Hot Hot Heat: Sunburn Relief

Hopefully the sun is shining wherever you are this summer, and hopefully you remember to put on sunscreen. In case you forget to cover up and are exposed to harsh rays, here are some at-home treatments you can try to relieve a sunburn:

• Gently apply cold washcloths on sunburned areas.
• Take frequent cool showers or baths.
• Apply aloe vera lotion. Do not place oil-based products on burns.
• If you have a headache, you may be dehydrated and should drink water.
• There's not much you can do to avoid the peeling of sunburnt skin, but you can apply Calamine lotion to relieve the itch.
• Leave blisters intact. Breaking them risks infection. If you have any bubbles on the skin larger than 2 inches in diameter or any signs of infection or high fever, seek professional medical help.

The Truth About Açaí

We already told you about the benefits of açaí berry oil in skin care, but have you tried this delicious blueberry-blackberry-tasting fruit yet? Whether you are health-conscious or you consider jelly doughnuts a nutrious meal, you have probably heard of açaí by now. Pronounced "ah-sigh-EE," this Brazilian berry has been the trendy superfood favored by the likes of Oprah for the last couple of years. Plucked from the tops of palm trees in the Amazon rainforests, açaí berries are reported to have 57 percent more antioxidants than pomegranates and blueberries. Lately, the extent of acai's health benefits have been brought into question, but the important thing to remember is that this delicate fruit must be freeze-dried after harvesting to preserve its nutrients. Your best bet is to buy frozen açaí pulp at health food stores and add this to your morning smoothie or yogurt.

Wax On, Wax Off: 8 Tips to Reduce Waxing Pain

Summertime is quickly approaching, are your gams ready for those shorts and skirts of the season? Waxing is a great way to remove body hair as it lasts longer than shaving (2-6 weeks) and, after repeat sessions, thins hair over time. Our spa has a variety of options to meet your waxing needs, and we have the experience to make your waxing session as painless as possible. Here are a few things you can do before your session to make the process even less painful:

• Avoid waxing when premenstrual, as your skin will be more sensitive.
• Never wax sunburned skin--double ow!
• You should have about 4 weeks of growth before you wax.
• Take a hot shower prior to your session. The heat will open your pores, allowing hair follicles to come out more easily.
• Exfoliate. A gritty body scrub or loofah will help remove dead skin cells and loosen hair follicles.
• You may want to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, ibuprofren, or aspirin a few hours before your wax to to reduce skin sensitivity. Consult your physician with any questions. Do not use alcohol or drugs in the hours before your wax, they will just make you more sensitive.
• Speak up. If you have any concerns before your wax, speak with your esthetician to make sure you are as comfortable as can be.
• Distract yourself. As the wax is about to be ripped off, take deep breaths, visualize a happy place, or turn your head and cough. Before you know it, your wax will be done and you will be ready to show off that soft skin!

Wake Up, Sleepyhead!

Are you sick of starting your day in a groggy, grumpy mood while the rest of the world seems to be chirping and full of smiles? Do you clutch your morning coffee as if your life depended on it? Are those bags under your eyes big enough to carry groceries? Here are 10 tips to recharge your morning routine and make waking up less miserable, whether you got your eight hours of sleep or not:

• Wake up to something beautiful. Keep a healthy plant or bouquet of flowers near your bed or in your bathroom to keep you feeling inspired and pampered.
• Alternate between hot and cold water in the shower. This is known to boost the immune system, increase circulation, and stimulate the body.
• Use energizing scents for your body wash, scrub, and lotions. Avoid lavender or chamomile and choose scents known to stimulate the senses, such as peppermint, citrus, or rosemary.
• If you are prone to dark or puffy eyes, keep a cold eye pack handy. Used green tea bags (kept cold) or cucumber slices work great too. After five minutes, the swelling should go down.
• Stretch or exercise. Twenty to 30 minutes of yoga, cardio, or strength training will go a long way to help you feel energized and poised throughout the day.
• Eat breakfast. A healthy mix of whole grains, protein, fruit, and nuts are recommended for optimum energy.
• Water, water, water. Caffeinated drinks will only get you so far before causing you to crash. Drinking water will make you look and feel better all day long.
• Breath deep. If you feel yourself nodding off later in the day, take long deep breaths to boost awareness and bring energizing oxygen deep into your body.
• Take an afternoon walk. Even 10 minutes of brisk walking and fresh air will boost energy and mood.
• Take a time-out. If you're feeling overly stressed for a long period, book yourself a therapeutic treatment or vacation, or take a personal day. Maintaining your health should be your number-one priority.

The Zero Calorie Chocolate Treat: Great Mother's Day Present

Image via Wikipedia

Have you ever dreamed of being covered with chocolate? We're here to make your dreams come true! After thorough exfoliation, @ease Spa masseurs will apply a rich chocolate mud all over your entire body!

Once you've been given enough time to settle into your chocolate cocoon of warmth, we will rinse the chocolate mud off of you with our luxurious Vichy shower. A full massage, given with chocolate oil, will conclude this most savory sensorial experience that will leave you intoxicated from the aromatic energy for weeks to follow.