Q. What’s the deal with Peptides I read about them in a magazine, it sounded like they are the next Big Thing.




A. Yes, peptides are the next big thing. They are also the real deal! Peptides are small protein molecules that can work with skin’s collagen and elastin to repair DNA damage from normal aging and from sun damage. They work in connection with skin’s natural repair systems. In the February issue of DaySpa magazine a column by skin specialist Andrea Moret explains the workings of peptides as acting messengers transporting data to skin cells and sending signals to ensure proper nourishment and repair. When collagen is lacking the peptides stimulate its creation. If the skin’s elastin (what helps keep skin firm and wrinkle free) is damaged peptides send the message to repair and restore elasticity to the skin. Peptides success is backed by real clinical evidence. Until recently the results like can be achieved with peptides were only found in plastic surgery or injectables. Unlike these options, peptides cause no skin irritation, scars or down time. They actually restore the skin and are good for your skin. The really exciting news about peptides is that they not only treat damaged skin they actually can prevent future damage! They can slow down the damage done by the normal aging process so in effect they can slow down the results of aging on your skin!!! Peptides come in a variety of forms. The best will cost you some money but the results will be real. The evidence of what peptides are doing for skin means they will be around for awhile, they are not a fad. Prices will come down as demand goes up. In my opinion you do get what you pay for. If you’ve always wished for a way to erase some of the age on your skin and slow down the aging process significantly, peptides are your wish come true! See a skin specialist for the correct peptide product for your skin.

Q. I tried to convince my husband that a massage would be great for him. I’d love to buy one for Valentine’s Day, but he is nervous about getting it. What do you suggest?




A. I suggest you buy a gift certificate for a “Couple’s Massage” and give it to him for Valentine’s Day. Couple’s Massage is one of the most popular services going at my spa and at spa’s around the country. The two of you will be massaged in the same room at the same time by two different therapists. Our couple’s room is large with a couple’s shower right in the suite. We light candles and the atmosphere is romantic. Most couple’s suites are large and comfortable. The couple’s version is a great way for you to introduce your husband to massage. He will feel less apprehensive and self conscious with you in the room with him. Once he enjoys a professional therapeutic massage he will be hooked and getting him to go alone won’t be a problem. The added benefit of giving him a gift certificate for this service is you are getting a treat as well. He will appreciate the romantic nature of the gift, even if he does not know it right away, he is going to enjoy the relaxing experience and you are going to have a new gifting option for him in the future. I suggest the gift card option. You can give it on Valentine’s Day but you’ll be able to schedule the massage when it works best for both of you. Enjoy.

Q. I have been diagnosed with rosacea but don’t want to use the antibiotic treatments suggested by my doctor. Can a spa treatment help?




A Prescription strength medicines and creams can have side effects and long term use can cause tolerance problems. That said, I would never second guess your medical professional and I suggest you run my advice by your doctor before taking it. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition resulting from skin inflammation. It shows up as redness or flushing and can in advanced stages involve swelling, and skin eruptions that look like acne. Rosacea is often mis-diagnosed and treating it like acne can make the condition worse. This skin condition is genetic in nature but is also triggered by lifestyle and diet. Your first step in controlling your condition is knowledge. You should learn everything you can about Rosacea and begin to keep a journal of what triggers your problems. Some common culprits are sun, stress, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, and hot liquids. A regular routine of facials from a skilled esthetician (skin therapist), proper home care and changes in your diet and life style can make a huge impact. Rosacea is basically a skin inflammation problem so products like vitamins C and K are helpful. In the treatment room advance treatments using aloe vera, chamomile and salicylic acid can be beneficial. Try the non medication approach with the help of a skin professional who understands your condition. If you don’t get success, you can try the medical approach to jump start healing and then with the help of your doctor begin to combine the two methods. Again, my advice is never a substitute for your doctor’s care. Take my advice to your medial professional and make the decision that is best for you.

Q. I want to cut my hair short but I am worried about the right cut for my face. Do you have a suggestion for how to be sure I don’t mess up and get a cut that’s totally wrong?



A. Your question seems to be about choosing a hair cut that will fit your face type. The first step is determining your face shape. The best advice I have found on how to really get this right was in Hairdo magazine. They suggest you look at your face in a mirror with you hair behind your ears or pinned back then trace your face on the mirror with a lipstick. Look at the traced shape and match it to one of the basic face shapes; oval, oblong, square, heart shaped, pear shaped or round. No one’s face is a perfect match so choose the shape that best fits your face. With your face shape in mind you can follow my suggestions for cuts. The balanced oval face works with any cut or style and is the face shape that can handle super short hair cuts. If you lay a perfect circle over your lipstick drawn face and you have space at the top and bottom of the circle then you have an oblong face. It will look best with styles that have full layers at the sides and you should avoid styles that have a high crown. A square face is wider than it is long and looks great with styles that extend below the chin. A heart shaped face is similar to a square face but with a wider forehead and more narrow chin. Like the square face, styles that extend below the chin are best. This face looks great with some volume at the sides. The below the chin flip is a perfect style for this face. The pear shaped face is a reverse of the heart shape with the wide portion at the bottom of the face. Wear a style that will open up the face, showing your forehead. A short style that spikes upward is perfect. The round face should avoid the current popular look of heavy bangs or fringe as it’s called in the industry. If you want this popular look and have a round face, opt for softer wispy bangs. Try to go for a style that covers your ear line. Curls and full layers look good on round faces. It’s the start of a new year and a great time to make some changes. Everyone is starting new exercise plans and diets but one of the quickest ways to give yourself a new look and a lift in spirit is to change your hair. In one short salon visit you can remake yourself. Happy New Year.

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.