How Frequently Should I Have Treatments Performed?
Clients are always asking how frequently services should be performed. Here are some recommendations:1. Facials – Once a month
2. Mini-Facials – Weekly
3. Pedicures – Once every two to three weeks
4. Chemical Peel – Every two weeks for a series of six, and then once a month
5. Manicures – Once a week
6. Waxing – Depends on speed of hair growth
7. Body Wraps – Once a quarter
8. Body Scrub – Once a quarter
9. Back Facial – Before wearing backless clothing (i.e.: bathing suits)

I live by a man’s code, designed to fit a man’s world, yet at the same time I never forget that a woman’s first job is to choose the right shade of lipstick.
-Carole Lombard

Beauty Tips By Audrey Hepburn
1. For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness. 2. For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people. 3. For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry. 4. For beautiful hair, Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. 5. For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone. 6. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; Never throw out anybody. Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. 7. The beauty of a woman is not the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. And the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.

Men Turning to Salons for a Little Life Balance, a Lot of Pampering
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK – For executive Frederic Mayerson, being pampered is the only time he has to relax. “It’s not about looking good. I look good whether I do this or not,” say Mayerson, chairman of The Walnut Group, a venture capital firm. “It’s about feeling good. I work 14-hour days. In order to have a high-speed life, you have to have a bit of balance.” Mayerson was getting primped with a manicure and haircut in a private room at the Avon Centre Salon and Spa at the swank Trump Plaza. He isn’t alone. A growing number of men are turning to upscale salons and retailers’ cosmetic counters for some heavy-duty indulgences. That means not just slapping on moisturizers, but also getting their eyebrows tweezed and eyelashes tinted, faces exfoliated and back hair waxed. As for hairstyling, forget the basic buzz – many men now want theirs glossed or tinted. Department stores nationwide are waking up to the new demands from their male customers by expanding their men’s skin-care offerings like facial creams that conceal wrinkles or reduce shine. “Men are getting sensuous and self-indulgent for sure,” said Camille Lavington, a New York-based executive image consultant. “And they are no longer embarrassed about it.” A number of factors are fueling the male narcissistic trend, observers said. For one, the long stock market boom raised affluence and allowed executives to spend lavishly on themselves. Plus, an increasingly cutthroat business environment makes a polished image even more important. “Men are waking up to such pampering. It’s less of a stigma,” Aaron Newman, 24, who heads a New York Internet company, said. “Anyway, my girlfriend likes it.”

Types of Seasons
from www.seasonsindia.com

Facial One of the joys of womanhood is taking the time to pamper ourselves so we can face each new day looking and feeling our best. Our skin is our largest organ, performing several functions, including protecting us from invasion by foreign substances and serving as the transfer point for the release of toxins from our bodies. The skin provides an honest mirror of our inner health and well-being. It is thus especially important to use only natural, gentle ingredients on our skin whenever possible. Application to the skin of fresh, natural products such as essential oils, plant waters (also called “hydrosols”) and cold pressed unscented oils helps maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. Essential oils and hydrosols are the fragrant liquids that are distilled from different plant parts, such as flower petals; herbs leaves and tree barks, and are fundamental components of any solid, natural skin care regime. Cold pressed unscented oils are extracted from various fruits, nuts and seeds, and include olive oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil. Used in tandem, essential oils, hydrosols and cold pressed unscented oils work together to soothe and nourish the skin, encouraging a healthful, radiant complexion. Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin, apart from minimizing skin blemishes, acne, dry skin and, of course, wrinkles. Facials vary depending on your skin type, the kind of treatment you’ve chosen, the products used and the person’s age. However, it is advisable to start having facials in your late 20′s.

The benefits Facials involve a cleansing procedure, a massage and steam, and the application of a facemask. What they help to do is remove the dead, dull outer layer of cells that make up the skin’s surface or epidermis along with pollutants. The massage, which is an important part of a facial, helps blood circulation, which in turn aids lymphatic drainage (the removal of toxins and waste from the body). A massage also relaxes the facial muscles and is very important to delay the onset of wrinkles. The face is steamed during a facial for two main reasons. Firstly, steam helps the skin absorb cream better. Secondly, it helps in softening blackheads and whiteheads so that they can be removed easily. The application of a facemask in the end helps tone and clarifies the skin. Facemasks are also used to treat dry and acne-ridden skin. A basic clean up
A clean up cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises facial skin. Ugly blackheads and whiteheads are cleared by gently steaming the face. Regular clean-ups can prevent and reduce skin problems. The skin is first cleansed under steam, and then very gently scrub granules are massaged over the skin. After removing the scrub, another creamy cleanser is applied and the skin is exfoliated further with a soft rotating electric brush and massaged. These are recommended for all skin types and can be done on people under the age of 25.

The different types of facials

The advantages of Clean-up are:
It reduces tanning
Removes dirt and blackheads
Provides a clean and glowing complexion.

Normal facials
These facials are a simple cleanse, steam and massage affair. They’re the least expensive of all facials. They’re also the best option for normal skin that isn’t prone to acne. The difference between these facials and a clean up is that the skin is massaged for a longer period of time in a facial.

