Skin Care – East Village Spa Blog

Skin care for gender affirming treatments and procedures

Transgender individuals may experience a wide array of skin changes, sometimes quite abruptly, during gender affirming hormone treatments. In addition to breakouts or changes in skin texture, hair changes can cause in-growns. Gender affirming surgeries also have a risk of scarring. Licensed estheticians are able to help with these challenges to assist their transgender guests to transition more comfortably.

Solutions for Acne:

Acne vulgaris is a common and chronic skin disease characterized by the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Androgen hormones can lead to acne, as well as increased sebum (oil) production and clogged hair follicles. Acne may present on the face, back, and chest.

Often, people attack acne with overly aggressive scrubs which can spread bacteria and further inflame pustules. Another common mistake is using harsh drug store ingredients like skin drying wipes, or skipping essential hydration which then leads to an increase in oil production as skin tries to compensate. Acne prone skin is inflamed and angry and like the saying goes, you can’t fight fire with fire. The products below will help nurture and calm skin.

For mild to moderate acne, a skin care regimen that addresses the root causes might include:

Beta Green Tea Cleanser: A gentle blend of salicylic acid and green tea helps with inflammation and keeps excess oil at bay, without stripping skin of needed moisture.

Mandelic Arginine Serum: A gentle blend of acids designed to exfoliate skin over time without irritation or spreading bacteria. This product also minimizes excess oil without stripping skin of moisture.

Balancing Grape Seed Serum: Wild Yam extract in this serum suports skin with hormone imbalances. If you watched the show Grace and Frankie you’ve learned the benefits of wild yam for menopausal hormone changes! It works for skin too. You’ll see this product recommended frequently for any hormonal transitions.

Blemish Serum: Use this as a spot treatment on blemishes or lesions. This is a far better choice than picking at them!

Growth Factor Gel: A daily moisturizer suited for oily and acne prone skin that absorbs quickly and calms irritation.

Rhonda Allison skincare ideal for breakouts

Solutions for changes in face and body hair, including ingrowns

People taking feminizing hormones may wish to undergo hair removal. In the beginning, coarser hairs might be best treated with a laser hair procedure as opposed to waxing to thin the hair. Laser hair removal breaks down the hair cells, slowing growth. This is not a service we offer at East Village Spa, but is what we generally recommend. Waxing some coarser facial hair can lead to irritation and ingrowns and isn’t always advised.

As people age, androgen hormones trigger longer, bushier hair in the ears and eyebrows. Our licensed esthetician, Cassandra, noted that people who have shaped their eyebrows with waxing from a younger age often will have less hair growing in general, those starting later in life will be “catching up” but with a knowledgeable esthetician, even bushy brows can be still beautifully shaped and products like a brow mousse can help to keep them in place.

Ingrown hairs can be treated similarly to other breakouts. Cleanse the area with a cleanser like Beta Green Tea Cleanser (see above) or All Purpose Cleansing Pads, then spot treat with Beta Green Tea Lotion, which is a toner, 1-3x per week. Our power player for hormonal imbalances, Balancing Grape Seed Serum with Wild Yam Extract (see above) is also a useful product to treat areas prone to in-grown hairs.

Estrogen-related changes

Estrogen can cause skin to thicken and become more dry. It can also increase melanocytes which can lead to melasma, or areas of skin that darken unevenly. Melasma is particularly prevalent in people taking estrogen and darker skin types, but can impact all skin types.

To counteract dryness and thickening skin, a cleanser like the Beta Green Tea cleanser with anti-inflammatory properties and a gentle skin exfoliating acid like Mandlic Arginine Serum are appropriate. It is important to have the correct moisturizer to help counteract dryness, as well as a hydrating eye and lip serum.

For melasma, see a licensed esthetician for the best products for your skin. They might also recommend a series of professional treatments like peels or hydrafacials. Because everyone is different, it is hard to say the best course of action based on your skin type without a consultation.

