DE-STRESS AND RENEW

Since 1992, healthcare professionals across the country have teamed up to increase awareness about the causes of and cures for the epidemic of stress.

What, exactly, is stress? 

While it’s a word we’re all familiar with, it can be tricky to define. Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response — whether that response is physical, mental, or emotional. Stress can be the consequence of a person’s environment, body ailments, and even thoughts. It can cause serious health problems, both mental (such as depression or anxiety) and physical (such as heart disease and high blood pressure). The bottom line is that stress is something to be prevented whenever possible. 

Self-care

The good news is that there are many ways to promote stress management in our lives, and self-care may be the most important. One vital goal is to get enough sleep. So, starting tonight: turn off Netflix, fluff that pillow, and truly get at least eight hours of shut-eye. Download a meditation app and — here’s the important part — actually use it, every day. Put down your phone and take a daily walk … and remember that its benefits will increase if you set out with a friend. Swap out your creaky desk chair for a yoga ball. Tackle the clutter in your life, both literally (yes, it’s time to empty out the junk drawer) and figuratively (yes, it’s time to end that toxic friendship). As you increase your self-care, your stress will decrease … it’s that simple.

Drink up!

Many people combat stress with drinking … and we’re not talking about a pitcher of martinis. There are several simple, healthful, and delicious beverages that have been proven to reduce anxiety. Tea, hot or cold, is always a great idea; chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, and rose teas all offer relaxing benefits. Smoothies are not only good for you, but — depending on their ingredients — they also can work to combat stress. A favorite anti-anxiety blend includes avocado, chia seeds, cacao, and almond butter. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are another great way to drink away stress. Studies have shown that vitamin C significantly reduces the body’s reactions to anxiety, and fresh juices are a healthy source. Finally, there’s always water. Flat or fizzy, straight-up, or with a twist of lemon, it’s a pure and delicious (not to mention easy) way to keep your cool physically and emotionally.

AND OF COURSE when the time is right visit us at Lasala MD Spa Services !

Consistent visits to a day spa are another way to prevent and manage stress. Having a block of time to detach from everyday demands and reconnect with yourself is vital, and the spa is the perfect place to do both these things as you’re being pampered. The dim lights, aromatic relaxation and the tranquil music, will contribute to keeping stress at bay. They’re all examples of self-care that bolster the spirit, relax the mind, and renew the body. 

Remain focused

Stress: it’s just about impossible to get rid of it entirely, but we can learn to live with it in a way that minimizes its effects. Self-care is imperative! This month, focus on ways you can combat stress, from small (a cup of hot tea in your favorite mug) to large (a day of head-to-toe pampering). You’ll notice a difference, we promise.  

*source: Mayo Clinic

Yes, You Really Should Be Outside

It’s so important to step outside. 

You’ll feel better. Time after time, studies have shown how being outside decreases levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Your heart rate will also go down, along with levels of inflammation. And, while it may seem counterintuitive, taking a walk will actually increase your energy levels. The next time you’re tempted to indulge in an afternoon nap, try taking a walk instead and gauge its effect. 

In addition to these physical perks, you’ll also gain some mental benefits. Time in nature often eases common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Taking a break from the nonstop deluge of information and letting our minds wander can have surprising value.

So, go ahead: lace up some comfy shoes and head outside. We invest so much in looking our best; let’s remember also to devote time to feeling our best.

Sun, Sun, Sun: Here It Comes

March is here and, let’s be real: before you know it, we’ll be smack-dab in the middle of summer. Now is the time to formulate a head-to-toe plan to be ready for longer days and stronger rays.

We trust you already have a sunblock that you use every day, rain or shine. If not, stop by. (And don’t forget your neck!) There’s no real need to go over SPF 30, and it should feel good on your face rather than greasy or heavy.

But don’t forget that your scalp and hair need protection, too — especially locks that are color treated. Hair mists and leave-in conditioners can protect from UV damage and add hydration to counter the drying effects of the sun. Finally, top off all your efforts with a cute hat, which can protect your face and hair while making a fashion statement. Hint: raffia is all the rage this season, and the natural, straw color goes with everything!

