FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR SKIN

5 TIPS FOR THE SEASON

The transition from summer to fall brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity, which can leave your skin feeling dry, dull, and sensitive. To keep your skin healthy and radiant, it's essential to adjust your skin care routine to suit the season.

 SWITCH TO A RICHER MOISTURIZER: As the air gets drier, your skin needs extra hydration. Swap your lightweight summer moisturizer for a richer, cream-based formula. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and ceramides to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

 EXFOLIATE GENTLY. With cooler weather, dead skin cells accumulate more quickly, leading to a dull complexion. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to slough away cells and allow your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively.

CONTINUE USING SUNSCREEN. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you should ditch your sunscreen. UV rays are still present in the fall, so make sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect your skin from damage and premature aging.

HYDRATE FROM WITHIN. Don’t forget to hydrate your skin from the inside out. As you transition from iced beverages to warm drinks, keep drinking plenty of water to maintain your skin’s moisture balance.

ADD A HYDRATING SERUM. Consider adding a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or plant oils. These ingredients provide an extra layer of moisture and help plump up your skin, keeping it soft and supple during the drier months.

Back to School Checklist

Books, backpacks, new clothes, dorm gear…you’re on it! But what about a plan for clear skin? Book a little spa time will send them back looking great!

Teen Facials: (for ages 16 and under): When hormones start ramping up, both oil and cell turnover go into overdrive. And it takes time for the skin to figure out what the heck to do with it all. So you end up with is a face full of oil trapped under layers and layers of dead skin cells, A.K.A a fun-fest of bumps, blackheads, and pimples. Our teen facials are designed for the needs of young skin, and include instruction on how to care for teen skin at home.

Express Facials: (over 16 years): In your 20s, it’s all about starting good habits that minimize bad ones…like drinking, staying out late, eating poorly, and stressing out over college. Oh the memories! Our Express Facials can help unclog pores, minimize breakouts, and counteract sun exposure that leads to damage down the road.

Waxing: Brows, lips, legs, and more, we specialize in professional hair removal. We use the highest quality waxing products to minimize irritation, along with the utmost sensitivity and discretion during all procedures.And let’s not forget mom and dad! Now that the kids are back in the books you have a little more time to take care of you! Book a massage and/or a facial for yourself. You deserve it!

The Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure

HOW HEAT AFFECTS YOUR SKIN

As summer beckons us outdoors, it's easy to forget that our skin is at risk from the very sunlight that we crave. While the warmth of the sun can feel rejuvenating, excessive sun exposure and heat can cause significant damage to our skin.

Harmful UV Rays. Not only can UV rays cause sunburn and damage DNA which increases the risk of skin cancer, they can penetrate deep into the skin and cause premature aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation/age spots.

Effects of Heat: High temperatures can worsen sun damage by causing dehydration and heat rash. They can also stimulate oil production, potentially leading to acne breakouts.

PROTECTION TIPS
Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.
Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wear Protective Clothing: Use long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
Use After-Sun Care: Apply aloe vera or moisturizers after sun exposure.

BRIDES, DADS & GRADS

Celebrate Summer at the Spa

June is a month of many celebrations. And brides, dads, and grads all need the same thing...relaxation!

Brides. All brides want to look their best on the big day. But they also suffer significant stress from wedding planning and preparation. Our Bridal Package offers for the perfect combo of relaxation and results with a Bride-to-Be Facial, paraffin hand treatment, massage, and glass of champagne.

Dads. Guess what? Men love spa days, too! Our male clients ask a lot of questions about redness, brown spots, crow’s feet, and more. Which tells me that they’re spending more and more time looking in the mirror. They’ll just never admit this to you. Book them a facial or a massage for Father’s Day. A little bit of pampering goes a long way.

Grads. After years of hard work, late nights, and academic pressure, grads deserve a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. A spa day is the ultimate celebration of their achievements, and the perfect segue to life’s next chapter.

The Busy Mom's Guide to Skin Care

You deserve a little self-care.

Almost every day I find myself telling a client, “If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else." But for busy moms, self-care often lands last on the list. Most days you’re lucky to take a shower, let alone practice any consistent skin care regimen. But the ritual of taking care of your skin is about much more than looking good. It also helps preserve mental health and overall wellness. Here are a few tips to work with even the busiest of schedules:

Simplify your routine. Nobody has time for the 14-step Korean skin care routine, let alone busy moms. Focus on the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you feel really ambitious, weave in a mask once a week. You can even create an activity involving your kids and mask together.

Take advantage of the shower. Multitasking in the shower? You bet! Keep a second cleanser in the stall, along with an exfoliating mask you can apply while conditioning your hair or shaving your legs.

Keep products within reach. Out of sight is out of mind! Don’t hide your products in a cabinet. Keep 'em right next to your toothbrush so you remember to use them. Wash your face and moisturize right after dinner if you’re often too tired before bed.

Prioritize stress management. Stress can take a toll on your skin, leading to breakouts, inflammation, and other issues. Make time for stress management activities like getting a facial or a massage. Or throw on a mask and take a bath (can you imagine?)!

Taking care of your skin doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Happy Mother’s Day!

SPRING CLEAN YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Get a fresh start with these 3 ingredients.

It’s spring—the season of transition. And your skin is transitioning, too. Which makes it a great time to reevaluate your skin care regimen and weave in some new ingredients that are perfect for the season.

Vitamin C. We all know the benefits of Vitamin C when ingested. But applied topically, it’s really a game changer in terms of skin health and vitality. First, it’s an antioxidant, which means it fights free radicals that can damage your skin. It also brightens, hydrates, and treats pigmentation without making you sun sensitive. And it’s a natural UV filter, which makes it perfect for sunny spring days to come.

