy skin care brand to absorb the benefits; almost every major skin care laboratory has infused retinol into one of more of its drug store brand products. Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum or Olay® Total Effects® Targeted Wrinkle Repair, each with a less potent form of retinoic acid than their spa skincare line counterparts, are more accessible yet still viable options for the Retinol addict.

Now I leave you with the very question that pushed me down the slippery slope of wrinkle reduction forever: Do you want better skin?

A-men.

Accessor-eyes

2009-11-04T22:51:00.000-05:00

They say your eyes are the windows to the soul…my eyebrow guru Eliza says, if that’s true, “then the eyebrows are the frames.” Eyebrow shaping has revived itself as the newest trend in the beauty industry. Sephora now carries over 100 eyebrow-grooming products, with more cosmetic lines adding their own versions each day. Is the industry just finding new ways to drain our wallets or are eyebrows really to be glamour-eyes-ed?

Media-dubbed “Queen of the Arch” Eliza Petrescu says, “The eyebrows are the only feature of your face that you can dramatically change without surgery.” She has a point (and it’s not just on the end of her perfectly sharpened tweezers). A round arch can make you look surprised, too dramatic of an arch can make you look severe; eyebrow customization seems like a logical answer, and luckily the spa industry has experts to help.

Suddenly your eyebrows are a work of art – with the price tag to go with it! Petrescu, along with other artists in the industry charge anywhere from $65 to $120, and while home maintenance is a must, the experts adv-eyes that initial shaping must be done by a professional, lest you over-pluck or under-shape.

A w-eyes man once said, “A picture’s frame captures all the beauty within its borders.” Shouldn’t yours?

Common Scents

2009-11-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

For thousands of years, civilizations have used the healing properties of plants, herbs, and flowers to cure, nourish, and invigorate their bodies and minds. Aromatherapy via these essential oils is probably the most commonly used alternative healing remedy today; everything from soaps, shampoos, candles, even hand sanitizers boast healing scents to add value to their products.

Though a widely accepted form of healing, aromatherapy and essential oil use is still an alternative form of medicine, and not generally accepted by the medical community. However, recent medical research has proven that these naturally occurring scents and oils can act as true stimuli, producing a physical and psychosomatic response. Inhaling an essential oil forced traces of liquid into your lungs, and they, in turn, are absorbed into your bloodstream, providing the physical response by the body. Simultaneously, the inhalation stimulates the nerves in your nasal and sinus cavities, which then triggers your brain to react accordingly, promoting the emotional response.

Aromatherapists believe that mental ailments manifest themselves in physical maladies, and vice versa; how convenient that both mechanisms are addressed with a simple inhalation!

According to www.aromatherapy.com, aromatherapy benefits and the most common uses include stress and headache relief, sleep improvement, mood boosting, hormone regulation, muscle relaxation, immune system stimulation, and blood circulation. Certain oils such as tea tree have antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal effects as well, and are therefore likely to appear in skin care and cleaning products.

Certainly all the uses of essential oils and their scents have been documented, as the practice has survived over 5,000 years.

Click here for a quick guide of when to use what- one of my favorite sites! I'm sure you'll be delighted to see just how many common ailments can be alleviated through common scents will you waft.

Do you use aromatherapy in your daily life?

Fun in the Sun?

2008-03-24T16:26:00.005-04:00

Like a Raisin in the Sun doesn't conjure up the best image, does it? Exposure to harmful UV rays has been shown to accelerate the skin's aging process, and even accentuate the breakdown of the skin's interconnected matrix, or, more commonly, give you wrinkles!

As I sit here in sunny Los Angeles this week watching my freckles darken, I'm forced to remember the importance of sunscreen. There was an article in the New York Times this past July about the misconceptions of sunscreen and the need to follow instructions much like you would a prescription medicine. This caught my interest, and after speaking with industry skin care experts, I also learned about the harmful effects of mixing chemicals beneath the surface of your skin.

The essence of skincare in today's world is that we are forever applying the latest products with the most high tech ingredients to effectively manage the skin's aging process. But what we often forget is that chemicals don't always get along, and when in mixed company can sometimes start trouble. The mixing of chemicals beneath the surface of the skin, and especially when the sun's heat is added to the equation, can actually lead to other skin problems and even damage the skin's cellular structure; sometimes applying sunscreen can be in vain (yes, pun intended).

