We think, write, blog, and talk about skin a lot here at Spa, but we don’t often get to look as closely at it as the people at National Geographic do. After spending a few minutes clicking through their Skin Photo Gallery, I’m reapplying the sunscreen and developing a renewed sense of awe about my own epidermis.
The 12 photos range from shocking (the Australian lifeguard) to heartwarming (the students from the Washington International Primary School in Washington, D.C).
Click through the gallery—I bet you’ll feel even more compelled to take care of your skin when you’re through. And if you do, we’ve got lots of ideas!
Image: Sarah Leen/National Geographic
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Check out the deals in sunny Florida, wholesome Oregon, and faraway China. Enjoy!
CHINA
1. “The Suites and Treats Package” at The Regent Beijing in China
COST: from $425
per night, two-night minimum*
WHAT YOU GET: Two nights’ accommodations in an Executive Suite, one traditional Chinese aromatherapy massage in-suite or in the Serenity Spa, dinner for two, 50% discount on all additional meals, complimentary daily breakfasts, afternoon tea, happy hour and hors d’oeuvre, butler service and express check-in/out.
GOOD THROUGH: December 31, 2009
FLORIDA
2. “3 for 2 spa promotion” at The Palms Hotel & Spa in South Beach, Florida
COST: massages from $120 for 50 minutes*
WHAT YOU GET: Book 2 treatments and receive the 3rd for free. This offer is valid on all massage, skin care and nail therapy, excluding polish changes, waxing and hair services. The third service must be of equal or lesser value of first or second service.
GOOD THROUGH: November 30, 2009
OREGON
3. “Spa Date” at The Resort at The Mountain in Welches, Oregon
COST: from $299
per night, two-night minimum*
WHAT YOU GET: soothing facials at The Spa, drinks and treats with a $25 dining credit and overnight accommodations in a newly-renovated guest room.
GOOD THROUGH: October 30, 2009
*Prices subject to change without notice.
In the photo: The Spa at The Resort at The Mountain debuted in spring 2009.
—Natalie Rios, editorial assistant/research editor
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In the ever-evolving world of makeup, there is one category that continues to grow and thrive,
particularly in spas. With its lack of skin-dulling chemicals, dyes, and preservatives, mineral makeup, which is
created using finely ground minerals, has become a popular category of cosmetics that has greatly evolved since it
debuted more than 30 years ago. "Initially, it was about using minerals for color and coverage to offer an
alternative to products that almost all had what we call the 'seven deadly skins'—perfumes, talc,
alcohol, mineral oil, preservatives, emulsifiers, and dyes," says Diane Richardson Ranger, founder of
Colorescience, a mineral makeup line for medical and resort spas. "Mineral makeup today is not just an
alternative to color but it also encompasses great skincare technology in every application of every
product."
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Remember the old european facial? While many spa owners found this term exotic, it simply means a
facial is performed with the hands, not equipment. While touch will always be important in skincare, advances in
facial equipment cannot be overlooked. In spite of the current economy, there is still a demand for younger looking
skin, and clients want immediate, noticeable results from their treatments. Read on to learn how investing in
facial equipment—coupled with therapeutic touch—can boost your business.
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Although spas are commonly thought of as bastions of relaxation, they also serve as ideal places to
treat various skin conditions. Estheticians such as Christine Chin, Susan Ciminelli, and Sonya Dakar have made
names for themselves and their respective spas by treating problem skin. And while it makes perfect sense to bill
your spa as a much-needed retreat—the current state of the economy has stress levels at an all-time
high—you also don't want to neglect spa-goers seeking help for frequent breakouts.
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On behalf of Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Robb Akridge, M.D., cofounder of Clarisonic, presented a
check for $200,000 at the 16th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) Revlon Run/Walk for Women, which
supports breast cancer research. EIF ambassadors and actresses Jordana Brewster and Marcia Cross accepted the check
on behalf of EIF. The money was raised through Clarisonic's "Pink Ribbon" campaign, in which a
portion of proceeds from the purchase of every pink Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System is donated to the fight
against breast cancer.
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Yon-Ka Paris's Advanced Optimizer is a serum and cream duo that uses flower peptides from hibiscus and
white lupine to firm and lift the skin. The duo also contains horsetail extract to enhance the skin's support
tissues; marine collagen to repair and fortify the skin and smooth wrinkles and fine lines; and wild rose extract,
which helps stimulate cellular functions.
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According to the american cancer Society, more than 1 million non-melanoma skin cancer cases diagnosed
yearly in the U.S. are considered to be sun related. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the
biggest risks for developing non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer. As more attention is given to the dangers of
skin cancer, more spas are doing their part to help clients prevent it by offering the latest trend in suncare
services—sunless tanning.
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We all know that hydration is crucial and that drinking plenty of water optimizes the functions of the
body. What some people forget is that the body needs not only to be hydrated from the inside but also from the
outside. With the summer sun sapping moisture from your clients' skin, 'tis the perfect season to introduce
ultra-moisturizing shea butter treatments into your spa.
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Sensitivity impacts skin of all shades and textures—learn how correctly treating it can
benefit your clients and help your business thrive.
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