Find Facial Spa Bliss!
While treatments at spas-and even more specifically facial spas-have been stereotypically relegated to the realms of medical necessity or luxurious living, many are realizing the increasing need for the preventative and restorative skin care found in spas. A facial spa treatment clears away a continual build-up of pollutants you hardly notice from merely living in our current environment. At Athena, a natural and relaxing Windsor spa, you can choose from many different spa packages and yet leave every time with a face that has been gently exfoliated, moisturized, and repaired while you experience the relaxation your body and mind desperately need.
Those with sensitive skin often fear that treatment in a facial spa will cause more harm than good. The products and practices of many spas have made this fear a reality. However, at this unique Windsor spa, anyone with sensitive skin can rest assured that this fear is completely groundless. Consideration for skin types goes into the preparation of spa packages, customized treatment and treatment plans are readily available, and each professional is dedicated to providing customized client care. Nothing should touch your face without your consent or knowledge! The professionals at Athena’s facial spa are dedicated to providing you with the care that allows you to relax as you experience the specific regime you need and desire.
The best natural products also erase fears. Since Athena prides itself in being a premier eco-friendly Windsor spa, spa packages and practices are notably natural and pure. Injuries or even temporary damage from harsh chemicals or polluting products won’t happen here. Your health and the environment will both benefit from any of the spas offered at Athena.
Facial Spa Flexibility
Whether you’re searching for the ultimate cleansing and restorative treatment plan or trying to squeeze in preventative skin care while attempting to catch some much-needed relaxation, the facial spa at Athena can flexibly serve you. Spa packages that successfully address the most widespread needs and desires in the facial spa world can be augmented with specific services or treatments. Your health, beauty, and happiness are essential to you and to the professionals at Athena’s facial spa; you won’t regret making time for a facial spa experience of bliss!
Does Your Pedicurist Bite Your Feet?
A pedicure is usually a very relaxing, enjoyable process that results in beautifully sculpted feet. During the best pedicures, there’s something relaxing about having a professional gently scrub off dead skin and revitalize the foot into a soft, smooth surface. But one highly unusual technique might have you on edge before the procedure even begins!
These pedicurists aren’t humans, but fish—small “doctor” fish from Asia that love to dine on dead skin. Normally, this skin comes from animals that live in their natural watery habitat, but when placed in beauty salons, the fish are just as happy to nibble away on paying customers. It’s not painful, because the fish have no teeth. But the tickle factor is just as intense as you would expect, and most people simply don’t like the idea of fish eating their skin. This method has been popular in Asian countries for hundreds of years, and has been appearing in beauty salons around the U.S. in the over the last few years. Proponents say that it is a natural way to cure skin problems, and that the fish efficiently do a great cleaning job.
Risks to Health and Environment
Even the best pedicures given by fish are risky. Ten states have made them illegal, citing the danger of having fish “serve” multiple customers without—well, without brushing their teeth! Disease transmission is a real risk, especially when combined with the possibility of insufficient cleaning of the water tanks.
The U.S. has learned by experience that importing animals from outside the country is a bad idea. If the pedicurist fish escape or are released into the wild by beauty salons, they could upset the natural balance in ponds, lakes, and rivers across the nation. This is one major concern of the states that have decided to keep fish out of the pedicure business.
The Old-Fashioned Ways
In our opinion, the best pedicures are those administered by humans, using safe, clean techniques. Fish nibbles are acceptable when wading in a mountain stream, but sitting in the pedicure chair? Not so much. At Athena Salon, you can choose from three different pedicures, none of which include fish. Let us give your feet a human touch, and you’ll walk out the door looking and feeling great.
Gene Therapy… In a Lotion?
Since the beginning of time, women have wanted to remain as youthful and beautiful as they were in their early twenties. Unfortunately, that has never been feasible due to that pesky force of nature – gravity. Even the sun, which feels great on the body can make the skin wrinkle. In fact, there is a whole list of other medical ailments that not even the most advanced day spa can completely cure, even though the best spa has come close.
Fortunately for us, in the past few months scientists have come one step closer to everlasting beauty. In their most groundbreaking test, they were able to reduce the activity of melanoma producing genes in mice. The way that this was accomplished was by taking the nano particles and infusing them into a commercially available petroleum-based moisturizer. These nano particles target specific genes, and depending on what needs to be done, alter their properties to a more desirable state. This resulted in a lowered risk of skin cancer in their tests, and can be targeted to other aspects of the skin, such as aging. Anti-aging products are one of the most sought after products. On average, to twenty billion dollars per year. Nano particles that can be infused into your favorite body creams could revolutionize the beauty market. Up until now the only way to achieve these kinds of results were through spa services or expensive cosmetic surgery.