Scarring

Post surgical scarring is a concern for many. To prevent keloids (thick, raised scars), products that increase skin cell turnover quickly and heal skin are appropriate soon after procedures.

Growth Factor Serum expedites health skin tissue regrowth.

Therapy E Serum rebuilds and repairs skin that has been traumatized. It is ideal for scar prevention and repair.

An important component of scar prevention and relief is self-massage of scar tissue. This video from Breathe Physical Therapy focuses on a c-section scar, but the concepts are easy to follow and apply to any surgical scar tissue.

We are here for you!

At East Village Spa, we are here for you and honored to support you at any point in your transition or your life. If you have questions, the best way to contact us is to e-mail [email protected] and one of our licensed estheticians can assist you that way. If you are local to Des Moines, IA, we’d love to see you for a service to best assess your skin needs or offer more advanced treatment options. Not local? Feel free to shoot us a note via e-mail and we’ll reach out to our nationwide network to help you find an esthetician who is a perfect fit.

Best contact? [email protected], visit our website at http://www.evdayspa.com or http://www.shopeastvillagespa.com!

Want to do a deeper dive? One great resource for dermatological issues to be aware of with gender affirming procedures is this article from the National Institute of Health.

Choose the best type of lotion for dry hands and body

Winter is always rough on hands, but between the extra handwashing we’re doing (we HOPE you re too!) and the excessive cold snap, our hands are downright painful. Here are a few tips to find the best type of lotion for yours hands and body.

Shea Butters: the MOST hydrating

Any of our Farmhouse Fresh lotions labeled as a “Shea Butter” are going to offer the richest hydration. These are best for dry, cracked hands and heels, elbows. Supple butters and vitamin E-packed jojoba and soybean oils calm even the severest of dry skin, without a hint of a greasy feel. We love these at night or right after washing hands.

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Body Milks: Quick absorbing full body hydration

Farmhouse Fresh body milk and steeped milk lotions pour over you like milk and absorb quickly, making them ideal for applying to hands and body, as they’ll absorb faster, these are great after a shower or bath.

The Sweet Cream body milk is a slightly thinner consistency and is VEGAN but not nut free, infused with a blend of natural oils that provide lasting softness to skin: Vitamin E-rich Rice Bran oil, Jojoba Seed oil, Sweet Almond, Avocado and Sesame.

The steeped milk lotions feature freshly steeped coconut milk is blended into the lotion for velvety softness. They do contain non-vegan ingredients that vary per scent (i.e. honey.)

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Body Oils: The versatile hydration you didn’t know you needed!

Body oils are for far more than giving or receiving a massage! These versatile products are excellent for use right after a shower or bath, when lotion feels cold on warm skin. Oils absorb well in a full body application. In addition, these soak into cuticles to hydrate and help you avoid painful, infected cuticles. If you wear Shellac or gel polish, oils are also best to keep the nails hydrated underneath. You can even use just the tiniest amount to smooth unruly hair or beards too.

Love taking a hot bath in the winter? Consider adding a tablespoon or so of these oils to the bath, especially if you soak in epsom salts. This will help keep your skin from drying out. Just be careful getting out of the tub!

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Moon Dip: Age Defying Mousse

Moon dip hand and body mousses are new to our spa and we love them! Formulated to include firming peptides, these do double duty to hydrate and provide anti-aging support with a light, powder finish.

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Handwashing relief kit: A bit of everything!

Our three assorted handwashing relief kits include a Honey mask that has fruit enzymes to “digest” dead skin and reveal softer skin that’s ready for a rich shea butter hydration. We also include a CND Solar Oil cuticle oil to help keep cuticles healthy and free from painful tears or infection. These kits are a best-selling gift at www.shopeastvillagespa.com.

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Not sure which lotion is best for you? Visit www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com for great scent descriptions and more!

