Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Everyone knows that play is important for kids. Play teaches them coordination, adult roles, social interaction, and basic problem-solving skills. But somehow, many people have fallen prey to the idea that play is only important for kids. Play is important no matter what your age. Dutch historian Johan Huizinga (1872-1945) once described it as the defining characteristic of our species. For Huizinga, humanity is notable not as Homo sapiens, “wise people,” but Homo ludens, “playful people.” Play is good for your health. A lot of play involves exercise, which is a good thing in and of itself, but there’s more to it than that. Play relieves stress and releases a whole range of feel-good chemicals in your brain, which not only make play fun but relieves tension across the whole of your body. Play is good for your brain, too. Play lights up the entire right side of your brain, creating a state of hyper-creativity that literally changes the way you see the world. Play unites your mind and body. In play, the gap between physical sensation and mental sensation is bridged. Play creates social bonds. There’s evidence that the earliest social bonds are primarily playful ones. As an infant develops a sense of its own identity and begins to recognize other people as beings with identities of their own, it begins to learn play and socialize at the same time. That doesn’t go away as you get older – play is still a rock-solid foundation for social behavior. Fortunately, there’s an easy and proven effective remedy for play deprivation: go out and play! Spending some profoundly non-serious time with yourself or with others may well make you better at all that serious stuff that’s been sucking at your soul and preventing you from playing in the first place. You’ll feel better, be more relaxed, and enjoy more creativity, which can’t help but make the rest of your life that much better.
Every month trade and consumer magazines are full of glossy covers boldly announcing that they have discovered the newest, most effective anti-aging ingredients. We have all been seduced by the impressive articles and carefully-placed advertising that promise beauty and results. We have seen the claims for magical anti-aging serums that cost outrageous amounts of money for an ounce or less of product. We have seen the words, “X percent more youthful.” “X percent more hydrated.” “X percent texture improvement.” Looking at these ads and articles from a non-scientific perspective, it is easy to be impressed with colorful words and dramatic claims promised by new ingredients. Often the claims accompanying these new products are backed by “clinical evidence.”
This treatment is designed to brighten the overall complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Unlike many traditional chemical peels, this treatment will not over-stimulate and may be used for patients of all ethnicities and sensitivity levels.
1. Facial wash oily/problem (pHaze 1) – Cleanse the skin thoroughly. Rinse.
2. Smoothing toner (pHaze 2) – Apply with a cotton pad to prep (degrease) the skin. Allow the skin to dry. Ask the patient, “On a scale of one to 10, 10 being extremely active, how do you rate this sensation (or feeling)?”
3. Pre-Peel Accelerator Mask – Apply liberally with a fan brush and massage into the area of treatment. Continue massaging until all product is absorbed — approximately three to five minutes. This will gently dissolve keratinization and allow for cell renewal. Remove completely with water.
4. Sensi Peel® – Apply solution to a cotton pad, placing the neck of the bottle directly onto the pad, spacing it to give a sufficient working area to complete a full face treatment. Apply in layers according to the needs, goals, and individual sensitivity of the patient. Use the scale of one to 10 to gauge sensitivity. Fan skin to keep patient cool between layers. If the patient responds higher than a six, do not proceed with another layer. Do not exceed four layers.
5. Pigment gel® (pHaze 13) (with hydroquinone is recommended for Fitzpatrick types I–III, the hydroquinone free formula is recommended for Fitzpatrick types IV–VI or hydroquinone sensitive patients) – Using a small fan brush, spot treat hyperpigmented areas to lift pigment and promote even skin tone.
6. A&C synergy serum (pHaze 23) and C-strength 15% with 5% Vitamin E (pHaze 16) – Apply the mixture full-face for additional melanogenesis inhibition, increased cell turnover, and improvement of skin barrier function.
8. (optional) Esthetique Peel – Apply one pump for increased strengthening, exfoliation, and added melanogenesis inhibition. Gently spread the product over the area of treatment, keeping the application even
9. ReBalance (pHaze 17) and perfecting face & body hydrator SPF 30 (pHaze 30) – Apply a combination to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure.
1. Carefully cleanse the treated area with DermaLiss Cleansing Milk of act’ion de Gala line. Then, rinse with ToniqA Cool Restoring Lotion. Dry the skin thoroughly.
2. Proceed with the Aspiration Phase (vacuum) on the face and neck, performing regular movements with the applicator nozzle while keeping the skin taut. This phase stimulates lymphatic and blood circulation, and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
3. Proceed with the microdermabrasion phase on the face and neck, performing regular movements with the applicator nozzle while keeping the skin taut. Exfoliate evenly in small segments, concentrating the action on wrinkles, pigment spots, and other imperfections. Remove the mirocrystals right away with the CristalVac Footswitch System.
4. Gently dab on some DermaLiss Cleansing Milk on the entire area to remove any remaining crystal residue. Rinse with ToniqA Cool Restoring Lotion.
5. Apply a thick coat of HydraPlus Soothing Moisture Balm-Gel of act’ion de Gala line on the treated area, and cover it with a Vitali-T™ gauze mask dampened with ToniqA Cool Restoring Lotion. For the neck, use a gauze dampened with the same lotion. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove the remaining of gel.
6. Apply a layer of JouvenCell Rejuvenating Complex of act’ion de Gala line and ionize it at the positive polarity for three minutes with Gala Eternity Ion unit.
7. Apply some VittoSoin Nourishing Repair Cream from act’ion de Gala line on the area and then OmbraCreme Total Protection Cream to protect the skin from the sun.