The history of the technology involving nano particles in skin therapy, however, is one riddled with failures and false starts. Many companies have thought to have found the fountain of youth, and ended up going bankrupt in the process of trying to get successful results. It is best to remain skeptical, but don’t be surprised if you see a lotion at your favorite day spa claiming to be able to reverse skin damage in the very near future!
Until the future gets here and we are all able to look like we are 25 well into our middle ages, the day spa is the best place to receive rejuvenation for your body and mind. The best spa will not only provide stimulation to your body and face to provide brighter, more youthful skin, there are also spa services that will ease your mind into a state of bliss. Here at Athena, there are dozens of spa services tailored just for you. There are hundreds of spas around but Athena is the best spa you will find. Come let us pamper you until the fountain of youth is found.
Getting Fishy: More Information On Why To Avoid Fish Pedicures
Have you ever heard of fish pedicures? This controversial service has been banned in over 10 states, and for good reason. The fish eat off dead skin on your feet, leaving them silky and smooth to the touch. Fish pedicures gained popularity in the United States in 2008, when many day spa owners purchased Garra rufa fish from the Northern and Central Middle East in an attempt to add this to their list of unique salon services. The fish are only a half-inch long and have no teeth. They are toothless, so the process is not painful, and they eat the dead skin while leaving the refreshed healthy skin unharmed. They have been used for centuries to treat psoriasis and eczema.
You are probably wondering why states would ban this at your local day spa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are in the process of investigating outbreaks of viruses, diseases and bacterial infections that have been found in the water used during the transportation process of the fishes. Every day spa that offers this service is defending it, claiming that no disease-causing pathogen can survive in a filtered, UV-lit tank.
Thankfully, the health risk to the general population is considered minimal. But people with diabetes, cancer, HIV, advanced age and anyone with sores or scratches on their feet face some serious health risks and should think twice before partaking in any salon services like this. Consulting your physician may not be a bad idea.
Perhaps the grossest part of this whole practice is that the same fish are being used on multiple customers. And it is believed that most spa owners do not ensure that the tubs are cleaned out properly in between each customer. That cannot meet the high hygienic standards of the United States. Other people believe that Chinese Chinchin fish are being mistaken for Garra rufa, which is very dangerous because Chinchin do bite. Not exactly a relaxing day at the spa.
And this cannot be healthy for the fish or the environment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering the possibility that Garra rufa may present a serious threat to any plant and animal life in the event that they are released into U.S. waters because they are not originally native to our lakes, streams or oceans. A spa service just doesn’t seem to be worth the risk.
Fish pedicures just seem dangerous and unhealthy, but to each her own. If you attempt this or any other fish-related salon services, good luck to you.
Drinking Coffee May Help Protect You From Skin Cancer
If there was ever a time that it seemed like a great idea to be a coffee drinker, it would be now. Recent studies from Harvard suggest that those who regularly drink caffeinated coffee every day are statistically less likely to get skin cancer. To put this more into perspective, you likely want to know the details more specifically.
Regular consumption of caffeinated coffee from women reduces their risk of developing basal cell carcinoma by 21 percent. This particular type attributes nearly 80 percent of all skin cancer cases, which means that you would be reducing your risk of developing this cancer considerably. Men also have been found to have a lowered chance of getting the particular cancer type as well.
Of course, this is not something that can replace basic care for your skin. Day spa trips which introduce you to some of the top salon products available help you to appreciate the value of taking care of yourself. Salon and spa trips are not just specific to beautification, but also to appreciating the steps it can take to best take care of your body as a whole.
A big part of this process would be caring for your epidermis, or your skin. A day spa can give you a chance to relax, while giving you access to salon and spa products you might not be able to find at just any cosmetic aisle where you shop. With this in mind, salon products and spa products alike will offer you numerous options regarding how to protect your hair and skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
While coffee consumption has now been considered as a deterrent for one of the worst kinds of cancer, it might be time to fully appreciate all you can do for your well being. While caring for your skin is incredibly important, including regular use of sunscreens and lotions, destressing by visiting a day spa or a salon and spa can prove very beneficial for you as well.
You should also know that this is not the only medical advancement that has recently been attributed to the regular consumption of coffee. In some cases, it has been able to keep people from death, and even to lower the risk of other cancers like endometrial, prostate and breast cancers.