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5 best-selling products of 2020

I asked Kelly, our spa director and web store genius to compile a list of our top selling retail products from the last year. When we saw the mix of items, they absolutely made sense as products many of us use! I have every single one of these products in my home right now!

1. Kneipp Lavender Bath Salts

Kneipp Lavender Bath Salts available at www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com

The blend of pure essential oils found in Kneipp Relaxing Mineral Bath Salt can help you decompress and unwind after a stressful day. The unique crystalline structure of the thermal spring salt naturally absorbs more Lavender essential oil for a highly concentrated, effective bath. When added to warm water, the familiar floral aroma fills the air, mentally transporting you to serene lavender field in Southern France for a moment of tranquility. Take time to quiet the world around you and prepare for some much-needed beauty rest.

Kneipp Mineral Bath Salts contain hand-processed, natural thermal spring salt sourced from a 250-million-year-old ocean buried 1500 ft below the Earth’s surface. The ancient thermal brine is free of chemical additives and environmental influences, producing salt in its purest form, uncontaminated by the pollutants of the modern world. The high concentration of trace elements and minerals that naturally occur in our deep-sea salt gently cleanses and softens the skin as you relax in the tub.

View in store

2. East Village Spa Lacrosse Ball

We love lacrosse balls for DIY trigger point release and myofascial massage. Our licensed massage therapists love showing their guests exercises for home care. This is an inexpensive tool that you can keep at your desk or even in your purse or gym bag.

A review published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that self-myofascial release may: increase joint range of motion, help muscle performance, decrease fatigue after exercise, decrease soreness after exercise.

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3. Rhonda Allison Mandelic Au Lait

A hydrating, lightweight moisturizer, Mandelic Au Lait is a highly versatile blend of superior antibacterial ingredients and soothing elements making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of skin issues, including acne and rosacea skin types.

Apply Mandelic Au Lait to face and neck and let absorb. May be worn day and night, over other serums and correctives and layered under SPF when used during the day

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4. Farmhouse Fresh Honey Heel Glaze

A scrumptious bottle of love for heels and toes. Our team personally loves it for dry, chapped hands too! This divine honey-based serum seals in moisture and brings rich color back to tired feet. It’s been called the Instant Pedicure. Simply brush on and rub into feet for chalkless bliss – no more white ashy look!

This golden jar is a true guilty pleasure from the first moment you let it breathe – fragranced with velvety cinnamon notes, sweet cloves and actual honey.

The finest of moisturizing elements have been incorporated from genuine honey, and aloe leaf juice to pineapple and papaya fruit extracts. Honey Heel Glaze is ultra-smooth, non-greasy, and addictive in every way.

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5. Eurospa Shower Mist in Eucalyptus Mint

We carry Eurospa shower mists in 5 scents, but our top seller in 2020 was the Eucalyptus Mint scent. Pure Eucalyptus Oil is infused with fresh, tingling Mint essential oil. The quality and purity of these oils are what deliver such wonderful scents. In addition to transforming your shower into an at-home spa experience, you will also receive the full benefits derived from these aromatic oils.

Mint oil is the perfect home remedy for nausea and headaches. Mint also provides relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion. The fresh tingly sensation will awake your senses, and help combat anxiety and restlessness. Mint stimulates mental activity, clears the mind, and increases focus on cognitive tasks. Your shower transformed from a daily task to an escape that offers benefits you will enjoy all day long.

shop Eurospa

What are your favorite products from www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com? We offer quick shipping in the U.S. as well as free parking lot pick-up and in-spa browsing for those who are local to Des Moines. Have questions? Our online store is backed up by a team of licensed experts who all use and love our products. We’re happy to help over the phone at (515) 309-2904 or via e-mail at [email protected].

New to professional skincare? Try a DIY Facial Kit!

By guest blogger, Joni Etheredge, our Guest Experience Assistant

Shortly after I started working at East Village Spa, COVID19 forced our 3 month closure. During that time I ran out of my big box store facial products and needed to get more. I decided to switch up my skin care routine and try the spa’s Rhonda Allison products. During my quarantine, the spa’s online store made it super easy to order and pick up curbside or get it mailed.