Today, almost every industry has begun to feel the effects of the economic downturn in one way or another. The spa and hospitality industry is no exception. During the past few months, this market has seen a dramatic shift in consumer behavior. Most spa professionals have seen a decrease in new clients as well as less in frequency from regular customers. While today’s economic outlook may be bleak, there are things an individual or company can do to rise above the recession. While most spa professionals’ first inclination is to offer discounts, this can actually hurt their bottom line. I believe there are other, better strategies that can help those within the spa industry succeed in this time of uncertainty. The number one rule of thumb is to differentiate yourself or your business from the competition. The following are just a few steps to take in order to set your enterprise apart and come out on top: Comprehensive Value: Hardworking professionals are therefore stressed and in need of therapeutic treatments, but they are scrutinizing value. Spas should promote any services or facilities that are offered “for free” by the spa or salon. For example, most spas have a sauna, steam rooms, and/or relaxation rooms that can be utilized pre-or post-massage. Or they offer complimentary herbal teas and snack items. Make sure clients are aware of spas offerings so they feel they will get the most for their money. Creative Packaging: Reviewing and understanding your clientele will help you understand how to “seal the deal.” For example, if you know that a large majority of your customers come in during their lunch break and your spa offers food, create a spa treatment and lunch package. The customer will still pay for the treatment and meal, but will enjoy the luxury of having it packaged for them. Share Services: For those professionals who are self-employed, it is helpful to partner with other local spa and hospitality professionals. By doing so, you can share customers and potentially gain new clients. Search your local community and create deals with hair salons, nail salons, and health clubs. By selecting businesses with similar clientele, both companies will tap into a new audience that may not be reached otherwise. Something for Nothing: Another great way to make clients feel like they are getting more, without spending money is to offer a leave behind flyer with post-treatment care. Share a short list of tips on what to expect and what to do after the treatment. While this may not seem like very much, clients will appreciate the time you took to make their experience last a little bit longer. Community Involvement: An additional idea is to get involved within your local community. For example, if there is a community athletic event or health fare, offer treatments to participants. This will get your name out and potentially attract new clients, for only a few hours of your time. Hopefully the tips above can help spa professionals survive the storm.
Malic acid, derived from apples and pears, and mandelic acid, derived from almonds, are effective at treating multiple skin issues. Mandelic acid is naturally antibacterial so it fights off acne-causing bacteria. It also controls the oil in the skin, and protects from redness and irritation. Malic acid keeps the skin hydrated while fighting the skin’s free radicals that contribute to skin damage and pigmentation. Natural acids also contain collagen-producing properties that repair and rebuild tissue, softening fine lines and wrinkles by maintaining the elasticity and strength of the skin. Both mandelic and malic acids are gentle and suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), even in higher concentration amounts. The skin benefits from the use of natural acids because of their preventative and moisturizing properties. Natural acids are ideal because, unlike their chemical counterparts, they absorb into the skin much faster – giving quicker and more effective results. The use of other chemicals or ingredients can strip the skin of its natural barrier, causing little benefit and exposing the skin to greater irritation.
For those women with prenatal complications or with high-risk pregnancies, extra care and consideration needs to go into their massages. Their doctor will know whether or not their condition contraindicates all massage or merely limits the techniques and positioning options for massage. If your client has any of the following conditions, make sure that her doctor is comfortable providing you with a written release and any appropriate recommendations in accommodating her special needs: PIH disorders such as hypertension and eclampsia, which is also known as preeclampsia or toxemia; Gestational Diabetes; IUGR/SUR; or placental abnormalities. Women with a high-risk pregnancy need to take the same care in consulting with their doctor. Again, always have the doctor furnish you with both a release and their recommendation if any of the following factors apply to your client’s pregnancy: mother’s age is under 20 or over 35; a history of complications in previous pregnancies; three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions (miscarriages); multiple gestation; maternal illnesses including diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, or cardiac/renal/connective tissue/liver disorders; Rh-negative mother; genetic problems including DES; other uterine abnormalities; fetal genetic disorders; or drug or other hazardous materials exposure.
Tis’ the season to creatively promote skin care! Well into the early fall, most salons and retailers start to get ready for the holiday season. They ramp up inventory, consider hiring more staff and plan special deals and marketing for the biggest selling season of the year. Once it comes time to start making the important marketing decisions that attract shoppers and clientele, all too often the busy season can force marketing to the back burner. The ideas were there in the beginning; however, the hustle and bustle of clientele and holiday appointments can get you off track.
Cleanse face thoroughly with Lait Clarifiante Deep Cleansing Formula on wet sponges.
Apply Desin-Gel Desincrustation Pre-Masque to clogged areas with a brush. Do not use on eye areas. Allow to sit eight minutes.
You may steam at a distance of about 18 inches for two minutes prior to Desin-Gel application, and during the sitting time.
If galvanic is applied, apply directly over the Desin-Gel using a negative active electrode.
Proceed with extraction in normal manner, not to exceed seven minutes. After extraction, apply Tonique Clarifiante Hydrating Toner to lower pH.
Post-Extraction Breakouts: Apply Serum Antigrasses Special Post-Extraction Treatment using a dropper to all areas that have been extracted, or where enlarged pores are present. This product helps to soothe the skin after extraction, helping to prevent follicular inflammation that can lead to post-facial pimples. Apply high frequency over gauze. It is suggested to follow the dropper with the mushroom electrode of the high frequency unit, as the serum is being applied. This is all performed over gauze.
Apply Hydrafluide Hydrating Formula to skin and perform massage. There is no need to remove this product – it is both a massage fluid and a hydration fluid. This step may be skipped if skin is excessively oily or acne is flared or many blemishes are present.
Apply Masque Clarifiante Deep Cleansing Masque to all clogged or oily areas. Allow to dry 10 to 15 minutes. Remove with wet cotton compress mask and sponges or soft cloths. Re-tone with spray or application of Tonique after removal. Apply Strataguard Daily Hydrating Sunscreen to entire face.