These Harvard representatives behind the research have urged those reading about this breakthrough not to substitute drinking coffee for taking care of your body. If you have the means, it is important to care for yourself the best ways possible. A good start to this would be a trip to the spa for the day, and finding some excellent spa and salon products to take home with you.
Parabens - What’s the Problem?
As people become more and more aware of what goes onto and into their bodies, it seems like more and more harmful, negative or unnecessary ingredients are being discovered in the products we use every day. There is a fairly recent movement amongst consumers to rid their beauty routines of any harmful, toxic ingredients. This includes store-bought cosmetics and beauty products as well as professional spa and salon treatments and salon products. One ingredient that is getting a lot of attention is parabens.
Parabens are found in most mainstream, off-the-shelf beauty products and also in many foods that require preservatives for a longer shelf-life. In the beauty world, parabens are found in everything from foundation to eyeshadow to shampoo to facials and masks. Many spa and salon treatments like scrubs, wraps, facials and hair treatments will include products that traditionally contain parabens. Since parabens are antimicrobial chemicals, they are used in these store-bought or salon products these products to kill and prevent bacteria which would “spoil” the product or lessen its shelf-life, making it harder for suppliers to keep supplies up in cost-effective ways.
The problem with parabens is recently being discussed and studied amongst scientists who have found traces of parabens in breast cancer tumors. Parabens are very easily absorbed into the skin and can mimic estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that has been linked to increased breast cancer risks. In some lab studies, young animals have shown adverse affects when exposed to certain types of parabens at birth, including reproductive and hormone issues. There are several different types of parabens that can be found in products including isobutylparaben methylparaben, , propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben or any other ingredient that ends in “paraben.”
It has not been confirmed that parabens actually lead to breast cancer and the FDA has not put out a warning against these chemicals as of yet. However, this does not mean that they are absolutely safe. It just means that studies are still being done and no conclusive findings have been reported yet. The possible relationship between parabens and cancer is enough for most people to start purchasing paraben-free salon products and for some conscientious spa and salon establishments to offer paraben-free wraps, facials and other spa treatments. It is, as always, up to the consumer, however to be diligent in checking for unwanted toxins on the ingredient list of the products they use or purchase.
New Types Of Skin Therapy
It used to be that the only real type of skin therapy had to come from some type of laser surgery. Now things have changed significantly. There are such things as a facial spa, a manicure, and a simple visit to a beauty salon where all of your beauty needs can be taken care of in one trip.
A facial spa is the way to go if you want complete rejuvenation for your face. At a facial spa you do not have to worry about harsh treatments like lasers and chemical peels. A spa will treat your face gently and use new therapies that are herbal and soothing in order to make your face look younger and healthier.
When you are finished with your spa you might want to consider a manicure. Now, many women overlook this and think that it does not matter. However, men are prone to looking at a woman’s hand and using a hand as a deciding factor in how well a woman takes care of herself as well as how a woman feels about herself. A manicure is an important part of a beauty routine. It does not have to consist of fake nails and harsh chemicals. Ir can simply be lotions and nail filing and a quick paint job to protect your nails from the harm that nature can do to them.
Almost any procedure you want done can be done at a really good beauty salon. beauty salon can provide haircuts, manicures, skin therapies, massages, and even technical procedures such as laser skin peels and tattoos can be done at salons. If you are searching for one you will want to look for a full service salon not just a hair salon. There can be a big difference. Some of these salons even have high tech equipment where you can lay down and get a water massage which is supposed to rejuvenate your skin, and tanning beds that are redesigned with extra safety bulbs so they are not quite as dangerous as some of the old fashioned ones used to be. Of course, there is always, sunless tanning in which a moisturizer can be added to the tanning chemical in order to make your skin soft while giving it a nice, bronzing color. Massages are also popular for skin therapy as well as soft scrubs which get rid of the old skin cells and allow new ones to form.
Massages Offer Amazing Health and Relationship Benefits
Many people think massages are a luxury that people turn to only to spoil themselves, but according to Greg May, licensed massage therapist and certified personal trainer, there is much more to massage therapy than that. Since massage therapy is often looked at as something “sensual” many people avoid it when they could be receiving multiple medical benefits from the procedure. Too often, massage therapy is not seen as what it truly is: a medical procedure.
