May 2014 Staff Product Picks

We’re excited to announce our May 2014 Staff Product Picks!  Each of these staff favorites will be 10% off for the entire month of May!
MayStaffPicks

Katie’s Pick

Derma E Age Defying Day Cream with SPF 15

Katie loves that this moisturizer is very hydrating and now that she’s outside more, she likes the light SPF protection too.

 

Justin’s Pick

Tiger Balm Products

Justin likes that this warming product really works!  He uses the salve during Sports Massages and uses it personally for his post workout pain.  He also likes how easy the patches are to use.

 

Cassie’s Pick

Pure Inventions Drink Mixes

Cassie likes this calorie-free alternative to high sugar cocktails and mixers for a light summer drink.  Mix it with sparkling water and serve over ice or try a dropper full of Blueberry (her favorite!) in a glass of champagne for a fun patio cocktail.  One of our clients said it works great with her soda stream!

 

Tiffany’s Pick

Farmhouse Fresh Agave Nectar

Tiffany loves this light hydrating oil.  It is perfect for moisturizing in the summer, right after the shower.  She picked it for the subtle, sweet fragrance of the Agave Nectar.

 

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Which kind of massage should I book?

We offer lots of different types of massage, add to that, we have 9 different licensed massage therapists on our team with lots of different techniques they could incorporate into our various massage menu options, so really, even if you booked a massage a week, I don’t think you’d be able to try all of the possible combinations!

This is great because what you need one visit not be what you need every visit.  The therapist that seemed the best match for your shoulder pain might not be the best fit for your prenatal massages a year later. 

We’ve come up with a quick, fun quiz to help you find out which of our massages would be the best option for you to try.  I’m excited to hear your results…and whether or not you think it is accurate!

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Why we don’t use whirlpool soaks in pedicures

We’ve finally had 2 days in a row over 60 degrees and many people are taking a look at their toes for the first time of the year!  Our friend, Colleen, from Star 102.5 just asked us some questions about how to know if a nail salon is safe (listen for answers on the air this week) and I figured now would be a perfect time to answer your BIGGEST question about Pedicure Safety:

Why don’t you use whirlpool tubs?  They are so relaxing!

We don’t use whirlpool baths because we think that knowing you are 100% safe is more relaxing than any amount of bubbles in your foot soak.  It is true that there are ways to safely disinfect a whirlpool tub, but many establishments don’t take the time to do so and when a client gets an infection from an unsanitary whirlpool tub it can be very severe!  Instead of whirlpool tubs, we use a bowl with a disposable soak liner.  We dispose of the liner and clean the bowl between clients so you are guaranteed a safe soak. 

If you insist on going somewhere that uses whirlpool jets, it is important to pay attention to how long the establishment lets a hospital grade disinfectant run through their soak tubs.  If it is less than 10 minutes and you don’t see them also scrub down the bowl to remove any debris first, leave.  For example, if you’re waiting in a walk-in salon for a pedicure and you see the technicians turning over clients in the chair with less than 10 minutes of cleaning time, they are not following EPA guidelines, putting you at risk of a Mycobacteria infection (like the outbreak of 110 people diagnosed in California in 2000 linked to improper cleaning of pedicure whirlpool tubs.)

Feel free to ask any of our licensed nail technicians about pedicure safety, they are all happy to talk about our tool sanitation and sterilization procedures and their own training and licensure.  We also send you home with your file, buffer, and even heel file at the end of each visit instead of re-using them on other guests so you can be confident if you visit our spa, you can relax knowing your safety is our primary focus.

East Village Spa Pedicure

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Rockstar Nail Foils now available!

We are super jazzed about our fun new nail foils!  Basically, these allow for extreme customization of a Shellac manicure.  You can foil just a few accent nails or do a full set of foils for a fun party look.

These are only available with CND Shellac manicures and pedicure.  Please request at the time of booking to ensure we have adequate time to provide a great service for you.  If you choose up to 4 nails, it is just $5.  If you choose a full set of 10 nails to be foiled, it is $10 extra due to extra time and supplies required.

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What you really want to know about Brazilian waxing…

SPRING BREAK…Woo Hoo!  This is the first week in a long time we’re having more than one day of sunshine in a row, the ground is more grass (mud) than snow, and people are getting ready to show some skin at the beach (and presumably not the beaches of Gray’s Lake.)

Every year our spring break appointments book solid with body waxing.  Many guests are new to waxing so I thought this would be the perfect time to answer some questions we know everyone wants to ask but might be afraid to!


A leg wax (sorry, no photos of a bikini wax!)

