Wax-Wise: Top Ten Tips for a Smooth Lift-Off

WHEN WAXING BARE, BE PREPARED AND BE AWARE.
1. Be sure the waxing room is clean, a fresh paper cover is on the bed, and the waxing professional is wearing vinyl gloves (preferably not latex).
2. The area to be waxed should be treated with a pre-waxing preparation to disinfect the area and remove any skin oils, or product, that may interrupt the action of the wax.
3. If the hair is more than 1/2 inch (1 cm) in length it should be trimmed. Longer hair will cause more stress from pulling, which will increase the potential to damage the skin and add considerable discomfort. Removing with the hair growth (if possible) will cause less ingrown hairs.
4. The type of wax used should be specifically chosen for the area being treated. Make sure the temperature of the wax is tested before it is applied.
5. The wax applicators should be disposable and not "double dipped" into the wax pot. Roller applicators are convenient, but a new container and applicator should be used for each client. If strip wax is used, the thinner the application, the better the results. It will be more comfortable for the client with less potential for skin damage.
6. Discuss medical history and current medications. Waxing is not recommended if using Retin A, Accutane, blood thinners, or receiving chemotherapy.
7. After waxing, a post care product should be applied to remove any stickiness left from the wax, to calm the area, rebalance the pH and help prevent ingrown hairs.
8. Try to avoid clothing that will rub the area as this can cause an irritation, or inflammation and promote ingrown hairs. A post depilatory product may be recommended to soothe, prevent inflammation and slow down future hair growth.
9. Avoid the application of heavy creams to the area for the first 72 hours. They will hold heat in the skin increasing an inflammatory response, and will make the area more susceptible to breakouts.
10. Do not go tanning or have a body exfoliation prior to a waxing appointment.

These top ten wax-wise tips will ensure a positive waxing experience. Stay tuned for more wax-wise tips this week.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SHAPE MAGAZINE

SHAPE MAGAZINE'S PRITIKIN LONGEVITY CENTER SWEEPSTAKES
Enter by March 29th, 2009
Grand Prize: One winner will receive, "a weeklong trip to the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Aventura, Florida and indulge in treatments at the 10,000 square foot spa and attend a day of seminars on diet and exercise plans."

The Pritikin Center is a visually stunning, waterfront health resort with a serious track record. Famous for scientifically sound and medically supervised weight loss programs, they are also well known for advanced cosmetic/medical treatments, massage therapy and stress management.

In short, the Pritikin Longevity Center is committed to helping you take the long way around life. Hurry, all entries must be in by Sunday. Approx. Value: $6,000.00.

Brazilian Bikini Wax Ban Update

It is no surprise the proposed brazilian bikini wax ban is kaput. It is also no surprise that many hair removal experts were up in arms over the potential loss of business for the "bare down there" grooming.

Consumer Affairs Director, David Szuchman, whose office oversees the Cosmetology Board, did not support the ban. He did, however, ask them to "begin an immediate review of the training necessary to safely provide this service, and to establish appropriate protocols and safeguards."

Bottom line? Brazilians ride a fine line, . . . literally. In the wrong hands, they can offer up all sorts of nasty problems. With so many great professionals in this field, trust us when we say, they are worth finding. The upside of this mini-crisis will bring an awareness of higher standards, more training (there is no such thing as too much training), and clients who are more cautious and careful about their choices. And that, friends is a very good thing.

Reflexology Spa Treatment

Stress is something we could all use a little less of. Managing stress is essential to good health, a sound mind, and living a balanced life. Traditionally, we are advised to eat healthy foods rich in nourishment and anti-oxidants, drink lots of water, get enough sleep, think positive thoughts, go for relaxing massages, etc. Unfortunately, there is one thing that is usually missing from the list. Reflexology.

Reflexology may not be the muscle kneading massage that comes to mind, but it is a treatment that influences all of the body systems making them function better, making you function better. If your body systems and organs are functioning better they are able to detoxify and neutralize the free radicals and the colossal damage they cause. It is a simple equation, stress promotes free radical damage and free radical damage promotes unhealthy bodies.

Generally more than one treatment is required, especially if there are areas of concern, however one treatment will definitely have your body eliminating toxins and feeling better. If you are not ready for the full reflexology treatment, see if you can have some of the reflexology movements added to your pedicure massage. There are also reflex points on your hands, many of them are worked on in a good manicure massage . . . that is why a good hand and finger massage feels fantastic. In fact, you can work on a great tension releasing point on your own hands, which is just between the thumb and the first finger. Use your other thumb to gently massage the area. If you notice a little tenderness, don't worry, it is normal if you have any stress. Give your hands a little extra massage the next time you apply your hand cream. Your hands and feet are calling you, but your whole body and well-being will benefit.