Special facials
These are a step-up from the normal facial. Specially formulated hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturize the skin. Face packs are applied depending on different skin types and special cleansing and rejuvenation techniques are also part of the process. These are recommended for people with sensitive skins.

Bio-lift facials
In addition to cleansing, massage and rejuvenation techniques, these facials include treatment that targets dark circles under the eye. The characteristic of this facial is the bio-mask, which tones and tightens the skin on the face, making it look younger.

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) facials
AHA acids, which are derived from fruits and flowers, are known for their anti-aging effects. These facials use creams formulated with AHAs, which help the skin look smoother and healthier. They are also recommended for people who have pigmented skin, and are prone to wrinkling easily. In these, creams containing flower extracts are used, which improve action of the capillaries, skin texture and tighten pores– inducing relaxation and calming the mind. In ancient times, the fragrance of rose, lavender, jasmine, neroli, etc., was used to cure depression, insomnia, anxiety and other mental states. Fresh fruit facials are done with pulps of fresh fruits; mostly seasonal fruits. For e.g. Orange or sweet Lime pulp. Fresh fruit facial is very good for very sensitive skin, which cannot tolerate any chemically prepared cosmetics. Fruits are chosen according to the skin type. Banana for dry skin and Orange for oily skin.

Paraffin facials
These facials are offered as part of bridal beauty packages. It involves the application of a special paraffin mask on the face over layers of gauze, which helps seal in the special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams applied to the skin. It aids better absorption and brings back the radiance of the skin.

Anti-oxidant and pollution-fighting facials
This facial uses creams and masks enriched with free-radical fighting agents like vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Pollutants are first removed and the skin is then deep cleansed in this procedure. This is recommended for people who have to be outdoors often-on account of their work.

Acne Facials
A treatment for those who suffer with troubled skin; particularly effective on teenage and adult acne. After cleansing this treatment begins with enzyme or glycolic acid exfoliation and a warm vapor mist, followed by extensive manual deep pore extractions, electric disencrustation and a skin-calming, anti-bacterial masque. This facial should be performed at regular, two-week intervals until problem clears.

What Does A Spa Do?
By Anitra Brown, from “Your Guide to Spas”.

Massage, Facial And Body Treatment Basics
Even the tiniest day spa can offer a dizzying number of services. Should you get the aromatherapy or the purifying facial? A salt scrub or a mud wrap? Paraffin or algae for your body wrap? The most popular service and the best place to start is massage, the manual manipulation of the body’s muscles. Massage has been around for thousands of years and has a number of health benefits. It improves blood circulation. It prevents and treats muscle pain and spasm. It reduces tension and anxiety, calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being. Massage therapy can be effective with pain management, but many healthy people get massage regularly because it helps them maintain physical, mental and emotional well being. The second most popular service is the European facial, which involves skin analysis, deep cleansing, massage, “extractions” (removal of blackheads and whiteheads), toning, and moisturizing. Body treatments are essentially facials for the whole body. The most popular body treatment is a salt glow or body scrub, an exfoliating treatment where the therapist rubs off the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This will leave your skin feeling velvety soft. The body scrub is often combined with a detoxifying or hydrating treatment. Products like mud, algae, or seaweed are detoxifying because they stimulate your blood circulation and lymphatic system. This aids your body’s own ability to carry away waste products. Rich cream or oil softens and condition the skin , so it’s a hydrating treatment. Most spas offer manicures and pedicures, and spa/salons offer hair cutting and styling services. The most important thing you can do to maximize your enjoyment is arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment is scheduled to begin. That way you can check in, change into your robe, and start to relax. If the spa has facilities like a sauna, steam bath, or hot tub, arrive even earlier. The most popular treatment at a spa is the massage. People who have never had a massage all ask the same question: “Do I have to take my clothes off?” For a traditional Swedish massage, the answer is yes. But it’s easier than you might think. You enter a private, dimly lit room, disrobe and climb under a large towel while the therapist is out of the room. There might be candles and dreamy music playing. She’ll knock before she enters so you won’t be caught in an embarrassing position. A sheet and sometimes a light cotton blanket are draped over the massage table. She folds them over you and tucks you in so you feel safe and enfolded. She uncovers only the part of your body she is working on, so almost all your body is covered at any time. Swedish massage uses long, rhythmic movements that work your soft tissue and help you relax. The really good massage therapists aren’t just going through a series of motions. They tune into your body and making adjustments as they work. Every therapist has his or her own style. If you like the person at your local day spa, use them again. Usually massages get better, as they get to know your body and preferences. Of course, if what they’re doing is too much, speak up. Massage is something to enjoy, not endure. But there are styles of massage where you don’t have to take your clothes off. Reflexology focuses exclusively on the bottom of your feet, and it’s amazing how refreshed you your whole body can feel from it. A lot of people like it because they can come in for a quick fix without taking their clothes off or getting covered with oil. The latest fad in massage is hot stone therapy, which uses warm, smooth basalt rocks of various sizes. I like it when they are placed on one part of the body while another part is massaged by hand. Cranio-sacral massage is a subtle form of massage where the therapist gently cradles your head. You may feel that nothing much is happening at first, but your body starts to adjust and align. Every once is a while you might get a twitch somewhere — what a therapist calls a “release.” Again, you feel remarkably refreshed afterwards. As with any massage, the gifts of the individual therapist are important.