*Joni with two of her favorite products, the Beta Green Tea cleanser and the Cleansing Pads.*

I started off with the acne DIY facial kit we were selling which included the Beta Green Tea Cleanser, Skin Brightening Enzyme, Wasabi Mask and the Hydrating Grape Seed Serum. Surprisingly I enjoyed the process even though I’ve never been much for spending time on my skin care. This may have been because quarantine meant I had lots of time on my hands.

Cleansing was easy with the beta green tea. Then I moved on to using the skin brightening enzyme that had to sit for 10-15 minutes so I checked emails that I didn’t have, and read a little to pass the time. DING, time to remove with a soft damp cloth as the instructions suggest. It was nice to not have water dripping down my arms from just running and splashing water. On to the Wasabi mask; at first this was a little spicy but after a minute my skin calmed down. The spicy feeling seemed to lessen after several weeks of using this product in my facial routine.

Last on to the Grape seed hydrating serum for moisturizing. It definitely was hydrating and made my skin feel great especially after the enzyme and wasabi. After getting my routine down I switched my moisturizer to the Aloe Matte for daily use since during the summer my skin can get oily. The grape seed serum could leave me feeling oily so I also switched to the Mandelic Au Lait on days I masked with the enzyme and wasabi since it could leave me feeling more dry.

I also was looking for the products that had antibacterial properties in them because I always deal with a lot of jawline and cheek acne and blemishes. I added the Mandelic Perfecting Polish later to my routine a couple times per week for exfoliation. It was fun to have something new to learn about during my quarantine time!

***

Are you curious about our DIY Rhonda Allison Facials and aren’t able to visit yet, or still staying home as often as possible due to COVID19? Maybe you live further away but want the benefit of professional skincare with advice from licensed professionals. Visit www.ShopEastVillageSpa.com to see what we offer. Several include videos by East Village Spa’s Lead Esthetician, Camille Arbegast, to help you decide what will work for you! You’re welcome to e-mail us at [email protected] and put “skincare” in the subject line. Let us know your skin concerns and a licensed esthetician can make some professional suggestions for you!

“Maskne” Solutions

Masks are vital to return our communities to health and keep our business open, but the aren’t always skin-friendly, causing breakouts that have been referred to as “maskne.” Despite the fact that this term will probably get as irritating as the breakouts it refers to, at East Village Spa, we’re leaning into it with solutions.

NEW! Maskne Facial

This 60 minute service offers an hour of relaxation and stress relief for your mind and therapeutic care for your skin. Our estheticians will select products to relieve clogged pores, breakouts and irritation. For a limited time, your Maskne facial includes $15 toward the Rhonda Allison products suggested by your esthetician, as home care is essential to prevent and manage future breakouts. Book yours online!

Manage maskne at home

In addition to the Maskne Facial, we can help with home care to help keep these annoying breakouts at bay. Our lead esthetician, Camille’s top picks:

Beta Green Tea Cleanser: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, exfoliating with salicylic acid and green tea. Unlike many salicylic acid cleansers, this will NOT dry out skin!
Mandelic Au Lait Moisturizer: Even if you feel your skin is getting oily from wearing a mask, you still need a moisturizer. If you skip moisturizing, your skin will produce more oil to overcompensate. This product absorbs quickly with lightweight hydration and mandelic acid to heal and provide antibacterial support.
Blemish Serum: This spot treatment for breakouts can be used after cleansing and before moisturizing, morning and night.
Mandelic Arginine Serum: Exfoliating and supportive for breakout prone and inflamed skin, this multi-benefit serum should be used after cleansing morning and/or evening and before moisturizing.

Breakouts are annoying, but the benefit of wearing your mask far outweighs this minor convenience. The more we wear our masks, and wear them properly, the sooner we can get back to business as usual. We can help your skin get through this trying time, and reduce some of your stress in the process.