Note:Reflexology treatments are listed on several of the $50 special menus at participating Spa Week Spas. This is a perfect time to check them out and treat yourself.

Brazilian Bikini Wax Treatments Going South?

- - JOIN US FOR OUR "WAX-WISE" SERIES BEGINNING MARCH 29TH - -

Brazilian bikini waxing is big business. And, this big business is in big trouble. The State Board of Cosmetology in New Jersey is making some very serious moves to ban the brazilian, aka "genital waxing," by May of this year. It has been reported that other States may follow suit.

This decision comes after two women in New Jersey were hospitalized with infections following their brazilian treatments. In the wrong hands, genital waxing can present tremendous health threats. Other than the obvious hazards with hot wax in a very delicate area, the skin can easily be torn leaving a wide open path for infections and rashes with potentially dangerous consequences. After reviewing horrifying pictures of a literal brazilian nightmare it became crystal clear that this treatment should only be done professionally by in a reputable spa with a successful track record.

If you are a die hard follower of the 'minimalist' crowd, do not fear. Regular bikini waxes will remain a favorite on most spa menus. The obvious question is, . . . what is the difference between a bikini wax and a brazilian? Here are some waxing definitions to help.

Bikini Wax - aka American Wax - removal of hair at the top of the leg, below the navel, and along the bikini line where the pubic hair is visible beyond a typical bikini swimsuit.
French Wax - aka Partial Brazilian - a wax that leaves a vertical strip in front.
Brazilian Wax - removal of everything, front to back, often leaving the small strip in the front.
Sphinx - aka The Full Monty - wax on, wax off, the entire area is waxed clean.

Bikini Wax Trivia: Why is it called the Brazilian?
It was named after a group of seven sisters who brought the treatment from Brazil to New York in 1987. The character, Samantha, on Sex and the City took care of its recent 'bare down there' popularity.

SPA WEEK PROMOTION - APRIL 13th - 19th

Is the economy getting you down? Are you cutting back on non-essential services in your personal life? It's unfortunate that during a time of major financial cutbacks, when stress is at an all time high, services that help reduce stress and restore health go straight out the window. Well, hold onto your heart monitors everyone, we have great news for you.

Spa Week is just around the corner. During the week of April 13th - April 19th participating spas around the country (and a few in Canada) will be offering a selection of full length signature services for a deep discounted flat rate of $50. That's right, $50. Considering that most spa treatments run between $100 - $200, it's almost financially irresponsible to ignore. So go ahead, book yourself a relaxing, stress-busting massage, or facial, and save big time. In our opinion, Spa week is seven glorious days dedicated to guilt free, affordable luxury. And that, friends, is music to our ears.

Go to Spa Week, click on the region where you live, contact one of the spas listed and book your treatment. A word of warning - don't wait too long, we hear their appointment books fill up quickly.

Hands To The Rescue

Five non-surgical ways to help your hands not give away your age . . .

1. Treat your hands to specialized spa hand treatments with enzymes, serums, and masks to boost the health of the skin on the back of your hands. Use the same nourishing or hydrating face serums as well. Don't forget to apply sunscreen, and remember, what works on the face, works on the hands.

2. Paraffin treatments, cuticle oils and overnight treatments using sleeping gloves that help the skin on the hands absorb the cream more efficiently are luxurious treats with great rewards.

3. Light therapy works wonders on the hands. *Red light therapy builds collagen and promotes younger looking skin, while green light can be used to deal with those brown hyperpigmentation age spots.

4. Microdermabrasion can be used to exfoliate the skin of the hands while minimizing pigmentation marks and promoting cellular regeneration.

5. Visual aids will help give an illusion of younger hands. Avoid long nails, bright nail polish, and believe it or not, french manicures. Keep the nails trimmed short and select light shades of polish. A bonus? Wear lots of jewelry as a recent study revealed that it gives the impression of much younger hands.

*If you would like to know more about red light therapy, or find a machine that you can utilize at home, email us at beautyeditorpost@gmail.com and we will lead you in the right direction.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - CNN PROMOTIONS

Sandals Luxurious Beach Getaway Sweepstakes
Enter by March 27th, 2009
Grand Prize: One winner will receive a four day/three night luxury stay for two adults to any of the twelve Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia & The Bahamas to include the following; airfare for two, deluxe accommodations, all meals, including gourmet specialty dining, unlimited premium brand beverages, nightly entertainment, all land and water sports, including scuba diving (for certified divers), snorkeling, gratuities, and transfers to and from the designated airport. Total Approximate Market Value $4,000.00.