So how can we cover all our bases? IS Clinical's approach to sunscreen is by far my favorite. They have determined a way to microencapsulate the sunscreen to create little spheres of sunscreen that sit on your skin's surface without ever penetrating your skin. This means that not only are you truly shielded by that protective barrier, anything that is on your skin underneath that shield (meaning your high tech-ingredient serums and moisturizers) will never come into contact with the metals and chemicals necessary to ensure full UV protection.

Now don't go throwing away all your spf products yet- they are still effective for the body and, in a pinch, will do for your face! Being proactive about skincare is always a great idea, so have your fun in the sun, but be mindful of the damage that could be done!

Will you apply liberally?

Put a Spring in Your Step!

2008-03-17T16:18:00.006-04:00

This Thursday we officially welcome Spring!

Time to show off those tootsies in your strappy sandals and peep-toed pumps but first, time to get your winter feet a pedicure! Besides making your feet look more presentable, a pedicure has many health benefits, too, as most pampering spa therapies do! (we're so clever, we spa citizens).
Your feet feel pressure like no other body part does: a cumulative force of several hundred tons in just one day, according to http://www.footweb.com/ experts. Calluses, or an accumulation of dead skin, can cause an uneven distribution of pressure and can lead to all sorts of imbalances from a physiological perspective; an imbalance in your feet can manifest itself in your knees, your back, and therefore, your overall posture. That certainly puts the necessity of foot care in perspective, doesn't it?

Pedicures aren't just for pretty toes anymore! Licensed nail technicians know how to rid your feet of these horrid calluses and alleviate accumulated pressure from the feet using reflexology techniques. Reflexology can address your overall wellbeing; after all, the foot is a map of the body, and stimulation of certain points can actually send healing energy to your internal organs.

But let's not forget that sexy feet are always a good look! New nail polish collections for spring have already hit the salons, and they are hotter than ever! According to nail-therapist-to-the-stars, Zoe Miller, "your nails should be your easiest accessory; your polish color should reflect your personality and style, and that will enhance your overall appearance."

Two polished thumbs up to that, Zoe!!!

Will you put your foot down and make pedicures a priority this spring?

Getting Your Beauty Sleep

2008-03-10T17:10:00.005-04:00

A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation reports that the average American gets 6 hours and 40 minutes of sleep per night (scarily, that is down from the 7+ hours reported last year!). We all know that we need sleep for mental clarity, immunity, and mood stabilization, but did you know that a good night's sleep also provides cellular detoxification and renewal of the skin?

Sleeping is actually the easiest way to look better! Knowing this, it will therefore come as no surprise that many orally administered medications prescribed by dermatologists for skin conditions such as acne and eczema contain small amounts of sedatives; looks like even modern medicine is forcing us to sleep more for enhanced beauty results.

Even if you don't have specific skin problems, puffy under-eyes and a pale complexion is never a good look, so why do we routinely deprive ourselves of this much-needed restoration?

An increased average workday is the top culprit, but other factors such as lifestyle, increased stress levels, and sleep disorders are also to blame. (This whole time I thought it was because Leno doesn't come on until 11:30!)

Ever-dedicated to encouraging all to reach full wellbeing potential, the spa world's answer to this imbalanced dilemma is The Sleep Spa, of course!! One of the top trends in the spa industry in 2008 is the prevalence of sleep programs in the spa environment, according to Spa Finder's CEO, Susie Ellis. That's right, the power nap has returned, and this time, it's trendy! (Just a little note here, the siesta midday break has been more of a staple than a trend in European and Latin countries; are we finally accepting that they may have been on to something this whole time?)

If you pay attention to your inner circadian rhythm, you'll find that there is a late afternoon lull, about 8 hours after you wake up, and that it is natural to want to sleep. So, instead of going for that 4pm coffee jolt, it's actually more natural and beneficial to take a 20-minute nap.