Products available in spa and online at www.shopeastvillagespa.com

Hydrafacial returns with safety upgrades

We took our time learning the safest way to start offering facial services again in the middle of a pandemic. There hasn’t been a ton of solid guidance for our profession, so we’ve been studying the dental profession and their practices as we developed our safety upgrades.

Hydrafacial is currently the first facial skincare service we brought back after we re-opened. We love this service because it is the most effective of all of our facial services with maximum benefits in a shorter time. Because guests will be “unmasked” for most of the service, efficiency will help minimize risks for providers and guests/ Don’t worry though, this service still includes nurturing upgrades we’re known for. Read descriptions here.

We can be safe AND relaxing!

In addition to our regular COVID19 safety upgrades,

Your Hydrafacial will be performed by a licensed esthetician who is wearing both a mask and face shield.
We will run a HEPA air purifier designed for a much larger space in order to quickly exchange the air in the room.
Guests will arrive in a mask and leave in a mask. Consider bringing a clean, cotton mask to put on after the service.
You’ll first select one of three essential oil massage blends and your esthetician will help you relax (while masked) with some neck, arm, or scalp massage techniques (will vary by provider). You’ll get to keep the rest of your oil as a gift to enjoy at home.
If you select the Deluxe Hydrafacial option, we’ve changed the in-service mask to a custom selected mask your esthetician will send home with you. You’ll then apply this mask at home one-week following your Hydrafacial which will further enhance the results of your service.

Esthetician in a face mask and shield at East Village Spa

We feel confident we can provide Hydrafacial services with reasonable risk reduction, but please remember that no service is entirely risk free. For this reason, every one of our estheticians had a choice of whether to offer Hydrafacial services and some have decided to wait until cases significantly decline. This means that whomever you see is comfortable providing your service, which always makes for a more relaxing experience!

Book your Hydrafacial online now!

Skin care for your body

Is the skin on your body feeling dull, dry, or experiencing breakouts? We have services that can help! If you’re just feeling stressed and wanting to indulge a bit, we can manage that too! Combine one of these body services with a manicure, pedicure, or even a foot massage for a really decadant alternative to a vacation.

Hawaiian Full Body Skin Rejuvenation

You read that right! This hour of bliss starts with a deep cleanse for the skin on your back, arms, leg, hands and feet with 5 different Hawaiian fruit acides and extracts that smell like a trip to the islands. This will prepare your skin for your esthetician to massage in an exfoliating cream peel, then provide light circulatory massage techniques that nourish your skin with hydrating oils. Ths service gently exfoliates surface dead skin cells. Your skin will also feel smooth, brightened, firmed and toned. You thought a skincare treatment for your face was relaxing? This is divine and just in time to bare skin for summer.

Book Now under “Facials” in Web Store

Aromatherapy Body Scrub

Start by working with your massage therapist or esthetician to blend a custom-scented aromatherapy massage oil to use with our milk and sugar scrub for a 45 minute full-body exfoliaition. This scrub will soften skin, boost circulation, and relieve stress. As our gift, you’ll receive the remainder of your aromatherapy massage oil and a whole jar of scrub in the same scent to enjoy at home!

Book now under “Body Scrubs” in Web Store

We hope to see you at the spa soon, but we understand a spa visit isn’t safe for everyone right now. Whether you’re staying in due to an underlying health concern or you’re quarantining because you’ve been exposed or have recently traveled or attended a large event we have great options for you to enjoy a bit of the spa at home. Visit our online spa shop for DIY facial kits, yummy body scrub scents, bath salts, and more! We thank you for keeping yourself and those around you safe!