The Hands of Time

We get so caught up caring for the skin on our faces that our hands usually don't get the attention they deserve. They should. A study reported in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Medical Journal confidently states that hands are the second most visible tell-tale sign of one's chronological age. Surprising? Not really. We all know this. In fact, the best plastic surgery performed by the best plastic surgeon will be rendered incomplete if the hands are able to speak louder than the new younger look.

Clearly, our hands are our tools. They are put through incredible work related situations with various detergents, cold and hot water, cold weather, sunshine, and a whole host of other brutalities. The skin on the back of the hands reacts the same way as the skin on the face . . . it thins with lack of care and free radical damage. Unless, gloves are a big part of our wardrobe selections, we all need to do what we can to protect our hands.

Good hand creams are an absolute must. A hand cream by the sink to be applied after each washing and a really good hand treatment designed to be used before bed, (or when you know you won’t be washing your hands for a bit.) Disciplined, regular use is well worth the effort.

Want to know more? Check in with our next post . . .

In Honor of International Woman's Day 2009 - Beauty Personified

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
They are the true meaning of BEAUTY.

Anti-Aging Products vs Skin Type

We all need anti-age treatments for our skin, . . . well the largest percentage of the population anyway. However, it is equally important to ensure that the needs of our specific skin types are addressed. For example, a skin that lacks sebum (oil) is dry skin. A no brainer, right? Right. So, no matter how much money you throw at buying an intense firming anti-age treatment, it will not have the desired effect unless the dryness is taken into consideration and treated.

An oily skin type must also be acknowledged before, and during, an anti-age treatment to obtain the desired results. Products that are too rich, products that are not emollient enough, those that use stimulating procedures (products, machines or massage), or those not stimulating enough will have a definite effect on the outcome of the treatment. All these components must be carefully thought out.

Anti-aging skin care has come a long way. There are incredible treatments ranging from standard facial cares to those incorporating equipment, including light therapy and microdermabrasion. It can all be rather confusing, not to mention a big money waster without proper guidance. The key is to work with a professional esthetician who can guide you as to what is best for your skin type while addressing your anti-aging concerns and gain professional insight for effective home care.

Acne Care - Need Something More?

Deep cleansing treatments can be effective for many people, but sometimes we need something more to get our skin into shape. Microdermabrasion is a great option if there are no pustules and you are not on Acutane. Many spas will create a plan of action where you undergo a series of acne facial treatments to get the infection under control and then move on to a series of microdermabrasion treatments. Generally a series of at least six treatments are recommended, done seven to 10 days apart, depending on your skin. You will definitely notice a difference.

Light therapy can also be combined, or follow microdermabrasion, depending on the needs of your skin. Blue light works wonders for controlling the bacteria on the skin that causes blemishes. Green light can be used to minimize, or eliminate, pigmentation marks that may have been left from previous breakouts. Yellow light will help to detoxify. Light therapy also requires a treatment plan, generally a minimum of six treatments conducted a couple of weeks apart.

Be prepared, the results of microdermabrasion are noticeable, to some degree immediately. Light therapy, on the other hand, may leave you wondering a bit. The breakouts will be fewer, the skin will become healthier, and the pigmentation marks will diminish, but it may take a few weeks for you to actually appreciate the work of the lights. Microdermabrasion works on removing some of the top layers of the skin which is immediately noticeable, while the lights are working deeper in the skin and may take a little more time. Be patient, it is worth it.

No matter what route you decide to go to care for your skin, the results will be limited unless you do your part at home on a consistent basis.

Spa Treatments for Acne

I've been enjoying your recent posts on acne. I know one thing for sure. Acne is depressing! What kind of spa treatments will help get rid of this problem?

Most spas will have specific treatments for problem skin. If your primary frustration is blackheads (comedones), ask for a deep cleansing facial that will provide a good exfoliation, deep pore cleanser, and those dreaded (but necessary) extractions. Yes, it is totally worth having a professional do this for you. If extractions are not done properly they can damage the skin, and in some cases, leave permanent marks.

Usually a facial massage is not recommended after a lot of extractions, or for that matter, if there are pimples and blackheads, unless they have a specific product. Extractions should be followed with at least a serum, a mask and a suitable finishing cream in order to rebalance the skin and calm any irritation. It's important to leave your appointment with fresh, clean feeling skin, . . . not looking like you have been attacked.

During the treatment discuss what you can do to minimize the reappearance of the blackheads and/or blemishes. These treatments should be done regularly for a specific period of time (i.e., once a week for a month) and combined with suitable home care. Some spas will incorporate machines to facilitate a softening of the problem area, which will make the extractions easier (the treatment is called desincrustacian). A high frequency machine may be used after extractions for its germicidal action. Select a spa that will work with you on what you can change to facilitate success with your treatment plan. If you are up for a more intense treatment stay tuned for our next post.