Massage
The most popular treatment at a spa is the massage. People who have never had a massage all ask the same question: “Do I have to take my clothes off?” For a traditional Swedish massage, the answer is yes. But it’s easier than you might think. You enter a private, dimly lit room, disrobe and climb under a large towel while the therapist is out of the room. There might be candles and dreamy music playing. She’ll knock before she enters so you won’t be caught in an embarrassing position. A sheet and sometimes a light cotton blanket are draped over the massage table. She folds them over you and tucks you in so you feel safe and enfolded. She uncovers only the part of your body she is working on, so almost all your body is covered at any time. Swedish massage uses long, rhythmic movements that work your soft tissue and help you relax. The really good massage therapists aren’t just going through a series of motions. They tune into your body and making adjustments as they work. Every therapist has his or her own style. If you like the person at your local day spa, use them again. Usually massages get better, as they get to know your body and preferences. Of course, if what they’re doing is too much, speak up. Massage is something to enjoy, not endure. But there are styles of massage where you don’t have to take your clothes off. Reflexology focuses exclusively on the bottom of your feet, and it’s amazing how refreshed you your whole body can feel from it. A lot of people like it because they can come in for a quick fix without taking their clothes off or getting covered with oil. The latest fad in massage is hot stone therapy, which uses warm, smooth basalt rocks of various sizes. I like it when they are placed on one part of the body while another part is massaged by hand. Cranio-sacral massage is a subtle form of massage where the therapist gently cradles your head. You may feel that nothing much is happening at first, but your body starts to adjust and align. Every once is a while you might get a twitch somewhere — what a therapist calls a “release.” Again, you feel remarkably refreshed afterwards. As with any massage, the gifts of the individual therapist are important.

Facials
The second most popular service after massage is the European facial, which involves a few basics steps: cleansing, skin analysis, exfoliation, massage, extraction of blackheads etc., and application of products for your skin type. Add vitamin C, and the “European facial” becomes an “age defense” facial. It’s an “oxygen facial” when a mist of pure oxygen is part of the treatment, and a “collagen facial” when special collagen sheets are placed on the skin. A once-a-month facial is a great beauty routine to establish. Just look at the luminous skin of most estheticians! Many spa offers treatments that purport to make your skin look younger actually “work.” Microdermabrasion uses a fine jet of crystals to resurface the skin. The “non-surgical face-lift” uses a low frequency electrical micro-current to “increase cell regeneration” and “lift the facial muscles.” Photo rejuvenation uses pulses of light to reduce wrinkles, spots, and broken capilleries. All of these recommend multiple treatments for best result. Alan Bunting, a spa industry consultant writing in the January 2002 issue of les nouvelles esthetiques, a trade magazine, said that many of the new protocols using ulstrasound, laser, and electrical current are backed up by strong clinical documentation, others are not. If I was going to invest in a whole series of treatments, I would do some serious research first.

Body Treatments
A basic “body polish” — aka “salt glow” or a “sea salt scrub”- usually takes place in a “wet room,” where treatments requiring showers take place. A typical scrub may take place on a massage table covered with a sheet and a large, thin piece of plastic. As you lay on your stomach, the massage therapist rubs a mixture of sea salt, oil, and aromatics like lemon into your skin. Once your whole body is scrubbed, which takes maybe ten or fifteen minutes, she drape the plastic over you and goes away for about 20 minutes while you rest. When she returns you shower it all off without soap, leaving a nice coating of oil.
It’s an invigorating treatment, and it’s a good idea to get your scrub before your massage if you’re having both. Variations can come from the essential oils or scrub materials: you might get an orange blossom/peppermint salt glow or a cucumber salt glow, or Napa Valley grape seed scrub. In a wrap, plastic or linen sheet is folded over you after you’ve been painted with mud or seaweed or paraffin, and a heated pad underneath keeps you warm while you lie there for twenty minutes or so.
The ideal nail station has a pedicure chair in a pretty, quiet corner, no noxious fumes from airbrushed nails, and someone nice who does careful work. The “spa pedicure” usually adds a few extra steps — maybe a salt rub, algae wrap and hydrating mask all the way up to your knees — that can be worth the extra money. Most spas offer waxing and electrolysis as well. Hydrotherapy tubs have supports for your body and 77 strategically placed water jets that massage you in computer-controlled sequence. It is not a common amenity in day spas, but can usually be found at destination spas.

The Final Polish
The ideal nail station has a pedicure chair in a pretty, quiet corner, no noxious fumes from airbrushed nails, and someone nice who does careful work. The “spa pedicure” usually adds a few extra steps — maybe a salt rub, algae wrap and hydrating mask all the way up to your knees — that can be worth the extra money. Most spas offer waxing and electrolysis as well. Hydrotherapy tubs have supports for your body and 77 strategically placed water jets that massage you in computer-controlled sequence. It is not a common amenity in day spas, but can usually be found at destination spas