Thanksgiving Sale

New upcoming event!

8:30 AM, November 29, 2013 to 8:30 AM, December 2, 2013.

Enjoy 15% off on all skin care products now until Sunday, 12/1/13.

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Winter skin

While it isn't officially winter yet (with the wind on Sunday I know that is hard to believe), there are some important things to know about your skin and what it needs in winter weather.

Lack of Humidity:

I know we told you a million times during the summer to hydrate your skin during the summer due to your exposure to the sun.  In the winter there is a distinct lack of humidity in the air in our houses and businesses.  Most heat sucks up whatever is left and this causes our skin to begin to dry out and flake.

Hot Showers:

Did you know that when you take long, hot showers this can actually hurt your skin more in the winter than in the warmer months? If you struggle with dry skin be sure to take cooler showers as it will leave more moisture in your skin.

Layer:

The more skin you can cover from the elements the happier your skin will be.  If it is frigid be sure to add chapstick and then a scarf.  Use gloves and hats to protect yourself from the chill and your skin from chapping.  If you are going out on a super sunny, snowy day, be sure to add sunscreen to your exposed skin.  Just because it is winter doesn't mean you cannot burn, especially when skiing.

Eat well: 

Vitamin B is a great way to replenish your skin.  Eating foods like lentils, bananas, turkey, and tuna all help your skin fight against the lack of humidity.  Vitamin C will help you remain healthier in the winter months when colds and flu can further debilitate our health.  Try to avoid alcohol as it will dehydrate.

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Home suggestions:

• Change to a mild soap that will not strip all the oil from your skin.  
• Have lotions near by and use them throughout the day.  
• Add a cool mist humidifier to your room at night.  This will keep your nasal and throat passages moist and prevent sickness.  
• Use sunblock when out in the sun for long periods of time.  We recommend Coola.  

Spa suggestions: 

• You may find that you need extra moisturizer or a heavier one.  Check with your skin therapist to see what is right for your skin.  
• I would also be sure to exfoliate at least once or twice a week. Hylunia's Grape Seed Exfoliating Scrub is a great product as it is gentle and doesn't strip your natural oils from your skin.  
• Body Treatments are another great way to clear off dead skin and encourage a healthy glow.  For more information see our blog on Body Treatments here.

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A new battlefield: the massage table

I don't know if it is just me, but lately I feel that every time I pass a shopping plaza I notice a new massage store.  As someone who doesn't have a lot of extra cash lying around I will admit my first massage was something I purchased through GroupOn, but after talking with the business owner and the masseuse who gave me my massage I have had some reservations about these sort of businesses and offers.   Now that I work part time at a Spa these reservations have only increased.  What are these concerns you now ask (dare I hope with bated breathe)?

1. How much is the Masseuse actually being paid? 

As someone who has frequently held part time jobs to help with college loans or for extra spending money I understand the value of a dollar.  Many masseuses work at multiple locations, and sometimes out of their own homes.  While you might be spending $50 on a massage, your therapist is only receiving a portion of that to take home- typically $10-20 dollars for an hour massage. Where is the rest of the money going? Well if they are working for a business they are being charged to use the room, and if they do not bring their own creams and sheets they are also being charged to use those.  At most Spas the therapist gets a bit more because you are charged more, that is also why tips are so important.  Remember they have to drive to each location they work at just like the rest of us.

2. What is the experience level at chains versus spas? 

Getting one's foot in the door is often one of the hardest things for a graduate of any program, but for services like massage and other luxury items, this can be especially daunting.  While your friends may be appreciative of your services they typically are not willing to shell out $50 or more to receive them.  That means you need to find somewhere to work.  Chain massage stores are one of the best options for some people, especially if they do not like strangers in their homes or going to the home of someone they have never met.  However I will have to mention in the spirit of honesty that there are a number of highly experienced masseuses in some of these chain stores as they tend to be closer to their homes than some spas.

