Published in print for Dermascope Magazine, October 2021 Digital Magazine (dermascope.com)
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Bottom-Line Boosters: Adding Holistic Spa Treatments
Recent COVID-19 restrictions have made staying afloat in the spa industry even more difficult than ever. Therefore, new and inventive treatments are needed to increase revenue. Aside from offering the traditional spa therapies such as massages and facials, consider incorporating one or two holistic healing modalities either as a single treatment or as an upsell to already booked appointments. Holistic or alternative and natural treatments have gained popularity and acceptance in recent years and are slowly being incorporated along with traditional therapies as clients learn the benefits of these lesser-known options. The following are some of the top holistic treatment options available in alphabetical order. ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture is probably the most well-known treatment available today and is now being recommended by many traditional medical practitioners and are covered by several insurance companies. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is a 5,000-year-old practice and is one of the primary forms of treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is centered on the principle of Qi, which is a term for the vital energy that circulates in the body through 12 pathways called meridians. An imbalance or blockage in the flow of body energy through a meridian can manifest in disharmony or disease, just like disrupting the supply of blood to a body part may cause damage or injury. Acupuncturists insert hair-thin needles just under skin into specific points along these meridians to treat imbalances and to restore the harmonious flow of blood, fluid, and energy throughout the body. Acupuncture has been used to treat negative emotions, addictions, detoxify, reduce stress, body soreness or pain, and almost any disorder or problem that upsets the vitality in the body. AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy is the practice of using fragrant, essential oils to promote mood elevation and reduce stress through scent. It does not claim to heal or treat chronic ailments, but it is popular when incorporated into traditional massages or facials. Essential oils can be used topically when diluted or through inhalation but never ingested. Scent has been proven to be a strong memory trigger and can be used to change the mood or experience of a spa treatment, resulting in a more pleasant, relaxing experience for the client. Always be careful when using true essential oils distilled from plants and incorporate a natural carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil, not one diluted with natural fragrance or perfume. AYURVEDA Ayurveda stems from the ancient Vedic culture in India. It…
Read MoreIs Bakuchiol Better Than Retinol?
Written by Rachelle Dupree In recent years, a new player in the antiaging game has come onto the field and is growing in popularity –bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is a natural chemical compound extracted from the seeds of the bakuchi plant (psoralea corylifolia) and has been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It was first introduced for commercial use in topical applications around 2007 and recent research proves it to be a gentler alternative to the harsh vitamin A-derived retinols. Retinols have been around since the late 1940s and can be found in numerous over-the-counter skin care products. The most concentrated version (also known as Retin-A or tretinoin) is available by prescription only. Retinols have historically been prescribed by dermatologists to treat inflammatory acne, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. It works primarily by sloughing off the top layer of skin, speeding up cellular turnover rates, rapidly exfoliating the skin, and decreasing the build-up of dead cells within the follicle.Retinol can also be irritating to the skin, causing major side effects like irritation, peeling, redness, dryness, sun sensitivity, and can be difficult for those with sensitive skin to use. On the other hand, bakuchiol provides a more natural and effective solution to traditional retinols.Bakuchiol was shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties just like retinoids and was also found to be more stable than retinol. This makes it a great natural alternative to retinol, especially for those with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Since 2013,numerous dermatological studies have been conducted comparing bakuchiol’s ability to mimic benefits of retinol and repeatedly found equivalent results to retinolperformance. This has helped fuel a popularity boom for the new compound. In 2018, the “British Journal of Dermatology” published a randomized, double-blind, 12-week clinical study with 44 volunteers, which found bakuchiol to be comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photo-aging (wrinkles and hyperpigmentation) but with fewer negative skin reactions. Another bonus to using bakuchiol over retinoids is the ability to incorporate it into one’s skincare routine at any time of day. Traditional retinoids can cause the skin to become photosensitive and prone to sun damage, so they are typically recommended only for use as a nighttime treatment. A variety of products can now be found on the market containing bakuchiol in varying levels of concentrations. For those who want the benefits of both retinol and bakuchiol, there are a few combination treatments available as well. Published in Fact or Fiction, Dermascope Magazine Online: April, 2021. https://www.dermascope.com/fact-or-fiction/13117-is-bakuchiol-better-than-retinol
Read MoreCreating Signage and Assuring Spa Safety
Signs instructing clients how to proceed through the spa facility need not be unsightly or gawdy. Feel free to get creative. Match signage with spa décor and brochure style, including typefaces and color schemes.
Read MoreExcellent Exteriors: The Curb Appeal of the Spa
Curb appeal is the first impression in real estate, and a spa business should also be doubly mindful of this fact. As a spa owner, presenting a clean, accessible, and inviting storefront speaks volumes to what treatments or pampering clients should expect when they walk in the door. As the number of spas and medical spas increases, it is vital to find a design theme that can not only stand out from the competition but invite new clients in. Attention should be given to spa interiors and treatment rooms, color pallets, lighting, sound, and furniture. It can be a real detriment to not continue that level of attention to the exterior. Not every spa can be located on acres of lush woodlands or sandy beaches tucked away in a private retreat. In fact, many of them are right next door in urban locations, such as shopping strip malls and small storefronts. While there may be some limitations to what can be built out or designed in a congregated shopping center, there are still plenty of small ways to make a big impact and draw more people to the spa’s location. CLEANLINESS & ACCESSIBILITY A successful spa-front should be clean, well-designed, on-trend, and accessible. Consider all aspects of that first-impression, including parking availability, sidewalks or paths, plants or foliage, and overall design. One of the more frustrating experiences in urban living is to drive by a new restaurant or business you would love to visit only to discover, they only offer street or two-hour metered parking. Many potential clients will keep on driving or go looking for a better location. If parking is an issue, try to find alternatives nearby. Perhaps the spa can offer valet or rent space from another local business or parking garage. The ability to allow clients to stay longer if they so choose is a big plus. Once parking is situated, pay attention to the condition of the sidewalks and walkways. Are they cracked and uprooted? Are they a tripping hazard? Are they accessible and navigable by anyone with a handicap? Are they littered with trash or debris? If possible, can a custom-stamped sidewalk or pathway be done? The dollars are in the details. Spending even a little bit more of the budget for a slightly higher end landscape or walkway will make all the difference. SIGNAGE & OVERALL DESIGNS You probably will spend hours if…
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