Yelo, a Manhattan-based sleeping haven, is on the cutting edge of this trend. They offer signature YeloCabs, ideal cubbies for optimized napping that can be booked in 20 or 40-minute increments. You can justify a midday visit to your boss by explaining that it's likely that your productivity will increase while your stress will decrease, but you can justify it to yourself by knowing that following your body's natural rhythms will likely keep your skin looking radiant and young.

Look for more dedicated sleep spas and designated sleeping areas and therapies to be incorporated into your local spa soon...sleeping never looked so good.

Will you be a true sleeping beauty?

Paraben There, Done That!

2008-03-03T18:29:00.003-05:00

With all the controversy surrounding the use of the popular preservatives known as parabens in almost every mass produced beauty product, it seems that science has us working our worry lines. And maybe for good reason: it's been clinically proven that these chemicals mimic the hormone estrogen when absorbed through our skin, and it's been well documented that an increase of estrogen has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Parabens, still considered safe by the EPA, are not hidden in the ingredient list on products; the most common ones are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, and most of the time, they are used in conjunction with each other (comforting, isn't it?).

The use of parabens is most common in moisturizers and makeup: topically applied products. Our skin is our largest organ and an increasingly popular means to administer medicine; just look at all the transdermally administered prescriptions that now exist in our pharmaceutical world (birth control patches are a great example), so you can see how worrisome it is when you realize the implications of absorbing these estrogen-mimicking chemicals directly into our skin!

The good news is that paraben-free products not only exist, they are slowly becoming commonplace in our spas, health stores, and food markets.

The concept of adding preservatives to products remains important, however, so that our product safety and shelf life expectations are still met. Choosing product lines that use grapefruit seed extract, lemon, essential oils, salt or sugar as natural preservatives should fill your preservative needs, and while these products tend to be pricier than their paraben alternatives, their quality will more than compensate.

I will forever suffer for fashion (Manolos, I will never forsake you!), but can we really afford to suffer for beauty?

Will you still buy your favorite products knowing the risks?

Prescription: Spa

2008-02-25T12:54:00.008-05:00

I am fortunate enough to work in an industry that accepts alternative healing remedies as gospel and encourages participation in indulgences such as beautification and stress relief.

Science tells us that an estimated 90% of our maladies are stress-related, and yet many continue to view the spa as a frivolous luxury. If a traditional spa therapy such as massage has been clinically documented to reduce stress, why, then, do we not proactively treat our troubles?

I would like to share a story about a spa guest who understood the value of the healing spa environment. Andrea was diagnosed with breast cancer and had just finished her last round of chemotherapy when she walked into the spa. Her doctor recommended that she incorporate various stress-reducing activities into her daily life so that her body would, in turn, continue to heal itself without distraction. As most would, she turned to the spa for regular massage therapies.

In today's spa world (fortunately for Andrea!) most spas are also true wellness centers, and can therefore provide even more support than at first glance. Because Andrea was so forthcoming with her intentions and goals for visiting the spa, she was recommended other expertly acknowledged stress reducing disciplines such as meditation, Yoga, and acupuncture.

Having been an athlete much of her life, Andrea recognized the value in cross-training, and applied that same concept in her recovery. She started taking private Yoga sessions and working with a massage therapist and acupuncturist weekly. After 4 weeks, I received a call from her doctor, who was very carefully monitoring her condition, thanking me for our dedication and special attention to his patient. I assured him that her progress had everything to do with her dedication to making stress-reduction a priority in her life.

Clearly this stress-reduced living has its merits, but for many who are time-starved in this stressful world, adding another 'to do' to the list seems very Catch22-ish. Unfortunately, it often takes a 'have to' situation to nudge us in the right direction. Andrea's situation, however extreme, demonstrates the importance of incorporating stress-reducing elements into our daily lives for the betterment of our general health. Identifying wellness centers is as easy as a Google search, yet some of the most well known healing centers exist as destinations (Miraval, Canyon Ranch, Golden Door).

While it's important to maintain a stress-free life, you can jumpstart this by scheduling a week or more in some of these reputable places, all while being monitored by medical doctors. Whichever wellness path you take, remember that your goal is to make you feel better for your greater good, and though it may feel indulgent and extravagant, it doesn't lessen the therapeutic benefits of stress management.

