The holidays are here and with them arrive an influx of party invitations; party clothes; delicious foods; and the stress of shopping, family, and expectations. For clients who want to look their best for the holiday season, professionals should encourage them to get out their calendar and plan ahead. They should make their facial appointments well in advance so that their skin is well tended to, clear, strong, and hydrated for the stresses of the holiday. Read More

In a transient, fast-paced, technological, and diverse world, skin care professionals interact with numerous skin types and conditions that have multiple influences, including genetic traits, lifestyle, and current state of health. Professionals must be prepared for the sensitivities and expectations arising from clients and remain mindful of how technologies interact with skin cells. Read More

In 1910, while working in France at a family-owned cosmetic laboratory – mainly for the development of perfumes – French chemist and scholar, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, received a third degree burn on his hand and forearm. Looking for the nearest cooling agent to calm the severe burn, Gattefosse plunged his arm into a vat of lavender essential oil. The burning sensation slowly diminished and, as he pulled his arm out of the barrel, the oil had significantly reduced the appearance of the burn. Gattefosse had discovered, through a misfortunate event, that lavender essential oil not only smelled pleasant in perfumes, but was also a natural healer for the treatment of burns. Read More

The benefits of essential oils in skin care are wide and varied, making them ideally suited for use in many types of facial treatments and for numerous skin types and conditions. What must be clearly understood when selecting essential oils for professional skin care treatments is that not all essential oils are created equal; their quality varies greatly. Therefore, it is vital for professionals to buy their oils from a reputable source. Read More

By virtue of their extensive training, skin care professionals are confirmed ambassadors of beauty, skin health, and general wellness. The natural health community's impressive impact on the skin care industry is evidenced by the variety of aesthetic product lines that now offer wellness merchandise such as nutrient waters, nutraceutical serums, vegetable facial masks, vitamin supplements, and even collagen candy chews. Read More

Ayurveda (pronounced: are-you-vay-da) is a Sanskrit term. "Ayur" comes from the noun "ayus" meaning life, living or longevity. "Veda" comes from the verb "vid" meaning to know about, to study or science. Thus Ayurveda is commonly translated as science of life or study of longevity. It is the knowledge of what it takes to live a balanced, healthy and inspiring life. Ayurveda originated in the Indus River Valley (most of which is now West Pakistan). Read More

When we enter the spa for relaxation and that all important get away from the rush of everyday life we have certain expectations. There is an ambiance that is created within the spa, the soft, relaxing music, the pleasing to the eye décor, and the cozy treatment rooms. There is however the ‘Spa smell’. The luxurious, gentle smell of essential oils that lulls you into that wonderful state of calm and relaxation greets you as you enter the treatment area. It is the power of aromatherapy that helps us wash away the side effects of our stressful lifestyle. Read More

In August of 1979, I was at the end of my rope. I was 38 years old, but I felt helpless and hopeless. More than three years of rapidly declining health had left me nearly disabled by pain, fatigue, and depression; all of which were caused by a disease syndrome that no doctor could properly diagnose. The best that they could offer me was the management of my multiple symptoms with a host of prescription drugs. I had been on over 30 different medications in a year's time, each of which helped with its assigned symptom, but the side effects were becoming an illness unto themselves. Read More

HOLISTIC: The word implies healing and wellness. It is a word that we are seeing more and more in the spa industry. The word actually does refer to healing. When a person is out of "balance", they are literally feeling "torn apart" by their perceptions of the pressures of their life. Because of this, their body manufactures different kinds of chemicals that aid in their perceived defense. This is called the "flight or fight" response. Whenever we feel fear, our body produces adrenaline and cortisol to strengthen our limbs and improve our vision for flight and/or fight. Read More

Reiki, a Japanese word that means universal life force, is the practice of using the hands system to balance the body. Based on Chinese Medicine and the philosophies of Buddhism and Taoism, Reiki is considered an effective means for alleviating pain, depression and anxiety. Reiki draws from the idea that spiritual energy flows through a Reiki provider who can transfer energy to a patient and thereby heal the patient's spirit and body through this balance. This holistic, natural and hands-on energy therapy system has the power to heal the body, mind and spirit. Read More