Thursday, August 23, 2012

Hot Stone Massage


Hot Stone Massage Demystified


When walking into any spa, you want to make sure you know enough about the treatments you are receiving rather than saying “where the heck did all my money just go and why?”

I remember walking into a spa in Manhattan, which will remain nameless, and received my first ever sugar body scrub. I understood the concept, but did not really understand the technique. The massage therapist came in, did not introduce herself and proceeded to “take the skin off me” for 45 minutes. I was not well covered and felt embarrassed, exposed and completely bewildered (not to mention violated). It was the worst spa experience I ever had.

So, when it came time to try a hot stone massage, you bet your buns I did my research…thoroughly!

Hot stone massages are not very different from your regular Swedish or deep tissue massage.  The whole concept of a hot stone (basalt - heat retaining) is to warm the areas on your body (back, feet and hands) so your circulation really gets cranking and your muscles relax faster.  This allows the massage therapist to get in there and work out all the kinks beyond what you would normally experience from a massage – depending on an intensity you feel comfortable with.

Guess what? The warmth of the hot stones also calms the nervous system!  Some additional healing properties are also known to make hot stone massage more worthwhile than a traditional massage. You can tackle issues such as:

  1. Back pain and aches
  2. Poor circulation
  3. Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
  4. Stress, anxiety and tension
  5. Insomnia
  6. Depression
While the concept is not complicated, it should make sense that a hot stone massage should be done to your comfort level.  Know what you’re paying for and what to expect from your experience.

We are always here to help should you have any questions!

Much Love,
Debbie Schade
CEO | Special Effects Spa
631-477-2265


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

A Nail Salon How-To

A Nail Salon How-To: Preventing Fungal Infections


30 to 35 million people suffer from some kind nail fungus every year! How can you prevent infections and still have wonderfully beautiful nails/toenails?  The solution is simple enough and can be extremely cost effective if done at home or at the right salon.  Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.      Keep your nails short, dry and clean.  Eliminate the growth of fungus underneath long nails by keeping them short.  Completely dry your hands and toes after showering or washing your hands as bacteria love moist areas.

2.      Don’t trim or pick at the skin around your nails.  Any open areas on your skin, which is your primary defense against fungal invaders, leaves an opening for harmful germs and bacteria to enter your body.

3.      Choose a reputable manicure and pedicure salon.  Make sure the instruments used at the salon are sterilized or go all out and bring your own – this particular hint is highly recommended by www.mayoclinic.com

It’s important to remember nail fungus can spread from nail to nail, so if you’re giving manis or pedis at home or are a nail technician by trade, wash your hands after touching a nail that looks suspect. 

Also, as sad as it sounds, try to prevent covering nail fungal infections under a coat of nail polish and give up artificial nails.  Both nail polish and the use of artificial nails collect excess moisture and can exacerbate an infection.

For the best results at home, use the following items:
Nail clippers
Nail file
Moisturizer

Our nail technicians are here seven days a week to help with any problems or concerns you might have.

“I just blow-dry my hair and put on mascara and lip gloss, and I'm ready to go. I really don't get long nails. They're so Edward Scissorhands.” ~ Kelly Clarkson

Much Love,
Debbie Schade
CEO/Special Effects Salon & Spa
631.477.2265

Monday, August 6, 2012

Make Over Makeup


Make Over Makeup
Move Over Drab


Fall colors and hues are right around the corner and the end of summer is almost here *sigh* but your makeup is in desperate need of a makeover.  The best way to get over the end of summer blues…buy a bottle of wine or two, call up some of your buddies and go from drab to glam.

Remember, putting on makeup is supposed to be fun and relaxing with the end result being a beautiful and more radiant you (only on the outside because we all know how wonderful you are on the inside!)

Start with the basics: a good primer to prep the face for your foundation, moisturizer to keep the skin glowing, and maybe some Retinol based product to firm everything up (should you need it, of course, we all wish our skin was still in its 20’s).  

Quick tips to make your makeup routine flawless, fast, and FUN:

1) Always use a good moisturizer and/or primer before applying any concealer or foundation.  This will actually prevent the overuse of products and make the application itself much more natural looking.
**Insert sip of wine or two and quick giggle with friends**

2) Using a mosaic powder is a quick and easy way to brighten up any complexion and can be reapplied throughout the day to freshen up without getting cakey on the skin.

3) Remember, color is great to play with, but in the right way.  If you create a bold eye shadow look, play it down on the bright lipstick and vice versa.  You’re making a beauty statement one way or the other, but with both being too bright, you’re making a beauty faux pas.

4) Replace your mascara every 3 months (if used daily).  Mascara has a notoriously short life span, tending to dry out and clump after just a few weeks.  By using fresh mascara, you can be guaranteed an effortless application and no mid-day flaking.  Also…skip the bottom lashes.  It can be aging on any eye.

Much Love,
Debbie Schade
CEO | Special Effects Spa
631-477-2265

P.S.  “The most beautiful make-up of a woman is passion.  But cosmetics are easier to buy.” ~Yves Saint Laurent


Friday, August 3, 2012

Excessive Sweating: Don't Sweat It!


Excessive Sweating: Don’t Sweat It!



We walked into work this morning caked in humidity, covered in sweat (from the car to the front door) and, even worse, with bad hair!  The real issue: sweating too much and the negative effects it can have on the body. “In hyperhidrosis, the body's cooling mechanism is so overactive that it produces four or five times the amount of sweat that you need.” This can amount to liters worth of valuable water shed from your body every day! 

How do you combat excessive sweating, especially when it affects your daily life?  Here are a few tips:

  1. Lower the amount of stress in your life – yep, stress is the number one thing to nix off your list so get crackin! 
  2. Bathe 1 or 2 times a day and don’t scrub your skin too much – dry your skin well afterwards.
  3. Use a deodorant with antiperspirant and try putting it on at night before bed.
  4. Keep an extra shirt tucked away somewhere at all times (just in case).
  5. Limit hot drinks (coffee – gasp!) that will make you sweat more.
Stress relieving massages with specific treatments to drain your body of excess fluids (lymphatic drainage, for example) is a great start to tackling this embarrassing problem without all the hassle of trying fancy at home tricks or seeing a physician.

Take some time to relax, be calm and, hopefully, collect your thoughts and conquer the days ahead – stress and sweat free!

Much Love,
Debbie Schade
CEO | Special Effects Spa
631-477-2265

p.s. “There are so many things that we wish we had done yesterday, so few that we feel like doing today.” ~Mignon McLaughlin