Chamomile. Not only does this fair flower bloom in spring, its properties can really help transition your skin. Chamomile helps rejuvenate skin cells to address cellular damage while soothing and hydrating. Look for its derivatives including Bisabolol and Azulene, as well.

Sage. I know sage seems like a fall favorite, but this healing herb is perfect for spring due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Winter weather is harsh, and chances are you’re still suffering from dryness, eczema, redness, and sensitivity. Sage helps relieves these symptoms, and regulates oil production that can get out of whack with the change in temperature and humidity.

March Madness

Healthy skin for the win!

As a basketball fan and an esthetician, March Madness has multiple meanings. Sure I love college ball (go Gauchos), but this season presents some unique challenges for your skin as well. Here are a few tips practiced by the pros:

Start with a Solid Defense. Rain one day, sun the next...your skin needs a strong defense against this month’s wonky weather. Moisturizer plus sunscreen is the winning combo against winter winds and UV rays.

Stay Hydrated to Avoid Fatigue. To ensure your skin stays hydrated from the inside out, drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits into your diet for an extra boost.

Take a Time-Out for Self Care. Even the best players need to regroup and refocus. Take some time to relax and prioritize your skin by getting a facial or trying a new product.

Be Mindful of the Competition. Seasonal allergies, spring sickness…March is full of potential skin irritants. Maintaining a winning skin care routine will ensure you finish strong all season long.

Winter Skin Care

Hot Tips for Cold Temps.

Redness. Dryness. Irritation. As temperatures drop, our skin often bears the brunt of seasonal changes. Help your skin weather the weather with these simple steps:

Limit Hot Showers. While a hot shower might feel heavenly, it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Opt for warm water and shorter showers to retain maximum moisture.

Use Gentle Cleansers. Avoid soapy and acidic cleansers that can fry your face. Try a hydrating cleanser to effectively remove impurities without stripping your skin.

Increase Hydration. Colder air tends to be less humid, leading to moisture loss from the skin. Combat this by incorporating a hydrating serum like Hyaluronic Acid into your regimen. Masking twice a week also works wonders, locking in moisture to keep skin soft and supple.

Don't Forget Sunscreen. Even in the winter, UV rays can damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas like your face and hands every time you head outdoors.

Cancellation Policy

We really appreciate your business. And we will always strive to give you the best service we can. All we ask is that if you make an appointment, you show up. And if you can’t show up, just let us know. If it’s less than 24 hours before your appointment, there will be a 50% late cancellation fee. Even if you want to reschedule. Regardless of reason.

We understand that things come up. Kids get sick (including Covid). Meetings gets scheduled. Cars won’t start. Nannies cancel. Maybe you started your period. Or maybe you booked the wrong place by mistake. Lots of things that are out of your control. It’s not your fault. But it’s not our fault either. We still have to pay our people. If we didn’t, then no one would work in this industry. And as a small business, we just can’t afford to cover these fees for you. Because it’s not just you. Lots of clients try to cancel last minute. And if there was no charge, even more would do the same. We know it’s not your fault. We know it’s out of your control. But you still have to pay the fee. If you’re not willing to do that, then we’re just not the right spa for you. It’s only 50%. A lot of places charge 100%. 

Sometimes people say they didn't come because they didn't get a confirmation. But confirmations are a courtesy. Some places don't even do them. And if you didn't get ours, for whatever reason, that doesn't erase the existence of an appointment that you made. We expect our clients to write down and keep track of their own appointments, in whatever manner works for them, because we are all responsible adults. 

So please understand, we’re not charging late cancellation fees because we’re greedy. We're doing this to pay our people. They work on commission, so if you don’t show up, they don’t get paid. And that's not fair to them. Thanks for your time and understanding.

It's Peel Season

Exfoliation for Every Age

When I ask people to tell me about their skin care regimens, the step most often missing is exfoliation. Everybody understands the importance of cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreening...but exfoliating? Why bother? Well, exfoliation is probably the most important thing that you can do to keep your skin healthy. And if you don't exfoliate at home, a monthly peel at the spa makes it easy.

Teens. When hormones start ramping up, both oil and cell turnover go into overdrive. And it takes time for the skin to figure out what the heck to do with it all. The result is a face full of oil trapped under layers and layers of dead skin cells, A.K.A a fun-fest of bumps, blackheads, and pimples. Exfoliation helps keep dead skin from building up so pores remain open, oil flows freely, and no bacteria can grow.

20s-30s. College, jobs, kids...the 20s and 30s truly define the term, "stress." And with stress comes hormonal fluctuations that create an unbalanced ecosystem of oil production alongside dehydration. Additionally, our busy lives often lead to a lack of self-preservation. Exfoliation can help our products penetrate better in order to protect healthy cells from environmental damage.

40s-50s. As our skin ages, cell turnover slows way down. What used to take 21 days now takes 35 days or more. Meanwhile, time has left lots of dead, damaged skin cells sitting around making pores look larger, sun spots darker, and fine lines less "fine." Just like a snake, we need to shed that outer layer to reveal the beautiful skin beneath. Exfoliation triggers the underlying tissues to produce new, healthy cells so that old, damaged cells will take a hike.

What are my exfo options? From at-home scrubs and enzymes to in-spa peels and microdermabrasion, there are many options to choose from. All options come in different formulations and intensities, so let your esthetician pick the best one for you. It just might be the answer you're looking for.