Q: Okay, do many people ACTUALLY wax everything?
A: We do far more Brazilian waxes (the whole bikini area, even “between the cheeks”) than just bikini (outside the swimsuit only) and betweenie (custom bikini) combined.  So yes.  Also, this week alone, we had 27 bikini and Brazilian waxes on our schedule!

Q: What is my esthetician thinking during my wax?
A: Probably that she’s jealous of you if you’re going on vacation somewhere fun in the next week!  Seriously though, a wax gives our estheticians a chance to chat and joke around with clients instead of working silently like they do during facials.  They are all really social people and love getting to know their wax clients.  They have been at this for YEARS and wax women of all ages, shapes, and sizes.  They have seen LOTS more lady bits than you have (unless you are an esthetician or a doctor) and I assure you, whatever yours look like will look normal to them.  They know that you are coming in for a wax BECAUSE you have hair you want to remove, they aren’t judging you for having hair in your bikini area!

Q: What does my esthetician wish their clients knew:

A: They want clients to know the benefit of choosing a safe salon for their waxing and they wish you knew what they knew about how some other places skimp on sanitation.  Products are expensive so many salons/spas try to reduce waste by “double dipping” or re-using the wooden applicator by re-dipping it into the wax after applying wax to your skin.  This is gross.  No matter what a wax claims, it isn’t hot enough to kill bacteria (it would burn you!), rather it is warm enough to harbor bacteria!  You don’t want the same wax that touched another client’s nether regions to be used on your upper lip, do you? 

Also…we wear gloves as much for your protection as for ours.  If you go to an esthetician that isn’t wearing gloves during a Brazilian wax (or any wax!) get out! It would weird you if your gynecologist didn’t wear gloves, right? One of our employees worked for another spa that told her if she wanted gloves for waxing, she had to buy them. WHAT?!?

Lastly, we know that tending to personal hygiene before a service is not only courteous to your esthetician, but important to reduce your risk of infected in-grown hairs.  Those people who bike to their brazilian wax appointments on a hot day or come straight from the gym run a much higher risk of irritation or infection from the bacteria introduced to newly waxed skin.  We offer cleansing wipes to use prior to your service and we require you to cleanse the area to be waxed, but if you’re going to put on gym clothes again afterward, it is really a moot point.  Please shower between your workout and your wax and everyone will be happier!

Q: Do I really need to grow my hair out to get a wax?
A: Yup.  If hair isn’t AT LEAST 1/4 inch long, it won’t catch in the wax and you’ll be disappointed with the results.  If hair is too short, we’ll ask you to reschedule.  Please do not shave the day or week before your wax (you’d be surprised how often this happens!)

Q: Honestly…will this hurt?
A: Honestly…yes.  We are pulling out hair from the roots.  We do use “hard” or “Stripless” wax which is far more gentle on sensitive areas.  Unlike the wax you usually see that requires a white strip of fabric on the top to adhere to the wax (ideal for large areas like back or leg waxing), hard wax hardens around the hair but not the skin so doesn’t require strip to remove it.  It is the industry standard for safe hair removal in Brazilian waxing.  We also offer a “no scream cream” that you can purchase and apply 40 minutes prior to your wax to reduce 50-80% of the sting.  We have also found that women who are about to menstruate or who are pregnant tend to be more sensitive.  Lastly, we do not recommend taking pain killers or alcohol prior, especially those that can increase a risk of bruising.  We need to know if the wax is too hot or too uncomfortable.  Regular waxing clients report that it gets much easier with each wax.

Q: Do you judge people who just prefer to keep the hair they were born with?

A: Heck no!  It is all personal preference and everything is awesome.  Please don’t feel like you need to wax because someone else is pressuring you to, it is a personal decision and you should choose to get a wax because YOU want to, not because someone says you need to.  Our estheticians don’t want you to feel like they think you should wax, but they want to be available for people who choose to remove hair safely.


One of our 3 wax rooms

If you have any questions we didn’t answer, be sure to check our Waxing FAQs on the website!

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Skin care advice our younger (age 10-17) guests

Today we were visited by the 5th grade girls group from the Young Women’s Resource Center.  Our desk manager, Brittany, is a mentor for this weekly group and we decided that who better to teach the girls about basic skin care (and spa careers!) than Brittany’s co-workers!

While preparing for our visitors, Lydia and Cassandra spent awhile researching and sharing with me good advice for anyone, but ESPECIALLY girls who are just starting to develop changes in their skin.  Please pass along their great questions and our estheticians’ answers to any young people (and their parents) that you know who are needing skin care advice!

Q: What’s a pimple? 