Complimentary “Esthetician on Call” Services Available

Stress + season changes + face masks + dietary changes = We all need a skin care routine overhaul! Camille Arbegast, our managing esthetician, is now offering complementary virtual skin care consultations. All you have to do is e-mail us at [email protected] and put “Skincare” in the subject line. Submit your questions (feel free to attach a photo if needed) and Camille will get back to you to discuss next steps and offer advice or a customized home care routine.

Camille Arbegast, Licensed Esthetician and Managing Technician at East Village Spa

What kinds of questions can I ask?

Why are professional skin care products different than those from a drugstore or Amazon?
What kind of exfoliation should I be using and how often?
My husband gets horrible rashes from shaving, what should he do?
I miss my waxes so I tried shaving…and got some killer in-growns. What should I go?
Should I be using a Vitamin A serum (like Retinol)?
Do I need to cleanse my skin twice a day if I’m not wearing makeup and/or just staying home and not doing anything?
How can I give myself a facial at home?
I have oily skin, why do I need a moisturizer?
Here’s what I have at home: What should I use? What should I toss?
I want a mask to treat myself… which one is best for my skin?
My teenager is stressing about their skin, what should we do?

We know medical spas are starting to reopen and others will soon be able to, but we can’t legally or safely offer skincare services right now. Even once we DO get the all clear, we’ll wait longer on facial. Clients can’t wear masks during a facial, leaving our providers at higher risk of infection which in turn puts their future guests at risk. Thankfully, an appropriate home care routine is the most important piece of long term skin health and we’d love to help you find a routine that fits your schedule, budget, and specific needs!

We miss you and can’t wait to chat virtually!

Camille, Cassie, and the East Village Spa Team

Solutions for stress-related skin freak-outs

Camille suggests Rhonda Allison’s Mandelic Arginine Serum for a gentle, daily exfoliation to curb breakouts from stress and also help calm rosacea flare-ups.

With weather (slowly) warming up, it might be time to switch to a lighter moisturizer. Camille recommends the Mandelic Au Lait, which is medium weight and has ingredients that also help calm breakouts and reduce redness.

Outdoor must-haves

Socially-distant outdoor activities like gardening, long walks, or supervising kids in the yard, are stress-busting musts for many of us. Rhonda Allison has two great sunscreen options. 1. eZinc is best for those with concerns about breakouts or redness. It is light weight and doesn’t have that sunscreen smell or feel. 2. Daytime Defense is ideal for those wanting to get pro-youth antioxidants.

Beta Green Tea Cleanser is great for AM and PM and one of our most popular clenasers. It has a small amount of salycilic acid to deeply cleanse sweat and dirt without drying skin. For best results with any Rhonda Allison cleanser, start with dry skin (or just put a few drops of water on your fingers) and massage in your cleanser that way first, before adding water. You’ll get a better cleanse and your product will last longer!

The Arnica Therapy is a staple of the Rhonda Allison line and is a natural antibacterial cream. It is great for cuts, burns, wounds, or bug bites.

Medical-grade PPE relief

Our front line medical providers and support staff are heroes. Many of have seen photos of the raw skin caused by wearing N95 masks all day. Camille suggests a 3 step approach to ease pain from the irritation caused by these masks. 1. Rhonda Allison Creamy Milk Cleanser, a gentle and soothing cleanser. 2. Rhonda Allison Arnica Therapy, a barrier for skin before the mask goes on. 3. Rhonda Allison Drops of Essence, a soothing gel for after cleaning at the end of the day to help ease discomfort.

We took her suggestions and created a specially priced Face Mask Relief kit that you can purchase for a front line healthcare worker who is struggling with pain from their mask.

Rhonda Allison Skincare for face mask irritation.

Poor diet, dehydrated skin

Listen, we won’t tell you what to eat in times of stress and I pity the person who gets between me and my “secret” chocolate stash right now. We WILL gently suggest that you increase your water intake. All of those Zoom Cocktail hours and extra coffees are going to take their toll on your skin. Tired of water? Try adding some calorie free, sugar free, caffeine free Pure Inventions extracts to your water. For a delicious “mocktail” mix your favorite drops with sparking water and drop in a few frozen blueberries and a lemon wedge.