3. Atmosphere

Just like so many others I will admit that appearances are important.  One of the things I like best is when you are at a Spa everyone is welcoming and that the facility is clean.  Candles, bottles of water, and a changing room are all things that appeal to me.  However after reading reports from others who have used chain stores and GroupOn coupons, not every facility has or can offer these accommodations.  When you have bought an hour massage, part of that hour will be taken up by changing, and in your room as their are no lockers or changing rooms.  This is fine for some people, for others this might be a deal breaker.  Most Spas on the other hand do have extra amenities that sometimes you get for free: chilled water, champagne, light refreshments, lockers (with key), and showers if you still feel a bit too oily after certain types of treatments.

4. Discounts

I think one of the best things about the chains and GroupOns are the discounts for the user.  However spas and there massage therapists at the Spas can offer discounts on services as well.  When you purchase an 'x' amount of planned treatments typically the costs will be less, but you get to keep more of the higher end amenities.  It never hurts to ask.  Massage Therapists love it when they can see clients again, especially if you have meshed.  The more time a therapist spends working on your person, the better able they will be to treat your needs in the future, this is why we stay with our general practitioners and dentists, not having to re-explain ourselves to each new person is a wonderful thing.

Concluding thoughts

I cannot say that one is better than the other, except to say that at a Spa the amenities and the fees going to the masseuse are going to be better (hopefully).  The other plus for Spas would be that you can receive a number of additional services within the same walls.  The Chain Stores will almost always win on the User fees front, as well as the diversity of persons within the building.  A Spa will typically have 4-5 therapists on call, while a Chain will have double or triple that number.




(I will admit that I was hoping I would have more good things to say about Spas when I started the research on this post, but found through the conversations with our therapists and online reading that how I was going to write this article changed.  Since our therapists work at both locations, they simply stated that they enjoyed they spas more because they tend to be more relaxed and pay better.  But if you are writing on behalf of the User how many of them care if they have to change in the room and have a 45 min. massage for half the cost of the Spa's hour massage?)

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What are body treatments?

Most of us know that we should exfoliate our faces, put on masks every once in a while and moisturize before we add foundation. But if we want glowing skin from head to foot, we need to do that to the rest of our skin.  That is why body treatments were created- to help give your skin the love and attention it needs.  So what is a Body Treatment?

Massages- This is probably the most popular treatment and most widely used.  It works by circulating blood through the muscles and skin, helping to clear toxins from your muscles and joints.

Wraps- Body wraps come in a variety of formulas and methods.  These wraps can be used for "back"-ne (acne on your back), can cleanse and exfoliate the skin, and can help with cellulite.   If you suffer from dry, flakey winter skin this can be a great soother for your thirsty skin.

Radiance Spa offers a Natural Honey Wrap which exfoliates and moisturizers.  A Mud and Honey mask that helps cleanse impurities and renews elasticity in the skin. For women suffering from hormonal issues our Balancing Herbal wrap uses grape seeds to exfoliate and herbs to help stabilize hormonal fluctuations.  The Seaweed Detoxification Wrap helps to improve circulation and detoxifies the skin.

Scrubs: Stressed, tired skin needs to be renewed. Just like exfoliating your face leads to clearer, smoother skin.  Scrubs for the body help increase circulation and remove rough areas. Soon we will be offering a Bamboo Scrub from Natura Bisse. This scrub contains natural bamboo micro-fibers. Its blended with essentials oils including sandalwood, clove, myrrh, incense, cardamom & black pepper. It polishes skin texture without inducing irritations & damage.  It will be one of our most luxurious treatments- it shall leave you will feeling hydrated and super polished.

For more information see our Services Page.

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Save the date - Spa Party!

New upcoming event!

6:00 PM, November 22, 2013 to 9:00 PM, November 22, 2013.

Choose 1 out of 3 services: mini facial, express massage or mani and pedi.
Dr. AVIDON APPEL will be offering Botox and Juvaderm injections beginning at 6:30 pm
(You must RSVP if you are interested in his services.)
Our SPECIAL GUEST will be KAREN HLUCHAN, a medium, who conducts spirit readings, angel readings, and can heal with Reiki energy. To read more about Karen visit healingspiritwithlove.com
RSVP by Nov 20, 2013.

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