In terms of medi-spa services that will help you get ready for spring, consider IPL (intense pulsed light) facial therapy. Sometimes referred to as a photofacial, it’s a targeted and painless way to treat skin challenges such as sun damage, rosacea, acne scars, age spots, wrinkles and even unwanted hair. During the treatment, a handheld device delivers pulses of broad-spectrum light to the skin on a molecular level. Because IPL is noninvasive, there’s very little downtime, so you’ll be feeling and looking great quickly. In fact, makeup can be used right away — as long as it’s applied and removed gently.

If you’re interested (and, who isn’t interested in more radiant skin?), talk with your trained skincare specialist to learn all of the details. If you decide to move forward with IPL, avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, collagen injections, chemical peels, aspirin and ibuprofen for the two weeks prior to your treatment. Toned body, toned skin: if these are summer goals, the time to begin working toward them is now.

Al fresco dinners, barbeques, pool parties and the beach: if you’re lucky, these outdoor activities are all on the horizon. Take steps now, both at home and at the medi-spa, so that you’re ready when it’s time to put on the tank top, the bathing suit, the flip flops. Summertime: ready or not, here it comes!

Love is in the Air at the Spa!

February is a time for chocolates, roses and Valentines. It reminds us to tell those we love how much we care about and cherish them. Thankfully, the gifts don’t have to stop at flowers and candy, and there’s no rule against treating yourself to a few Valentine’s Day gifts as well! Whether you’re married, in a relationship or single, there’s always a spa way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Hubby Love: A sure fire way to get the guy in your life to the spa is to go with him! Invite your significant other to join you for a relaxing couples massage, complete with strawberries and champagne. This has been known to be a very fun thing to do with your partner or your friends.

Girl’s Day Out: Show your best friend how much she means to you during February! Show up at her house and whisk her off to the spa for a day of pampering, including manicures, pedicures, massages and facials. Top it off with lunch and cocktails at her favorite restaurant.

Love for Mom: Who deserves love more than mom on Valentine’s Day? Hand deliver a big red box to mom with chocolates, a soft, fluffy spa robe and a gift certificate good toward any treatment she desires at the spa. She’ll think it’s Mother’s Day all over again!

Gentlemen’s Night Out: Yes, guys can have fun at the spa, too! Get the object of your affection to the spa or together with one of his buddies for a man’s facial, sports massage and sauna. They’ll leave the spa feeling too good to spend the night in front of the TV watching sports!

Whatever you decide to do, just remember to tell your family, friends, and/or colleagues how much you love and appreciate them! And remember we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day the entire month of February. Call us to plan a special event for you and your loved ones!

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us!

Top Valentine’s Day Gifts Ideas From our Spa

We are not pointing any fingers but sometimes loved ones need a few hints for Valentine’s Day. That stuffed bear holding a big heart is cute, but we’ll pass. That card you picked up from the drugstore with your name scribbled inside; we’ll pass on that too.

That’s why we put together this list! Feel free to share it with that special someone who might need a nudge in the right direction.

Facials
A facial is the perfect treatment to help you glow. A monthly facial is ideal to maintain healthy-looking skin and prevent further damage. Facials deep-cleanse your skin and give it a healthy dose of moisture. Choose from a variety of facials, including favorite seasonal offers. 

Back Facial
Often an overlooked area but just a wonderful service by itself or incorporated with a facial. Get those hard to reach areas. Includes Dry brush, Sugar scrub, Treatment masks, and nourishing cream.

Body Products

Softer skin, less wrinkles and a sense of calmness can be yours with exfoliators, moisturizers and essential oils. What are you waiting for?

Check out our newest Body Butter-  Neroli Balm!

These are the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for the spa lover or the first-timer in your life. If you still feel unsure, a gift card is the perfect alternative. Gift your special someone a day at the spa. 

Why Microneedling is the Hot Treatment for 2020

The popularity of microneedling has increased substantially in the last few years. It’s painless, fast and easy, with immediate results. That’s why we’re calling it the hottest treatment of 2020.

