Monday, November 30, 2009

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - Woman's Day Magazine

Womans Day’s Mammoth Mountain, California, Ski Getaway Package Giveaway
Enter by December 9th
Grand Prize: One five-day, four-night stay for two at The Village Lodge in Mammoth Lakes, CA, including one group lesson plus two days of rentals/lift tickets for two people; dinner for two at the gourmet Lakefront Restaurant at the historic Tamarack Lodge, and two spa treatments from the Double Eagle Spa at Snowcreek (guests’ choice of a 50-minute Creekside Signature Massage or a Neck, Back & Shoulder Massage). Approx. Retail Value: $1,500

Friday, November 27, 2009

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - USA Network

USA Network’s The Good Life Sweepstakes in New York City!
Enter by December 10th
Grand Prize: Four-day trip for two to New York City, includes luxury accommodations at Robert DeNiro’s boutique hotel, The Greenwich, complimentary airfare for two and luxury airport transfer, meals and drinks at some of the hottest local spots (Monkey Bar, DBGB, Minetta Tavern, The Modern and Milk & Honey), $1000 Shopping trips to Thomas Pink and Links of London, private VIP tours of The High Line and MOMA, passes to New York’s finest museums, (The Met, Guggenheim, and Whitney), and rejuvenating spa treatments. Approximate Retail Value $20,052.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

MD Skincare - Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel

The Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is a two-step exfoliation system that is as easy as sweeping two moist, ready-to-use pads over your skin. That's it!

After swiping the first pad in circular motions over your face, wait for two minutes, then follow with the second one. The first pad contains alpha hydroxyl and beta hydroxyl acids, both working to exfoliate dead surface cells along with other great ingredients to ensure minimal irritation (if any). There are also anti-oxidants from green tea, soothing anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile and anti-aging benefits to boost collagen production. The second pad gives the skin a vitamin boost while providing a cocktail of anti-oxidants that enhance each other's capabilities, promote cell regeneration and offer other key components needed for the skin to synthesize collagen.

This two part product is an easy 'no-mess' exfoliating system, beneficial for any skin type, and completes the process with ingredients able to penetrate quickly on fresh, exfoliated skin. Great for the face, but also incredible for the backs of your hands. This two-step is not only easy, but ultra convenient for traveling. MD Skincare packaged these pads in individual packets so you can just throw a couple into your cosmetic bag and off you go. All the way around, this product is a winner.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Alpha Hydroxy Acids - AHA & Cancer?

Does the use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids increase the risk of skin cancer?
There has been a fair amount of buzz, and perhaps a little bit of negative press, regarding AHAs and cancer. To date, no studies have found a credible correlation between products that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid and cancer. There is, however, the distinct warning that Alpha Hydroxy Acids may make the skin more sensitive to the sun . . . and everyone knows that too much unprotected exposure to the sun has the potential to cause skin cancer. While on the topic of AHAs and possible problems, . . . a word of caution. High concentrations of glycolic acid are being sold on the internet in home exfoliation/peel DIY kits. If the concentration is too high, or the product is improperly used, there is a very real possibility of burning the skin which could result in permanent damage. As always, do your homework. Leave this type of skin care in the safe hands of your estheticians and/or dermatologists. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Friday, November 20, 2009

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SPA MAGAZINE

Great Spas of the Southwest
Enter by November 30th
GRAND PRIZE: One 4-Night/5-Day Stay for Two (2) People at Red Mountain Resort & Spa, Luxury Villa Suite, one 50-minute Spa Treatment per person, one Zion National Park Adventure per person, Signature Package includes three meals daily, guided morning hiking, healthy life classes, unlimited fitness classes, personal discovery activities, cooking demonstrations and use of resort facilities including the exclusive infinity Villa pool. Approximate Retail Value $4,400.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Beta Hydroxy Acid - BHA

In the world of cosmetics, Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is the term used to describe an oil-soluble, natural occurring acid that exfoliates cellular buildup while targeting the oil embedded in the pores. Although the exfoliation properties are similar to Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), BHA performs at a deeper level with the ability to penetrate the pores and dislodge impurities. Oily, acne prone skin benefits more from this type of exfoliant than the AHAs. Beta Hydroxy Acid is considered less irritating than the AHAs, but the skin needs to be gradually introduced to this ingredient. Caution is required to prevent redness and inflammation.

Salicylic Acid is the star of this show. Derived from willow bark, salicylic acid is an effective weapon used against non-inflamed acne, psoriasis and eczema. Found in cleansers, lotions and creams, this ingredient speeds up cell turnover and targets the activity going on in the pores to help prevent clogging while breaking down blackheads and whiteheads. Its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties have a positive effect on troubled skin, which in turn, results in improved skin texture and skin tone. A star indeed.

A few words of warning . . . those with an allergy to aspirin should avoid any products containing this ingredient as salicylic acid is part of the aspirin family. Sensitivity to sun exposure greatly increases so it is an absolute must to use an SPF. Pregnant women should check with their doctors before using any products containing a BHA.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Alpha Hydroxy Acids - AHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is the term used covering a broad range of water soluble, naturally occurring acids (fruit, milk) that are specifically incorporated into products to provide dynamic exfoliating benefits to the skin. AHAs work on the upper layer of the skin dislodging surface impurities, evening texture, smoothing the skin, attracting moisture, effectively reversing sun damage, and promoting cellular renewal. Quite a bag of tricks. The decomposition of dead skin residue also helps boost penetration of other beneficial ingredients.