The fact that stress management via the spa environment is increasingly more accepted by the medical community speaks volumes; are you listening?

How do you manage your stress on a daily basis?

A Spa is a Spa is a Spa….

2008-02-18T20:53:00.003-05:00

Back in the medieval days of Spa, Belgium, one was cured of maladies, supplemented for deficiencies, and sustained in wellbeing by partaking of the local spring water. By the 16th century, other believers had established satellite “water” towns (the most famous one still known today is Bath, England), and the term “Spa” became more commonly defined as any water-based therapy, either internally or externally administered, for the betterment of one’s physical condition.

Today, among the original definition, the dictionary defines spa as “a commercial establishment providing facilities devoted especially to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, and relaxation,” and the International Spa Association (ISPA) offers, "Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.” So, does this mean that your local nail salon can be considered a spa? Yes! …but so, too, can your dentist.

How can we wade through the diluted waters of spa-land by today’s definition? Experts in the industry feel the term “Spa” still holds true to the original ideals and beliefs – that natural remedies, modern enhancements, and spiritual awareness can heal, supplement, and sustain our happiness and general wellbeing. If your weekly pedicure eases your stress levels, or your teeth whitening treatment boosts your happiness, you have found yourself a spa!

The most progressive approach to Spa is the Medispa. Medical doctors have recently seen the benefit of coupling a modern, medical approach with a pampering and restorative environment. And while the approach is less based in the natural remedy space, the intent to heal, restore and nurture certainly has been preserved.

My favorite spa style will continue to be the true wellness centers, commonly found in a destination setting like the Golden Door or Miraval, and more decadently in luxury residence communities such as Canyon Ranch. A new breed of spa, the urban destination concept such as exhale mind body spa ®, nationwide, brings this destination spa experience to everyday life, so you can lead a destination spa lifestyle on a daily basis. These types of spa tend to offer total mind and body wellness options and programs, encompassing fitness classes, healing treatments, and traditional spa and beauty therapies.

With the overabundance of spa choices, we can certainly look at the proverbial spring water bottle as half full; perhaps that is why the spa has become more prevalent in our daily lives and will continue to offer alternative healing remedies for what ails us.

How do you see the future of the spa industry? Do you think it will return to a more traditional spa focus or continue on its expansionist path?

I Spa You!

2008-02-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

Receiving a gift for a spa experience is always exciting and welcome, especially on Valentine’s Day! There is no better way to say, “I love you” or “I love me” than with a decadent spa therapy.

Many spas offer specials year round, but have featured services on Valentine’s Day for couples massage or all day couples spa packages. Most spas also have a coed relaxation area, so you and your soul mate can unwind together…a new twist on couples’ therapy! Let the healers put you in the most blissful state possible before you carry on with your night.

Spa parties for friends on Valentine’s Day have also become a new standard. What better time to gather your nearest and dearest to enjoy rejuvenating spa services together while reconnecting or just catching up. Gossip, optional!

Want to be a homebody with somebody? Turn your home into a romantic spa:

Create the environment with candles to sweeten the air with a sexy aroma (I Y Buddha Nose’s Heart Spray).

Indulge your sweetie with a massage (I Y SpaRitual’s Infinitely Loving Massage Oil) that will linger in thoughts long after the day is over...

How will you "Spa" this Valentines Day?

Long live love!
Susan

Hello Spa Bloggers.

2008-02-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hi, Everyone! My name is Susan, and I’m so pleased to be a part of this forward-thinking wellness community!

As a spa director, I have been fortunate to work in spas on both coasts, and I’ve experienced many aspects of the spa concept throughout my career. Indisputably, an ongoing theme of this industry always rings true: Take time to care for yourself, whether by pampering or for healing.

The spa concept is, and will continue to be, a well-founded anchor in the world of wellness. It is a safe, reliable environment that enables expert healers to advance a healthy lifestyle for all.

It is energizing to be able to reach out to like-minded individuals who are as enthusiastic about personal well being as I am. I look forward to us sharing thoughts, opinions, and inspiration—all in the pursuit of mind and body wellness.

Here's to your health!!

Susan