Blueberry Lemon mocktail at East Village Spa

We can’t wait to be able to give you professional facials and Hydrafacials again, but don’t neglect your skin while you wait for your esthetician to be able to safely provide services to you. Take control of your skin and start or continue good habits at home now!

Blog contributors: Camille Arbegast is the managing esthetician at East Village Spa, where she’s worked since 2012. Cassie Sampson, BA, LMT is the owner of East Village Spa.

FAQ: When should I come back?

A question we’re frequently asked is: How often should I get a (insert your favorite spa service here)? As far as how often you should get spa services, it depends on the service and why you are receiving it.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A FACIAL?

For general relaxation and routine skin wellness: typically a monthly facial will suffice, though we understand sometimes you have to stretch it out to every other month or quarterly. As long as you are using the products your esthetician recommends in between visits you should be fine. At a minimum, each season it is good to get checked out in case you need to change your routine due to changes in the weather and your activities.
For peels or Minus 10 protocols: you may need to visit in shorter intervals (perhaps 2-3 weeks) based on the treatment goal and where in your skin cell turnover cycle your esthetician wants you to repeat the service.
For acne facials like our “Clear Relief” facial: a monthly facial to assess skin, perform extractions, and do a deeper cleanse along with recommended home care between visits is necessary until the acne clears up.
For Hydrafacial: Monthly is a great starting point, but if you your esthetician may suggest a period of more frequent visits to address certain concerns.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A MASSAGE?

You can typically get massage therapy as often as you’d like, but any of us who have spent a day getting massage in school or testing massage students or job applicants can attest that there IS such a thing as too much massage! Your body will let you know when you’ve had enough! A few good suggestions for spacing your services:

General stress management and relaxation massages: These are fine in whatever interval you can manage with your schedule. We have clients in weekly (sometimes twice weekly), lots of every other week and monthly massage clients, as well as some who are able to treat themselves on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Sports massage: If you’re training for an event, regular massage at weekly or every-other week intervals are helpful to prevent injury and keep you on your training schedule. The type of massage your therapist recommends during training, shortly before an event (1-2 days) and shortly after an event will have different session goals, techniques, and duration.
Injury or specific focus work massages: The frequency will vary for these services based on what you and your therapist are addressing. It is possible to overwork an area and for most kinds of massage, we don’t want to further inflame an area so your therapist will suggest rest periods between massage. Typically we’d ask a client to come more frequently at the beginning of treatment for a specific issue until it has subsided (2 sessions in a week is not uncommon at this stage), then maintenance massages. Your therapist will gauge frequency based on how long the benefits of the treatment seem to last. Sometimes even a quick 30 minute treatment here or there can help maintain progress.
If you are seeing multiple providers to treat the same condition: We often partner with chiropractors and physical therapists for greater treatment effectiveness. Do make sure your massage therapist knows all of the treatments you’re receiving for the injury or health concern (i.e. physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc…) and make sure your other providers know you’re receiving massage so you don’t over treat a condition and all providers are on the same page with scheduling service frequency.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO WAX?

Wax intervals vary greatly depending on the person, hair texture, ethnicity, hormones, and heredity play a role in how often you’ll need to book your follow-up waxes. It is important to grow hair to at least 1/4 inch before waxing to make sure the hair catches in the wax.

Facial waxing:Typically 3-4 weeks is common between waxing for brows, upper lip, and chin.
Brazilian/bikini, back and chest waxing: 4-6 weeks is a typical interval for Brazilian, back, and chest waxing.
Leg waxing: Leg hair needs a bit more time to grow in enough to wax, most people need to go 6-8 weeks once their hair is on a good growth schedule.

Are you ready for a rebook or looking to schedule your first service? Learn more and book online. Don’t hesitate to give us a call with your questions at (515) 309-2904.

Category: Skin Care