Clients love microneedling for a lot of reasons. We are sharing the top reasons below.

1. One of the easiest ways to get more youthful skin
   Your skin will look remarkably different when the treatment is done. What more could you ask for? A treatment takes less than an hour. When it’s done, you will see immediate results.
2. Perfect for acne scars
   As an adult, acne scars are an embarrassing and frustrating reminder of those youth/teenage years. We see a lot of mature adults still suffering from the effects of acne. There are a lot of products that claim to help with acne scars. In fact, this is a massive understatement, because there are thousands of products on the market geared toward acne sufferers. Yet nothing works as well as microneedling, which uses tiny needles to pierce the skin and cause a healing response in the epidermis. In turn, collagen production is increased, which improves the texture of the skin’s top layer. This is why it is so helpful for scarring.
3. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
   Perhaps the best benefit of microneedling is the reduction of wrinkles. This helps you look younger! Yes, it’s true! In addition to the stimulation of collagen, microneedling needles help formulate more blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the skin. You will see a tightening of the skin and a smoother appearance.

Instead of investing in expensive and risky surgeries, try microneedling! We promise you will love the results.

Schedule your Rejuvapen Microneedle treatment today! 520-795-3341

Treat Hyperpigmentation, Fine Lines and Summer Damage

Fall is the ideal time to treat summer damage. If you noticed a few extra wrinkles or spots pop up after your days in the sun, you’re in luck! Fall is the best time to come in for a deep exfoliating skin treatment and here is why:

1. Minimize treatable skin conditions
   Minimize the following pesky conditions:

• Sun damage and sun spots
• Enlarged pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation

2. Exfoliate your skin
   Spa treatments offer the best non-invasive exfoliation you can get! Remove the dry, dead skin cells from your face and you’ll look and feel fresh for fall.
3. Improve tone and texture
   While we pile on the moisturizer and sunscreen during summer months, these often only work superficially on the skin, instead of going deep into the pores and cells. After several months in the heat and sun, your skin needs hydration deep down. These treatments help brighten and smooth your face!

 

We can recommend the best treatment for your skin. We offer several rejuvenating options including IPL, microdermabrasion, deep exfoliation and facials. Call us and we can help recommend the best treatment for your skin. Start fall with a fresh face!

Breast Cancer Awareness

Second to skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women. While a yearly screening with your doctor is a great first step, it’s important to remember the following simple tips to reduce your risk:

1. Know Your Risk
   Find out as much as you can about your family history of breast cancer. This includes both sides of the family. Genetics plays a role in your risk, so being informed is the first step!
2. Follow A Healthy Lifestyle
   This tip makes it onto almost every list for good health, and for good reason. People minimize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. So what exactly does that mean?

• Eat a healthy diet: This means cutting out processed foods, fast foods and sugar. We are all so programmed to eat convenience foods, but did you know that more than 80% of food items in the grocery store didn’t exist 100 years ago? Go back to basics!
• Exercise: Not everyone needs to be a gym rat, but it is important to move your body daily and stay at a healthy weight. Start small and go for a daily walk or lift weights for 10 minutes per day. Make time for exercise!
• Limit alcohol: We can hear your disappointed sighs. A glass of wine at dinner isn’t bad, but consuming more than a few drinks a week isn’t healthy for your body.
• Breastfeed, if you are able: For all of you young mamas, breastfeeding is proven to reduce your risk of cancer. If you aren’t able to breastfeed, no worries. There are many other ways you can reduce your risk. Keep on doing you, mamas!

3. Know Your Normal
   Become familiar with how your breasts feel and check yourself on a monthly basis. If you have trouble remembering (like we do!), set a reminder on your phone! See your doctor if you notice any of the following changes:

• Lump, knot or hardening in breast or underarm
• Change in size or shape of breast
• Nipple discharge or rash on the nipple
• Pain in breast area
• Swelling or redness in breast area

4. Get Screened Yearly
   Talk with your doctor about which screening tests are right for you. It is recommended to have your breasts examined every three years starting at the age of 20. If you are over 40, you should have a yearly exam, including a mammogram. 