A: A pimple is a clogged pore.  A pimple becomes a whitehead when it worsens and the oil can’t get to the surface.  You’ll see a white dot at the tip which means it is ready to be extracted (by a professional!)  A blackhead is a pore clogged by bacteria that turns dark when exposed to air.  Contrary to common belief, it is not caused by “dirt.”

Q: Do I have to wash my face EVERY day?
A: We recommend washing your face morning and night.  At night, you’re sleeping for 7-8 hours (or more!) and that gives plenty of time for any bacteria and oil left on your face time to clog your pores.  It is also important to wash your face or at least to use a cleansing wipe after gym class or sports practice.

Q: How does bacteria get on your face?
A: Think of all the things we touch every day, then we touch our face!  Our phones have more bacteria than most toilet seats (really! ICK!) and our pillow cases also harbor lots of oil from our hair and bacteria.  Regularly washing your hands, wiping off your phone, and changing your pillow case is a great way to help reduce bacteria on your skin.  Also try not to touch your face.

Q: What else causes me to get pimples?
A: Genetics, hormonal changes, some medications, bacteria, and the use of cheaper/greasy make-up that can clog pores are common causes of pimples.

Q: Should I pop a pimple?
A: NO!  If you are getting lots of pimples, you’ll want to see a dermatologist (skin care doctor) or an esthetician (a person with education and a license educate you about skin care and provide facials).  If you get an occasional pimple, you might be able to treat it with a clay type mask and/or a bit of a clearing spot treatment.  If you pick at your pimples, you run the risk of getting a scar or introducing an infection once bacteria gets into the sore you leave behind.


Scenes from our YWRC group visit

If you would like to help a young person (ages 10-17) learn more about skin care, we recommend booking the Express Facial (30 minutes, $40) or the Wellness Facial (50 minutes, $65).  Our younger visitors love our licensed estheticians and really listen to their great advice!  We also have Derma E samples on hand, feel free to stop in and ask for some to take home for your younger family members to test out.

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Des Moines Best!

We were so honored to be named Des Moines’ Best Spa for the 4th year in a row at the Cityview Awards last night!  Not only did we win top honors as their readers’ choice for Best Spa, we also won Best Nail Salon and our massage therapist Justin Behanish was recognized for his many years of providing great massage in the area by readers who named him Best Massage Therapist!



Thank you to all of our clients for their support.  We are honored to be able to do what we love every day…which is helping you to stay healthy and stress free!

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Sports Massage

Every two years when the Olympics roll around, I’m reminded that it is
the perfect time to discuss sports massage!  Sports massage is a
treatment that focuses more on specific muscle groups impacted by
activity and common areas of injury.  Don’t let the name fool you,
sports massage is also perfect for people struggling with non-athletic
injuries. 

In contrast to a general relaxation massage, with
sports therapy you might experience more assessment and questions from
the therapist about your activity level, goals, pain, or injury.  In
most cases, a sports therapy massage is not a full-body treatment, but
rather just focused on a few muscle groups.  You may also expect some
assisted stretches and to be asked to engage muscle groups while the
therapist is working so it is not an ideal time to catch up on your
naps! 

Who can benefit from a sports massage:

  • ANYONE
    with a soft tissue injury (i.e. foot and ankle pain, rotator cuff
    injuries, wrist and hand pain, hamstring pain, back pain, and more)
  • Athletes looking to recover faster from intense training or events
  • Athletes looking to enhance their performance with a pre-game workout

At
East Village Spa, our therapists Justin, Clair, Stacy, and Teresa have
advanced training in sports massage techniques and offer the Athletic
Edge Sports Massage.  This full hour treatment is as varied as our
clients injuries and activities and can include stretching or Thai
massage techniques, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, Swedish
massage to boost circulation, invitorating massage to prepare muscles
for an upcoming event, and some injury assessment.  Some sports massage
is done unclothed but draped by sheets like traditional massage, but you
may wish to bring loose athletic clothing if you prefer (or if your
therapist recommends) lots of assisted stretching.

Our massage therapist demonstrate various sports massage techniques (clockwise from top left): Assisted Stretching, Myofascial Release, Assisted Stretching, Neuromuscular (trigger point) Therapy.

Click HERE to schedule your sports massage with Clair, Stacy, Justin, or Teresa.  Their schedules tend to fill in advance, to do plan ahead if you are preparing for a big competition or event to make sure you get the treatments you need to perform your best and recover faster!

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Fun ways to spend Valentine’s Day that are not couple’s massages

We love seeing couple’s for Valentine’s Day, but our schedule fills up fast (we can only do about 8-10 couple’s massages on Valentine’s Day and about 8 on the 15th so understandably, those spots go fast!)  We do keep a waiting list for these openings so feel free to call us to add your name to the list!