In fact, like other medical procedures, it is subject to research conducted by The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the money being spent has nearly doubled since 2002, and is now approaching three million dollars a year, showing that massages are the real deal that offer a host of health benefits. Most people recognize the potential of a massage to help neck, back, and shoulder pain, but it can also bring relief to conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, sciatic nerve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, depression, and anxiety. A 45 minute massage can even reduce cortisol levels and cytokine proteins which can cause inflammation and allergic reactions. It can also increase while blood cell counts to fight infection.
As the stigma continues to lift, more people are giving massage therapy a try. In 2007, 8.3% of adults reported using massage, a figure that was up five percent from 2002. Clearly, there is still a lot of apprehension about massage therapy, but one way to help combat those fears is to head to the Windsor spa for couples massages. Couples massages are no more “romantic” than any other type of massage. It simply means you and the person you choose to share your Windsor Spa Athena massage experience with with get massages side by side on different tables with different massage therapists. They can be a significant other or a close friend, and for many people having someone they know and trust in the room helps them relax more and feel more comfortable with the whole experience. Couples massages can also help reassure a partner that getting massage truly is something that is done for health reasons.
Many people find that once they get the kinks out of their own misconceptions, they want to try a massage on their own. There really is nothing to be afraid of. If you think a good massage might help you, it probably can. Schedule an appointment for a Windsor spa massage and see just how much better you feel.
Makeup Tips from a Pro
Although we have our own professional, award-winning makeup artists here at Athena, we wanted to showcase another professional’s opinion.
Amazingly, he used to paint as a child. He started painting when he was 5 years old; his parents recognized that he had a gift. Fortunately for his clients, he felt that painting was too quiet for him and he discovered that he would rather be around other people. He then got a job at a department store and saw women getting makeovers and then uncovered his passion for makeup.Even though he has transformed some very famous clients, Mr. Cook’s passion lies with the type of makeup that would appeal to women he finds in his travels, perhaps even in a hair salon. He is a fan of good skin care, he believes starting out with a fresh clean canvas is key to creating a great look. Women having facials before their makeover may have the right idea, just as you would clean off all of your old fingernail polish before you have a manicure.
Just as a fresh canvas is important, so are having fresh materials to work with. According to Mr. Cook, a tube of mascara can be used completely in 3 months, and that’s also the longest time it should be kept. Any longer and you risk the possibility of bacteria being incorporated into the mascara through the wand.
Most women, he says, just want things simple. They would like their makeup to be as easy to apply as it is to get a manicure, but getting a manicure is a little more straight forward than makeup application. Having facials might be a first step in keeping things as easy as possible, you might even be able to get your facials done in the hair salon while having your hair done. The more uncomplicated makeup application is, the better things are for busy women.
All women may not need makeup, but if there is a particular area you feel might need some work, it would be worth the effort to learn how to apply your makeup and wear what you think you need to feel your best. A makeover and a trip to the hair salon can be a great way to lift your spirits.
Making Beautiful Brides Shine
As a bride, prepping the bridal party for a wedding can make the day stressful and exhausting – or it can be a time of relaxing and fun with your best girl friends. Let the professionals at the spa get you ready. Try one of several different wedding spa packages, complete with all the salon services and a spa massage.
Benefit 1: Looking Great
With everything the salon has to offer, you can enhance your radiant look when you come down the aisle.
Most wedding spa packages start with a facial to smooth away the stress lines and dark circles under your eyes from all those days of planning. Then have your makeup professionally done. The makeup artist will know just exactly how to highlight your glowing eyes and beautiful smile so that you will look beautiful in front of all your guests. The cosmetologist can also help you to get the look you’re going for – do you want a cosmopolitan, runway model look, or a fresh and innocent girlish glow?
Next, get a professionally done hairdo. You will have a stylist who knows just exactly how to show off your veil and tiara, while bringing out all the natural beauty of your hair.
Finally, since all the details must be perfect, you can’t skip the manicure and pedicure. You want to look completely put together. Beautiful hands and nails will highlight your new ring, and you can show off your adorable new shoes when your feet are smooth and your toes have a classy shimmer.
Benefit 2: Feeling Great
The next thing to add to your wedding spa package is a spa massage for each member of your party, but especially for you as the bride. There’s no way around it: Most brides will feel stressed or nervous on the wedding day. A good massage, though, can relax you like nothing else. If you’re prone to stress headaches, a massage will leave you feeling much healthier and able to enjoy your day. You’ll walk away saying the spa massage was the best part of your experience at the salon.
Having taken advantage of your choice from several customized wedding spa packages, you will have no doubt that you will wow your man! His jaw will drop when the doors open. And you’ll remember that look on his face forever.