These small steps are important to maintain breast health and reduce your risk of breast cancer. If we all take these steps together, we can empower each other to stay healthy!

The Perfect Beach Bag Essentials

We all know the typical essentials, like a beach towel, stylish shades, water, etc. But we’ve put together a list of essentials for your hair and skin!

1. Wide-Brimmed Hat
   Keep your face covered and protected from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat. It’s another layer of protection beyond sunscreen. Bonus, it looks cute! You can find these almost anywhere. Just search online to find one that matches your beach attire.
2. Lip Balm with SPF
   Your lips deserve some love too, and the sun can be very drying on that pretty pucker. The skin is thin and sensitive on lips and can easily burn, so remember to pack a lip balm with SPF. If you need help picking the perfect summer balm, we will recommend some favorites.
3. Hair Oil
   Protect your locks from the sun and water with hair oil. Chlorine can be especially drying, so if you’re spending time at the pool, hair oil is an important essential in your bag. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy oil that will protect but not weigh down your strands.
4. Hydrating Mist
   If you haven’t used this before, you will fall in love. We promise. It’s the perfect follow-up to a day at the beach, especially if you tend to experience redness and irritation after a day in the sun. Hydrating mist creates a moisture barrier for your skin and minimizes irritation.
5. Sunscreen
   Arguably the most important item in your beach bag. Sunscreen will protect your skin from the strong, sun rays. Choose at least 30 SPF and use a quality brand. Not all sunscreens are created equal! We will recommend some favorites. Always have a few bottles at home. You don’t want to be stuck without sunscreen.

Once you have these skin care essentials for your beach bag, add in your other favorites, like a large, soft towel, a sun umbrella, sparkling water and a sexy cover-up. See you at the beach!

Be sure to see our Summer Coola Travel kits, $39.99 (Value $75!) Call 520-795-3341, They are going fast!

Six Tips for Clear Summer Skin

Some of us work hard to keep summer skin at the top of its game. During the summer months, you have to work a little harder. That’s why we’ve provided some easy tips to keep your skin healthy and clear!

1. Makeup After Perspiration

Ditch the makeup during a workout or exercise. Makeup clogs pores, especially when we perspire, so keep your face fresh and clean until after you’ve pumped iron!

1. Wash Your Face
   So simple, right? Washing off your beauty products is so important for daily skin care, but it’s even more important during the summer. We use sunscreen more often and sweat more frequently, so washing your face is key to avoiding breakouts. If you find yourself wiped out by the end of the day and can’t bring yourself to wash your face (been there!), then invest in quality cleanser moisturizers before sleep. We will point you in the right direction!
2. Skip Sugar
   We aren’t saying it’s easy, but if you’re consuming a significant amount of sugar and noticing skin issues, there may definitely be a correlation. Unfortunately, sugar is bad for us in all ways, including skin health. Often times, blemishes are a telltale sign of an unhealthy diet. Don’t believe us? Cut out the sugar for at least two weeks and see what happens!
3. Drink Water
   Another no brainer. But you’d be surprised how much more water your body (and skin!) requires when you’re perspiring throughout the day. Here’s a good rule of thumb to begin with. On a regular day, you should be consuming half your body weight in water. The more you perspire throughout the day, the more water you should consume. And we’re talking good old, plain water! Sweetened water, Gatorade and drinks high in sugar are not created equal. If you aren’t the water drinking type, consider adding lemon or fruits in your water.
4. Use a Quality Toner
   We love toner, yes we do! We love toner, how about you? Toner is one of the most underrated skin care products out there. It’s perfect for tightening and cleaning pores, and it’s a great refresher for skin. You will avoid blemishes by using a toner daily. If you don’t know where to begin when shopping for toner, stop in and we will help you! Have you tried our PCA hydrating toner yet?
5. Wash Your Pillowcases
   People often forget about the power of bacteria; or lack thereof. Pillowcases become soiled with bacteria quickly, so we recommend changing them often. If you’re sweating at night, you want to change them more often than that.

 

Try these tips and come in and see us. We have several treatments that will banish those blemishes and put you on the path to clear skin.