Top 10 Spa Myths Revealed

posted on 02 Jul 2008 21:21 by mijunaki

There are still so many spa myths standing in the way of spa enthusiasts today. Here are some of the top myths answered, so that you can carry on with what you enjoy best. Test your spa knowledge and see if you have been mislead into believing one of the 10 spa myths mentioned below.

1. Acupuncture is painful and risky

There is no pain involved in acupuncture. You may feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted, but a number of people do not even feel the needle. The needle is very fine like a hair with a rounded point. In very rare cases a tiny bruise can be left on the skin after the procedure. Disposable needles are used during treatments, therefore cutting out any risk involved.

2. You can catch skin diseases from tanning beds

This fear generated from the fact that many people lie nude in sun beds during their tanning sessions and have direct contact with the tanning bed. Tanning salons are however required by law to disinfect the liner in the tanning bed after each session. If you are concerned that this has not been done at your local salon, you are at liberty to question the salon or spa manager.

3. Sauna's cause hair loss

There is no direct evidence that suggests that individuals using saunas on a frequent basis are prone to premature hair loss or balding. The heat in the sauna ought to aid in increasing circulation in the body which in turn should aid in the promotion of both hair growth and health. Of course, if you increase the heat setting way above the recommended heat setting for the sauna you may experience some problems. You can always wrap a damp cloth around your hair and rub conditioner in your hair before going into the sauna if you would like to ensure that your hair stays moisturized.

4. You have to be naked during a spa treatment

This is not true. There are a number of treatments that can be performed fully clothed or in your costume. It is best to ask your spa therapist before booking your spa treatment. Although some spa treatments are done with minimal clothing on, spa therapists make certain to respect your privacy and keep you comfortable at all times. Therapists often leave the room when you remove your clothes for a treatment and wait for you to cover yourself with a towel before reentering the room. Alternatively, the therapist will lift a towel up to shade you while you lie down and cover yourself with a towel. Special towel techniques are also used throughout treatments so that the only area of your body that is exposed is the section of the body with which they are working on.

5. Real men do not go to spas

The spa industry as well as worldwide ideals have changed drastically in the last couple of years. The increase in men visiting spas has increased profoundly in the past few years and is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Male specific treatments have been designed with the male in mind and the spa has become a place for men to spend some quality time relaxing with their loved ones. Bachelor parties at spas have also become the new trend, while men start to realize the importance of self-nurturing and the fact that spas can be both enjoyable and masculine in nature.

6. Botox can cause permanent facial paralysis

This is not true. Botox can cause temporary muscle paralysis. However, this muscle paralysis usually only lasts 6 months as the substance is broken down by the body during this period of time. You would need to be injected by large doses of the substance if you were to experience severe side effects. Nevertheless, Botox should only be administered by a professional. Booking a session with an unqualified therapist could leave you at risk.

7. Anti-age treatments are gimmicks

Anti-Ageing products used in treatments usually provide skin protecting and nourishing ingredients such as: antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, SPF and skin nourishing oils. This ingredient is highly beneficial to the skin by providing it with all the ingredients that it needs to stay healthy, consequently preventing ageing from the sun, pollution or from lack of moisture and nutrients. Anti-age treatments can definitely assist in preventing premature ageing of the skin and keeping the skin more healthy and elastic. Of course, you cannot expect one treatment to do the trick; this treatment process needs to be an ongoing preventative treatment.

8. Spa holidays are boring and for lazy people

Spa holidays can be as active or as relaxed as you would like. Numerous spa resorts offer spa exercise programs such as Reiki, Pilates, Yoga and water aerobics to name a few. Specialized treatment programs can be arranged for you depending on your needs and requirements. Some spa resorts are positioned near ski resorts where you can enjoy the active lifestyle on the slopes and then retreat into the spa for some muscle relaxation. Depending on what spa you go to, there are diverse treatments and facilities available for both the active and those wanting to relax. Whether you want to lose weight, increase fitness, relax or experience something new, you can definitely find it at one of the many spas listed worldwide.

9. Reflexology is not safe for pregnant women

Reflexology helps balance the body by aiding the body to seek its own equilibrium. Reflexology cannot make the body do something that it does not want to do. It merely facilitates in the process as a guide. Therefore any fears regarding miscarriage or damage to the baby or fetus are most definitely inaccurate. Reflexology would in fact be a wonderful treatment to incorporate into one's lifestyle during pregnancy. Not only will it assist the body in healing and balancing itself but it will relax the mother and in turn also relax the baby.

10. You have to be extremely agile and flexible to practice yoga

Anyone can practice yoga. Although some yoga postures are more complex and more difficult to perform, you do not have to be able to master these poses when you first start practicing the art. Yoga instructors select poses suited to your body and that will benefit you the most. These poses would have just as good effect on your body and mind as any of the other more advanced poses. You will be able to notice benefits from your yoga poses whether you are at a beginner or advanced yoga level.

Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com

Glycolic Acid-the Ancient Beauty Anti-aging Secret

posted on 02 Jul 2008 21:20 by mijunaki

Everybody knows Cleopatra’s secret of beauty and youth-her highness was famous for her milk baths. Milk is packed with lactic acid-one of the best alpha hydroxyl acid. In the 90-ies of the 20 century – it was founded that Glycolic Acid( GA)-is the ideal component for skin care, not only for people with serious skin problems, but also as a great antioxidant, providing protection against free –radical damage, even better than Vitamin C, but is helping to relieve dry skin, dramatically improve the appearance of aging skin, can stimulate collagen production, so the skin learns to” act” younger.

Adorage is the first luxury, prestige skincare line to combine gentle neutralized GA and active ingredients like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol with one of the world’s most coveted botanical recipes.

Glycolic acid accelerates cell turnover, nourishes dry skin, diminishes age spots and can help with acne. With levels of 10-15 % GA as well as natural antioxidants, Adorage’s products are able to improve skin’s texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even inhibit breakouts.

Unlike other versions of GA, Adorage uses a semi-neutrolizes formula, meaning that Adorage removes the highly irritating hydronium ions in the Glycolic acid. Once those ions are removed, the Adorage formula is able to stimulate the skin cells to renew themselves, increasing the intradermal glycosaminoglycane levels, as well as the amount of collagen in the skin-all without causing any irritation or increased sensitivity.

Though Adorage’s neutralized form of GA is safe for sensitive skin, the ingredient does exfoliate the complexion. To protect the newly exposed skin from harmful UV rays, Adorage urges uses to apply sunscreen on top of other products each morning.

Adorage is the only one skincare line to combine GA and Retinol in the same jar for the night regimen. This ability of AdorageMD to combine GA and Retinol is unique in the skincare marketplace.

 

By Richard Bean

The Best Skin Care Allows the Skin to Heal Itself

posted on 02 Jul 2008 21:19 by mijunaki

The skin, like other parts of the body, is designed to heal itself. Despite this, or, perhaps because people aren't aware of it, we're constantly in search of more effective topical solutions for dry skin, eczema, acne, rashes, and so on. Rarely do we find a product that works for long and it's even more unusual to find a skin care product that, because it actually helps heal the condition, requires less frequent use as time goes by. But natural skin care can help the body heal and put an end to your search.

What does natural skin care consist of? For the most part, the answer is not skin care products - its lifestyle.

Good food: We all know we're not supposed to eat junk, but what is junk food, really? Is it just candy bars, cokes and twinkies? No, it also includes some of our favorite and most traditional recipes: chicken breasts flavored with a can of cream of mushroom soup or smothered in barbeque sauce; a beef stew enhanced with cubes of beef stock; sweet potato casserole layered with marshmallows; salads dressed with commercial salad dressings. While all of these meals have something nourishing in them - who can argue with chicken, beef, sweet potatoes and salad - they also contain a myriad of chemicals, preservatives and other ingredients that defeat the purpose of eating the chicken, beef, potatoes and greens. The solution: make your own sauces and dressings from scratch, and from organic ingredients. Good skin care starts with not putting things in your body that it wants to get rid of instead of breaking down for nourishment.

Exercise: How many people really get the exercise they need? As of 2006, nearly one third of the adults in the U.S. were overweight or obese: From 1970 through 1974, that figure was only 13 percent. In major cities there seems to be a gym on every block, and they're often full, but, nevertheless, the answer to how many people get exercise is obviously 'not enough.' However, for exercise to be effective you may also need to make changes in your diet - by which I don't mean eating low-fat foods or starving yourself. Neither helps you lose weight. The key is eating foods that nourish the body - if you're eating too many chemicals the body will just produce more fat in an effort to tuck the chemicals away so they don't affect the organs or get into the bloodstream. Your exercise efforts go out the window.

Skin care: The key to good skin, in addition to a good diet and exercise, lies in avoidance of chemicals and preservation of the skin's outer protective layer. Unfortunately, most skin care products on the market do neither. They cover things up and make the skin feel smooth and soft but, at the same time, they block the pores and strip away the natural fats, oils and dead skin cells that allow the skin to remain healthy or heal. One product worth mentioning, however, is shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion locks in natural moisture, keeps out chemicals, and actually forms a protective layer than not only helps prevent dry skin and other conditions, it also enables damaged skin to heal without interference.

If you're still looking for miracle skin care products to make you look young and beautiful, you might want to try the good food, exercise and natural skin care products route. It will save you tons of money, help you look and feel better, and actually improve your health. Short cuts may be appropriate for a special occasion, but the real secret to healthy skin is a healthy, chemical-free body. Try it out - and don't forget the shielding lotion!

 

Author, Gloria MacTaggart

For more information, please visit http://www.SkinMDNatural.com.