Day Spas and Fitness Center's Join Forces

Q. I was recently in Chicago for business and went to a spa for a facial. They had an entire selection of fitness classes in the spa. The owner said it’s a trend. What’s up?

A. In this economy many business are working together. The Spa industry makes a perfect partner with the Fitness industry. Many of the same clients who would spend time in a day spa will also be taking care of their bodies and health. The idea of a connection of the mind, body and spirit is the essence of the spa philosophy. There are numerous ways these two business models overlap. Massage is the obvious cross over service, it increases circulation, helps flush out the lymphatic system, aids in digestion and improves overall range of motion in the joints and limbs. It’s the perfect complement service to fitness training. The cross marketing does not end with massage. Promotion of pedicures can increase with every yoga or Pilate’s class. When the shoes come off to perform your class, bare feet get a lot of attention. Services like facials increase as clients begin to improve their own self image and the relaxation element of many spa services go well with the de-stressing component of working out. Spray tanning appeals to people getting in shape and who want to look better. In many major cities spas offer extensive detox wraps and programs. You are going to see more and more of the trend because it just makes good business sense. The clients are the real winners. As companies join forces, they can offer combination packages and menu selections at more competitive prices and the clients benefit from the good prices and the convenience of having these related businesses close together. This is one of the things I love about America. When times get tough, the entrepreneurs start getting creative and everyone benefits.

Q. What are blackheads? I can’t seem to get rid of the ones around my nose.

A. Blackheads are caused when the skin’s natural oil, called sebum collects in the skin’s pores and hardens. To be a more specific, congesting toxins that are being expelled through your skin from the blood and lymph fluid combine with sebum and create a pasty, “glue”. The exposed tip becomes oxidized and black in color, thus the name. Oily and combination skin is more susceptible to blackheads. The skin’s most dense oil glands in everyone are in the T-zone, across your forehead – down your nose to your chin. This is where people will get the most blackheads. Visiting a spa for a professional facial will help you get rid of the blackheads initially. You should then follow a routine of proper home care to keep your skin clear. Try and keep your face clean but don’t over wash that can aggravate the problem. A good wash twice a day with an exfoliating soap or scrub and warm water followed by a toner or treatment product should do the trick.

Q. Is there really a benefit to a facial or is it about relaxation and pampering?

A. A real facial by an experienced skin specialist is about much more than relaxation. If you are self treating your skin at home you could be making mistakes because you are attempting to made judgments about something you don’t fully understand. Kin you think is oily may just be dehydrated and skin you think is sensitive could just be reacting to products that are too strong or harsh for you. A professional facial should include the following steps, A deep cleanse; a skin analysis; an exfoliation; a massage that should include the face, neck and décolleté; extractions; a treatment mask; topical products to leave on your skin; and a home skin care routine specifically designed for you and your skin. Cookie cutter facials with gimmick names and treatments are not considered treatment facials. A treatment facial is usually called a European style facial or Skin Treatment facial. My advice to you, go and have that facial, enjoy the pampering but realize that you are also taking care of a very important organ of your body, your skin.

Q. I am thinking of buying my mother a gift certificate for a facial or a massage for Mother’s Day. What are the benefits of having a facial? I think

A. I am asked about facials and what they entail often. The term, “facial”, is very broad and general. When I perform a facial I customize it to the specific skincare needs of the recipient. Some spas and salons have pre-packaged facials that will involve cookie-cutter type services without a great deal of regard for the unique skin needs of the individual. Ask to speak to the lead skin therapist or esthetician before you buy. That said, there are some basics that any quality facial will provide. The service should begin with a deep cleansing that should remove dirt and dead skin cells and unclog pores. Once this step is complete the skin can breathe and should have an improved glow or color. All high quality facials should leave the skin more balanced and should improve the skin’s appearance and texture. Regular facials at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks will hydrate dry skin, improve oily acne prone skin, brighten the complexion and leave the client with noticeably firmer, fresher, younger looking skin. The facial is a great gift because it should also provide your mother with relaxation and the results should make her feel rejuvenated, pampered, and pretty… benefits every mother deserves.

Q. Is it true that tea is really good for you? I see spas that serve it as healing drink.

A. Tea is actually considered one of the “Super Foods”. It has many healthful properties. It can detoxify the body. It is also a great anti-oxidant so it can work to boost immune systems. Tea has been shown to help with weight loss and has anti-inflammatory properties. Herbal varieties of tea are not the same. Herbals are made from a variety of different plants. Tea other than herbal types comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. This plant is full of polyphenol antioxidants. According to DaySpa magazine tests have shown this plant to be better at ridding the body of damaging free radicals than red wine, vitamins C or E. DaySpa magazine further notes that regular tea consumption can help fight diseases ranging from diabetes to osteoporosis. As an esthetician I also use tea topically to help fight sun damage and to reduce dark puffy eyes. If you like tea, you are in luck because the quick answer to question. Is tea really good for you?” is YES. Drink up, warm or on ice.