AHAs may be a good bet if you have dull, 'ho-hum' skin that lacks that healthy glow, but a little caution will go a long way to finding the right product for your skin. Begin with a lower strength and increase slowly while your skin adjusts. This will mitigate any irritation your skin may have to the process, which usually results in redness, dryness and flaking skin. Not attractive.

In order to be sold to consumers, AHAs must have a concentration of less that 10%, although most 'over the counter' products contain 3%. There are five major types of AHAs in skin-care products - glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids. It is now possible to get buffered glycolic acid products, which maintain a healthy concentration but increase the pH, therefore the exfoliation process takes place without the obvious physical signs of AHA-itis. BTW, fall and winter are the perfect seasons to introduce AHA into a skin care regime since AHAs tend to make the skin quite sensitive to sun exposure. If used during the spring and summer, sun protection is an absolute must.

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Exedra Nice Luxury Hotel & Spa

Too worried about the flu season to visit a destination spa abroad? The Exedra Nice Luxury Hotel in Nice, France is certainly something to think about. Part of the amazing Boscolo Hotel chain, the hotel rooms and wellness spa are literally a sea of clean, bright, white. In fact, everything is white, including the billiards table in the recreational area. Guest rooms are well appointed (and white) and the spa's interior design is white enamel with a slight dash of pink. Interesting interior design. A germaphobe's dream spa experience. Not keen on a long flight to the heart of the Cote d'Azur? Do yourself a favor and visit the entire Boscolo Hotel and Spa chain online. It is an experience you won't soon forget. C'est bon!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Mobile Spa Experience . . . Bring It!

Has the flu season got you spooked? Would you prefer a more solitary approach to a lavish spa experience without leaving your living room? The answer is a phone call away. Pick up the phone and call for a mobile spa to come your way. Mobile Spas deliver a full professional spa experience without compromising quality in the comfort of your home. Why bother getting dressed, fighting traffic, searching endlessly for a parking space? High end spas are now on the road and will bring the pampering to you. Private in-home esthetic services offer professional luxuries that offer first class treatments, a more individual approach, save time, and believe it or not, are reasonably priced.

A trip to the spa can be time consuming and sometimes inconvenient. Depending on how far you have to travel, and the time of day, the investment of time doubles. Mobile spas, on the other hand, deliver all the luxuries of professional services right to your door. No need to undress, redress, redo your makeup or rearrange you hair. The convenience and comfort is immeasurable.

Do you have a manicure emergency? Need a morning-after-a-late-night-pick-me-up? Have a special engagement requiring a glowing treatment? No problem. Wherever you are . . . they will be. So, keep your slippers on, pour yourself a cup of tea and relax. The mobile spa experience motto? Bring it!

*Don't forget to check references as trust is a key component to inviting anyone into your home and this is no exception.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Spas and the H1N1

"Considering what is going on with the recent outbreak of the swine flu, is it safe to keep my appointment at my local Spa, or should I rebook?"

It is a valid question. The Swine Flu, or H1N1, has certainly heightened health awareness. The truth of it is, the hygienic practices discussed in the media should be a part of our daily routine, not just when there is an epidemic, or potential pandemic. These kind of health matters are definite concerns of the Spa you visit, if you are in the right place of business. Spa management and their staff members are trained to provide a safe and sanitary haven to their clients. You may notice extra precautions such as gloves, masks, and stricter rules for employees (and clients) who must stay home if they are ill. Obviously, vigilant sterilization and hand washing play a key role.

Passing any type of infection is definitely not good for business. Plain and simple. If you are nervous about it, (and who would blame you), ask your Skin Care Specialist to address your concerns and inform you as to what they are doing for extra precautions. We are certain they will welcome your questions. If they don't . . . you need to look for another Spa.

Friday, November 6, 2009

SPA SWEEPSTAKES -WOMAN'S DAY MAGAZINE

Saint Lucia Getaway Giveaway - Sandals Resorts
Enter by November 11th
Grand Prize: One lucky winner will win a four-day, three-night stay for two at any of the three Sandals Resorts located on the island of Saint Lucia. The prize includes round-trip airport transfers to and from the resort, as well as gratuities. Approximate Retail Value: $2,000

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Lucky Magazine Jamaica Beach Vacation


Lucky Magazine Jamaica Beach and Spa Vacation
Enter by November 30th
Delta Vacations is offering airfare for one winner and a guest, plus a four-night stay that includes all meals and activities (snorkeling, kayaking, and golf, to name a few). The new Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, located right on the beach in postcard-perfect Montego Bay, has well-appointed rooms, all-whirlpool bathtubs, balconies with swings, and a 24-hour butler who will stock the minibar with your favorite snacks. The prize includes two massages at the hotel's spa.
Approximate Retail Value $3,750

Monday, November 2, 2009

Top 3 Pumpkin Skin Care Products

EMINENCE YAM AND PUMPKIN ENZYME PEEL
Yam and pumpkin pulp purées rich in enzymes, beta-carotene, amino acids and antioxidants. Lightens, brightens, encourages healthy cell turnover, keeps pores clear and raises hydration levels. Recommended for all skin types (except in active acne areas).

JUNE JACOBS PERFECT PUMPKIN ENZYME MASQUE
A gentle skin purifying enzyme peel that exfoliates and repairs the skin using the power of antioxidants and Vitamin A to protect the skin. Leaves the skin soft, clean and nourished. Recommended for all skin types.

ILIKE PUMPKIN AND ORANGE MASK
A detoxifying mask infused with ingredients including pumpkin, honey and calendula. This mask has been formulated to diminish dull skin, fight off bacteria, rejuvenate and revitalize skin. Recommended for mature and aging skin.