We do encourage you to think outside the couple’s massage room this Valentine’s Day!  First, a gift card to the spa is a good gift your sweetheart can enjoy anytime.  You can get a gift card in the spa and we’ll gift wrap it with organic chocolates. 

Now that you have your gift card in hand, I’ve got some great ideas of how you can present your spa gift card to your sweetheart!

1. Jasper Winery’s Wine, Beer, and Cupcakes Flight on Saturday February 15th:  Can you get any better than wine, beer, and sweet treats all in one gorgeous location?  Click here for event details.  You can also call Jasper Winery for more information on scheduling a chocolate and wine or cheese and wine pairing.  Sit in front of their crackling fireplace and present your sweetie with their spa gift card while you sip delicious locally crafted drinks.

2. Dinner at HOQ on February 14th:  One of our favorite East Village Neighbors, HOQ Restaurant features farm fresh local meat and produce.  They are great for meat eaters, vegetarians, and people with gluten sensitivities.  Check out their Valentine’s Day menu here and call ahead for reservations!

3. Laugh with your love at Comedy Xperiment’s Valentine’s Day Show at the Stoner Theater.  Tickets are just $10! Click here for info.

4.  Make reservations for the “Not Valentine’s” 6 course dinner at Tacopocalypse.  There are great options for vegan and vegetarians on their prix fixe menu too! Advanced tickets required, purchase yours here.

5.  Catch a movie at Fleur Cinema, then take your movie stubs across the parking lot to Mezzodi’s for 2 for one drinks or appetizers!  Surprise your date with a spa gift card while you dish about the movie you just saw!

6.  Enjoy sophisticated dining at BOS at the Renaissance Savory hotel or a cocktail at CODA lounge.  Click here for the valentine’s menu.

We hope this inspires some Valentine’s Day creativity and we look forward to helping you pick the perfect gift to go along with your fun Valentine’s Weekend plans!

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What to expect at your first massage

Even our most experienced massage therapists had to receive their first massage at some point in their lives, so believe me, we all know that your first massage visit can cause a bit of anxiety if you aren’t sure of what to expect.  Even if you have had massage before, your first visit with a new massage therapist can be a bit unnerving, so I’d like to walk you through a visit with our therapists.

Step one: Arrive a bit early (about 10 minutes) to complete a detailed health history.  This is important because certain kinds of massage are better for certain health concerns.  Some medications, especially blood thinners and pain medications, require us to use different techniques to avoid pain and bruising.  Your allergies and sensitivities help us to choose the best products to avoid irritation.  Also, our therapists can help with many more concerns that people realize!

Step two: Your therapist will greet you and take you back to the treatment room for a consultation about your health and your needs for the session.  This is a great time to ask any questions you might have about the session or tell your therapist about areas you want him or her to focus on more or areas you want them to avoid.

Step 3: Your therapist will give you instructions about how to get on the massage table and will leave the room to give you privacy to undress to your comfort (underwear on or off, either is acceptable.  A back massage does feel much better if you remove your bra though).  You will get UNDER the top sheet and blanket and cover yourself. 

Step 4: Your therapist will take the time you’re getting ready to get your massage cream ready.  He or she will knock and then enter the room and offer to adjust the table or use a pillow under your ankles.  If anything is uncomfortable from temperature to the head rest, please let your therapist know, everything can be adjusted for your comfort!

Step 5: Your therapist will move the sheet from the parts of your body that he or she is working on, apply massage cream, and start massaging with their hands and forearms (unless you book a Two Feet Deep massage in which case they will also use their feet!).  Your therapist will never reveal more of your body than you’d show at the local public pool.  They are draping for both your comfort AND their own!

Step 6: You can start to take some slow, deep breaths and let go of the tension.  Your therapist will check in with you to see if you need heavier or lighter pressure, be sure to let them know, this is your treatment and every massage therapist appreciates your feedback, in fact, our favorite clients are the ones that will work WITH us.  If your massage is for relaxation, feel free to doze off or zone out, we don’t expect you to chat and we can focus better if we can concentrate on your massage.  If your massage is a sports massage or for an injury, your therapist will probably ask you to assist in some stretches or give more feedback.

Step 7: Your therapist will let you know when your session is over.  He or she will step out of the room to give you privacy to slowly get up and dress and will wait for you outside the door with a cup of water or hot tea.  Your therapist might offer some stretches or helpful home care tips.  Feel free to ask them any questions you might have!  We love to share information.

Step 8: You’ll head home (or to your next spa service) blissfully and wonder why you haven’t treated yourself to a massage sooner and start planning your next visit!

Ready to book your massage at East Village Spa? Click here to book online! Read about our therapists here.